Valhalla Wines

Anton Therkildsen and wife Antoinette Del Popolo planted their first vineyard in Rutherglen in '02 to shiraz and durif, purchasing viognier, marsanne, grenache and mourvèdre from local growers. Anton uses traditional winemaking methods, making and cellaring the wines in their straw-bale winery. Sustainable viticulture practices are used, with minimal use of sprays and annual planting of cover crops between the rows. Rainwater harvesting, recycled packaging, a worm farm and the composting of grape skins and stalks complete the picture. Operations have since moved to Beechworth and all fruit is purchased from trusted growers throughout North East Victoria. -JAMES HALLIDAY