Wild Fire Wines

Three semi-retired friends with a life-long interest in wine took it further, as so often happens. Peter Newman, a vigneron in the Otway Ranges, found pieces of molten metal (the result of the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires) in the Otways' soil, which inspired the name. Geoff Shenfield took over the sourcing of fruit and supplies. John Harry was already growing vines and making wine off his Iona Vineyard in East Warburton, which then became the brand’s home. The estate vineyard sits at 370m elevation and grows chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz; fruit is also sourced from around Victoria. Growth is steady, but the intention is to remain small. ‘Yeah, I know, what the hell was I thinking?’ says Geoff Shensfield, as surprised as any that their small project keeps on growing. -JENI PORT