About
Homestead Estate
The Homestead Estate is a Winery, Vineyard and Olive Grove set in Happy Valley at an elevation of 320m in the Alpine Valleys Wine Region, just 25 km from Bright and 11 km from Myrtleford.
A Brief History
It was established in 2000 by Micheal Freudenstein and Noela Dawes who are the third owners of the 1869 Homestead. We came to Happy Valley in 1999 to visit family and loved the region, the climate and the landscape. When the Homestead was offered for sale in 2000, we had no hesitation in buying it.
A full restoration of the Homestead took place from 2002, opening as a 4.5 Star B&B in 2003 and welcoming many guests over the next 10 years.
The first Olive Grove was planted in 2000 with a second planted in 2003, taking the number of trees to 1000. Extra Virgin Olive Oil has been produced since 2004.
The Sangiovese grapes were planted in 2003 and Savagnin (planted as Albarino) in 2007. These unique alternate varieties are well suited to the cool climate conditions and produce elegant wines.
The Winery was established in 2006 and Micheal has made award-winning vintages each year since.
Awards
Our Extra Virgin Olive Oil has won medals at the Australian Golden Olive Awards every year except 2009 due to the near devastation of the Valley in the Black Saturday Bushfire which came within 300 metres of the grove.
Tastings
Tastings are conducted in the Ballroom and tours of the Homestead are available by arrangement.
We love our home, our Valley and the history of the area, home to the Yaitmatang people for thousands of years, the early squatters, gold miners, selectors, soldier settlers and us, recent escapees from Sydney.
Our Products
Enjoy our 9 wines produced on site by Micheal, all from grapes grown at Homestead Estate and within our cool climate region.
Taste our Extra Virgin Olive Oil and other products in our exceptional formal tasting room.