vineyards & volcanoes
At Good Intentions Wine Co we pursue making wines that emphasise our complex region of Mount Gambier / Berrin, expressing its distinctive Volcanic soils, limestone, shallow flint and ocean presence. We live in a truly unique place that expresses unique wine characteristics.
Our vineyards consist of two sites planted on our family property, located on soils of the landed volcanic ash from one of Australia's most recent eruption.
Our viticulture regime is using organic practices. We believe that for wines to truly taste of where the grapes are grown and to feel a sense of place in every glass the farming needs to be at the forefront. We strongly believe that it is our responsibility to leave our land in better health than when we started. By not using any chemicals on our properties we are looking after the health of our family, our workers and our livestock. We choose to let sheep and cows chew our grasses down over winter and let the vineyards express their growth over spring and summer.
Mount Gambier / Berrin is home to the youngest volcanoes in Australia and some of the most fertile soils, so the vigour and growth of our vines is strong. We under-vine cultivate to reduce competition however we understand weeds and grasses under vine compete are all a part of our vineyard ecosystem as well as the insect and life form we embrace across our properties.
Both of our estate vineyards lie on the south and south west side of the volcano. When the volcano erupted it dropped heavy volcanic ash on these sites, and we love that it is here in these soils where our vines are planted.
Lake of Fire Vineyard
Where fire once shaped the land, vines now struggle and thrive. Closely planted at the foot of a dormant crater, our vineyard draws energy from black volcanic soils and the cool breath of the site, creating wines of mineral drive, purity and quiet power.
Planted at the very base of Mount Gambier's Blue Lake/Warwar volcanic crater, this cool-climate vineyard sits on some of the most distinctive ground in the region. Close-spaced vines battle for nutrients in dark, mineral-rich soils formed by fire and time, naturally limiting yields and concentrating flavour. Cool air settles nightly into the crater, slowing ripening and preserving acidity, while the porous volcanic earth regulates moisture through the season. The result is fruit grown with tension, precision and a quiet, unmistakable volcanic signature.
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"Viticulture is what got me into wine. Growing the grapes is exciting. The first thing I was told in the industry by respected wine maker, the late Adam Marks, was "You can't make good wine from shit grapes!". From here, I knew our journey would always include planting a vineyard on our farm, right along side our home and winery. To be able to say that we have created wine literally from the ground up is something we have always dreamed of".
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In 2018 we began the preparation to plant on our home farm located on the south slope of the volcano Blue Lake / Warwar. There is 1 ha of red grapes, Cabernet Franc, MV6 Pinot Noir and cool climate Shiraz R6WV28 clone in an east west orientation and .5 ha block of Riesling and Pinot Gris in a north south orientation. The clones have been selected specifically to suit the site and climate. The vineyard is planted at 2m row widths and .75m spacing making approx 7000 vines per ha with a cordon wire at .53 m high.
Volcanic Lakes
Vineyard
Nestled on the gentle slope of a dormant volcanic crater, this cool-climate Chardonnay vineyard thrives in mineral-rich volcanic soils. The hillside position ensures excellent drainage and sunlight exposure, while cool air flows gently through the site, slowing ripening and preserving bright natural acidity. Closely planted vines compete naturally, producing low yields of intensely flavored fruit with precise structure. Cool-climate conditions extend the growing season, preserving freshness and acidity. The result is Chardonnay with focused fruit and refined texture. The volcanic soils impart a distinctive mineral thread, creating Chardonnays of clarity, tension, and elegant length.
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This vineyard is the closest plantings to Warwar (volcanic crater). Planted to Chardonnay at the base of the volcanic slope, this vineyard was planted in 1997. We took over farming this site in 2016. It had been abandoned for over 6 years. Whilst it has been a long road to regenerate the vineyard organically we were fortunate to purchase this plot in 2021. Years on we see the beauty and uniqueness to this 1.4 ha site planted on volcanic ash.
Boxer's Vineyard
Basalt Block
Perched on a north-facing slope in a cool-climate volcanic region, this MV6 Pinot Noir vineyard captures the essence of place in every cluster. The slope ensures optimal sunlight exposure, while volcanic soils provide excellent drainage and a wealth of minerality. The vines are planted with care to encourage concentration and intensity, producing fruit that is vibrant, nuanced, and balanced. Cool nights preserve acidity and aromatic freshness, resulting in Pinot Noir with delicate red berry character, subtle spice, and a mineral-driven, elegant finish.
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Home to our 2022 single vineyard Pinot Noir. Owners Les and Jackie Wright became dear friends, The joy and importance of leasing and working on their beautiful hilly north facing vineyard organically for the 9 years is hard to put in words; sharing a beer with Les "Boxer" after a long day in vineyard was always special. Sadly my friend Boxer passed away in June 2020 with 2022 being the last vintage we made from this site available to purchase exclusively through us via our website and cellar door; This 2ha MV6 Pinot Noir block was something special however unfortunately the new owners didn’t see the value in keeping the vineyard and devastatingly pulled it out. The 2022 Pinot is the last vintage in history for this special site.