About Howards Lane Vineyard

Howards Lane Vineyard is one of the oldest vineyards in the Southern Highlands wine region, being the third of sixty to be planted. There are about seven acres planted to vine from which they produce premium quality wines.

The estate is located on the northern slopes of the Gibbergunya bushland between Mittagong and Bowral. It has wonderful vistas of the bush and the rolling hills of High Range that can be enjoyed from their rustic Cellar Door and function venue.

The cool climate of the region ensures that the vines are slow to ripen, which in turn enhances the flavour and deepens the colour. They have a philosophy of low yield, high quality and use minimal irrigation. The vines are pruned by hand and are picked carefully to use in their winemaking.

They limit each vintage of each varietal to 2000 bottles, which are individually numbered to show their rarity. Customers may order such wines with their own personal labels for that special occasion if they wish.

Originally, there were only 3.5 acres under vine, but this has now been doubled. The varietals planted include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. In 2006, they also introduced the region’s first white port by Howards Lane.

All the wines at Howards Lane Vineyard are made entirely by hand, from the vine to the wine. Michelle Crockett, their winemaker, uses her inestimable skills to produce elegant wines that ‘retain the natural fruit character of the grape and to enhance the benefits of natural acidity found in our cool climate fruit.’

The wines are all light bodied and lightly coloured, with a distinct Italian style and a low tannin. They reflect the gentle nature of their surroundings and are to be enjoyed to the last drop.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz are the varieties to be sampled at the rustic Cellar Door.