The Flat

The Flat is a 20-acre paddock which is farmed and which produces a range of principally silage crops. Summer corn and winter oats, and other rotational crops, principally lucerne, are the principal sowings. The Flat is the site of the underground water used to provide irrigation for the vineyard and the lawns and gardens around the Home and Cool Room and Shed.

The Happy Home

The home at Bunjurgen Estate was brought to the property in 1947 and is half of a once much larger house. Since 1947 it has been occupied by a variety of owners, and tenants: and stories abound locally of the various goings-on over that period of time. Since the establishment of Bunjurgen Estate, the house has been home to a wide variety of family, friends and various people who have worked particularly hard in establishing the property and who have visited the vineyard and Cellar Door. Consistently the comment has been made about how happy the home and surroundings are, and how tranquil and pleasant and well-kept the property is. Hospitality is legendary, and raised voices and arguments have never been heard.

Kangaroo Gully

Kangaroos are constant visitors to Bunjurgen Estate. These large grey or forest kangaroos come in mobs of 6 to 14, and there are innumerable areas in which to forage and live in the general area of Bunjurgen. Bunjurgen Estate has an abundance of surface water both in the general vicinity and on the property in the form of a deep dam. Kangaroos are frequently seen living for periods of days in the vicinity of the Bunjurgen Estate dam and the gully surrounding it, hence the name Kangaroo Gully.

The Aliens Landing

One particular spur line at Bunjurgen Estate lends itself to circular slashing and in consequence, when viewed from afar appears to be a series of circles. One visitor to the vineyard commented that it looked like a landing spot for aliens, and that precaution should be taken in case alien Martians attempted to raid the Cellar Door! Obviously the name has been adopted for this particular spot. The Aliens Landing has a historical association with the vineyard as it was the site of the first ever morning tea when the property was purchased, and it has reputed special powers which have been reported by visitors who have enjoyed wine tastings in the late afternoon, evening and early mornings.

The Big Chook

When viewed from the right direction, we have a tree which resembles a rather large chook. A little more imagination has the smaller tree to the right of the Big Chook being an equally large dimensioned chick!

The Ironbark Forest

Bunjurgen Estate has a range of both narrow and broadleaf ironbark trees and a range of tree ages has been established with the goal of ensuring that selected seed trees are naturally propagating and that young saplings are encouraged to survive. Possums, kangaroos, dingoes, parrots of a wide variety of types, butcher birds, wedge tail eagles, darts, bronze wing pigeons, wild ducks and the ever present crows are part of a kaleidoscope of activity within this ironbark forest. The trees provide shade, protection from the wind, soil stability, homes and sanctuaries, and are critical part of the oxygen replenishment of our planet and the ecosystem of Bunjurgen Estate.

The Vineyard

The vineyard comprises 2200 vines that are planted in three blocks, separated by contour banks and access roads. Both hail and bird netting protect the vines. Each row is approximately 150 metres long and vine separation distances are 1.5 metres. The vineyard is testimony to some very hard work by a great variety of people. Friends and relations assisted with the planting and aspects of the vineyard establishment, local contractors providing specialised irrigation, fencing, and hail and bird netting expertise.  There is a quality culture prevalent within the vineyard and evidence based approaches to viticulture are used based on current best practices. Visitors are welcome to walk within the vineyard, vehicles are prohibited to ensure that introduction of weeds do not occur.

The Cellar Door

The Cellar Door is the name given to the area where wine tasting and social activities take place. It is called the Cellar Door because it has a large number of barrels in it that serve as very effective bar tables, leaning posts, display stands, atmosphere creators, and talking points. It is the site of great activity, great enjoyment and stands as a testimony to the power of social intercourse. The Cellar Door has a pianola and it is well played – much fun has been had and you are welcome to play if you are a pianist.

The Cool Room

The Cool Room is an essential part of the Bunjurgen Estate enterprise. It is the area in which bottled wine is stored at optimal temperatures and provides a haven for vineyard staff and visitors during the hot summer months. It is an ideal place in which to conduct summer wine tastings, and has a large window from which is possible to observe the comings and goings at the vineyard. The Cool Room is equipped with a number of chairs and ’leaning posts’ that provide the necessary ambience to cater for temperature controlled summer wine tastings!!