about us
Yarralaw Springs is located in the Southern Tablelands, just 15 mins from Goulburn NSW. We are on the coastal side of the ridge separating Sydney and Shoalhaven water catchments. The terrain is hilly, varying between 650m and 700 metres elevation. The 'springs' of the Yarralaw Creek combine to form a defined riverbed running diagonally through the centre of the 100 acre farm, creating a secluded valley.
The Farm
Purchased entirely undeveloped in 1995 in the middle of a drought, our philosophy was to leave the farm in a better condition than when we started.
Almost a thousand native trees were planted from seeds collected on farm, dams added to prevent erosion gullies and the plans for a sustainable enterprise took formation. The most prominent trees are the majestic Yellow Box, with large stands of Ribbon gum, Stringybark and scattered Peppermint.
The Vineyard
The original Planting of 3000 vines took place in 1999. Fronting 5000 acres of virgin bush, the vines struggled with rabbits, hares, kangaroos and cockatoos but made it to the cordon wire eventually. The vineyard soils are yellow mineral rich clays supplemented each year with on farm composted grape marc, manures and mulched cane prunings.
Frosts are a major problem in spring, and frost sprinklers are used to minimise damage.
Sustainable practices are employed to the soil health every year. Nitrogen fixing clover, mulching and composting, recycling winery waste, pesticide free… lots of weeds achieve this end..
The Strawbale Winery
Commenced construction in 2005, using massive red ironbark posts and unseasoned hardwood for the major structurals. More than 50 ironbark trees were planted on the farm to replace the few sourced for the winery. The strawbales were sourced locally from Connen hill at Lake Bathurst – almost 300 bales. These were sealed inside and out with a traditional lime render – no cement. The lime render will continue to harden for deccades…. Landscaping was difficult during the drought, but eventually the rains came in December 2009, and the beautiful Mediterranian gardens were established.
A self-contained accommodation unit is located in the winery attic – called the Vine Loft. The unique design using exposed plantation pine provides a warm cosy atmosphere in today’s modern world.
The Olive Grove
Some 200 trees were planted in 2000 – 100 Manzanillo, 50 Corregiola and 50 Frantoio. Small quantities of traditionally processed salt pickled olives are produced, free of the chemicals used commercially. Scrumptious Greek style and marinated olives, Lemon, Garlic and Oregano, are available at the cellar door.
