Place of Changing Winds

Place of Changing Winds is the vineyard project of renowned Australian wine importer and author, Rob Walters. Located at 500 meters above sea level in Victoria's Macedon Ranges, the vineyard sits between Mount Macedon and Mount Bullengarook. The site, known as Warekilla by the Wurundjeri people, means "Place of Changing Winds," reflecting its variable climate.

Rob Walters searched for nearly five years to find this ideal site before planting began in 2012. The vineyard covers 3.1 hectares with high-density plantings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, ranging up to 33,000 vines per hectare. This dense planting aims to produce wines with deep expression and quality.

From the start, the vineyard has been farmed organically, using labour-intensive methods to enhance soil and vine health. Walters' commitment to these practices is evident in the exceptional quality of the wines produced.

"You get the sense that Place of Changing Winds is not only an artistic and pragmatic wine project but one of sophism (in the sense of arete, or high knowledge and teaching), or better put, a thing to be inspired by and perhaps see what is possible from dreams and best practice."
- Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)

The vineyard has received significant accolades, including New Vineyard of the Year 2021 by the Young Gun of Wine Awards and Best New Winery of the Year 2022 by the Halliday Wine Companion Awards. These honours highlight the innovative approach and dedication to quality at Place of Changing Winds.

Beyond the estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the winery produces Syrah and Marsanne from the Heathcote and Harcourt regions. These wines are crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail, focusing on finesse and drinkability.

"This endeavour is a decade old and yet it feels as though we’re only scratching the surface. We’re onto something special here. The wines are wonderful, complex and considered, mostly made with chardonnay and pinot noir but also with (Heathcote) shiraz. And while they are made in such limited quantity that finding them is difficult, the hunt is worth it, the crusade."
- Campbell Mattinson (Halliday Top Wineries of 2023)

Place of Changing Winds showcases Rob Walters' passion for creating wines that reflect their unique terroir. This vineyard is a testament to his expertise and dedication, producing exceptional wines that stand out in the Australian wine landscape.