ABOUT OUR WINERY

Nestled in a secluded corner of Southern Australia’s Mornington Peninsula, Bittern is a small farming community located on the eastern side of the isthmus, overlooking Western Port Bay. Named after the spirited Australian Bittern, a swamp bird found across Southern Australia, this area is characterized by rolling hills and a gentle climate. It benefits from protection against the strong southern winds that affect other parts of Victoria and enjoys the long, moderate summers of a true maritime climate.

The proximity to the ocean also protects the vineyard from the harsh frosts that can impact other regions, creating a picturesque setting just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the state’s capital city.

Collaborating with esteemed winemakers Alex White and Carl Tiesdell-Smith, Garry Zerbe and his family have crafted a range of wines that showcase the distinctive nature of both the grape varieties and the region.

The Zerbe family’s property in Bittern, which has been in their possession since 1959, was originally an orchard. Grapevines were planted in 1995, and the soil is renowned for its excellent fruit production.

“The site is in a unique microclimate that is very special on the Peninsula,” Garry explains. “It’s ideal for vines due to its maritime conditions, which mean virtually no frosts and mild temperatures. The north-facing aspect and protection from southerly winds, which can be a challenge on the Peninsula, combined with clay loam soils, make it perfect. The proof of the site’s excellence is its consistent ability to ripen shiraz.”

Great wine is no accident. Every effort is made to ensure the quality of the grapes: trellising (mainly Scott-Henry) is designed for optimal light exposure; vines are hand-leaf-plucked to ensure light and air circulation during the growing season; and, where necessary, the crop is thinned to guarantee the best quality fruit.

Winemaker Alex White appreciates the diversity of grape varieties at Bittern Estate. “The range of varieties here is unusually wide for a small company,” he notes. “The long ripening period allows late-ripening varieties like moscato and dolcetto to develop excellent flavors, while the cooler conditions enable early-ripening varieties like tempranillo and arneis to maintain intense varietal flavors.”

Garry takes pride in the fact that his children, Alexis and Matthew, represent the sixth generation of the family involved in horticulture in Victoria. Matthew now oversees marketing and logistics for Bittern Estate, while also assisting in the vineyard. The family forms a dedicated and passionate team, committed to the estate’s continued success.