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Nicholson River Winery
For Opening times, Cellar door tastings, Wine Orders
Ken & Juliet Eckersley P.O. Box 73 Nicholson Victoria 3882 Phone 03 51568433 
nichowine@net-tech.com.au  www.nicholsonriverwinery.com 

The Nicholson River Winery is a small pioneering enterprise in East Gippsland. It is situated between Bairnsdale, gateway to the Lakes and Wilderness area of East Gippsland, and Lakes Entrance,  Perched on a gentle rise overlooking the magnificent Gippsland Lakes, Australia's largest inland waterway to the south, and the High Country to the north and west the winery boasts outstanding views of the Nicholson River with its surrounding hills and bushland. 2.5 hectares of vines were originally planted as a hobby in 1978 by the owners, Ken and Juliet Eckersley, with the enthusiastic assistance of friends and family. As the vines grew, and the first minuscule vintages were produced, it became obvious the gravelly loam soils and mild maritime climate combined to produce some remarkable wines characterised by fragrant aromas, intense flavours and complexity on the palate with lingering finishes. In particular, Chardonnay has the longest opening period in the world (160-180 days) for a dry style. In 1985, the Nicholson River Winery was officially established with further plantings over the following years to an area of approximation 8 hectares. The premium wine grape varieties of Chardonnay and pinot Noir comprise most of the vineyard with smaller plantings of Semillon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc@ Merlot Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker, Ken, with a background in Science and Social Work, has studied viticulture and winemaking at Charles Sturt University and in France. He is passionate about making carefully crafted flavoursome wines that complement a variety of cuisines, and readily shares his enthusiasm with visitors at tastings and at cellar door. 

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