Vivarium—Latin for “place of life”—is how we think about our farm. A small, living sanctuary, often feeling closed off from the outside world. The metaphor extends to this wine: animated, expressive, and full of life.

While the label is new, the farming and winemaking remain consistent with previous vintages. We grow seven different Pinot Noir clones across our 3-hectare, organically farmed vineyard. The vines sit on alluvial soils—fertile topsoil over silt, gravel, and a mix of grey and yellow clay.

2022 brought another cool, wet spring, resulting in a moderate crop of small, intensely flavoured berries. Each clone was picked and vinified separately, using a range of techniques—hand destemming, carbonic maceration, whole-cluster ferments, and combinations of each—to build complexity. Macerations ran 10–14 days before basket pressing. Wines settled overnight, then moved to either neutral barrel or tank. For élevage, the final blend saw 60% barrel and 40% tank, with barrels averaging 10 years of age.

Bottled on-site after 8 months, the wine shows a vivid, deep colour—surprisingly robust for its elegant weight. Aromatics open high-toned and lifted, evolving into more grounded fruit and subtle spice with air. The palate is bright and energetic, framed by fine-grained tannins and a gentle persistence of spice and length. A slightly more wild and free expression of Pinot Noir from us.

Organically farmed, made and bottled by us at our home in West Gippsland.

12% ABV // 1000 bottles filled // 20ppm sulfur added prior to bottling

Label artwork drawn by our exceptionally talented friend Lilli @honeytrippertattoo

Adriana & Al xo