our Vines

Located in Victoria's cool climate Macedon Ranges wine region, Forty Paces is a tiny 2 acre vineyard producing long lived Pinot Noir. From vine to wine, every aspect of growing and making our wine is hand crafted. We practice minimal intervention vineyard management and winemaking techniques, with no pesticides or herbicides applied. 

The vineyard was planted in 2001 using a variety of Pinot Noir clones, predominantly the MV6 clone which has proven well suited to the Macedon region, as well as Dijon clones, 114, 115 and 777. The age and clonal variety of the vineyard facilitates a particular signature or style of Pinot Noir - terroir as the French would say - from year to year.

The vines grow in a basalt clay soil profile with a northerly orientation. At an elevation of 550m above sea level the climate is distinctly cooler than Melbourne. The resultant long growing season is ideal for Pinot Noir whereby the vines have time to slowly build complex flavours, ripeness, and acidity in harmony.

Our Wines

We are passionate about making great Pinot Noir. It is our singular focus - one vineyard and one vintage per year. The wines express a distinct sense of place and are true to their vintage conditions year in and year out. In the best years we make our Forty Paces Pinot Noir. In other years we may produce a second label, or nothing at all. Occasionally we produce a rosé as part of making our Pinot Noir.

The Pinot Noir is made with all the care and gentle handling that we give the vineyard. Using traditional vinification methods and maturation in French oak barrels, the wine is deliberately made to be long lived. This allows the wine to build its complexities and achieve harmony naturally. It’s fascinating to watch a wine evolve over time and the journey is different every time.