Pimpernel Wines began when Mark and Fiona Horrigan purchased 16 acres in 2001. They didn’t know what to do with it, but ultimately decided to grow their own vines, rather than buy livestock. It soon turned from a hobby into a business.

Pimpernel remains a small, family-run winery, named after the Pimpernel flowers that grow up through their vines. The grapes are dry-grown with no irrigation, for better concentration of fruit character.

Picking is done by hand, with no machinery. Bottling and labelling are done by the family. When finished, the wine is left to sit in an underground cellar for a year to ensure the flavours have settled.

There’s small cellar-door space at the entrance to the vineyard. The couple’s daughter, Maddy, is often the one hosting the tastings of wine varieties. The small tasting room has one counter with just a few bottles of wine behind it.

Sample the family’s chardonnay, syrah and shiraz in the peaceful space, which is a pleasant break from some of the more hectic wineries in the area.

Explore the Yarra Valley further in our detailed Out of Town to the Yarra Valley guide.