Est. 1977
Highlander Wines was established in 1977 when the Cumming family planted the Mountilford vineyard in the central highlands of NSW.
Our heritage
Highlander Wines is a family operation that has been built on the foundation laid with the establishment of Mountilford Wines. In 1977 my father, Don Cumming and our family established Mountilford WInes when we planted 4 hectares of vines at Ilford in the NSW Central Highlands.
At over 940 meters in elevation, the vineyard was arguably the highest in Australia at the time.
David Cumming
Our history
"At 940 metres above sea level, the vineyard is arguably the highest in Australia..." Secret Wines of NSW, 1989
Don Cumming
Don and Helen Cumming purchased the 'Ockendon' property at Ilford in the early 1970s and planted grapes in 1977. After a number of drought years, the first wines were made in 1982.
Mudgee Wine Region
Ilford is located at the southern end of the Mudgee Wine Region. Sitting at an elevation of 950 metres, it was the highest vineyard in Australia at the time.
The Wines
The four hectage was planted by Don and Helen and their young family. It comprised Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Sylvaner and Gewurztraminer.
Cellar Door
The original Cellar Door was a converted shearing shed, which had serviced the wool growing property for over 100 years. A cellar was dug, and later extra storage sheds added.
Winemaking
The wines, comprising a field blend Shiraz Cabernet was hand pressed with a small, manual basket press and matured in oak. The whites crushed, pressed and fermented in stainless steel.
The Vineyard
The vineyard was planted in four phases. Initial plantings included Shiraz and Cabernet, with Riesling, Sylvaner and Gewurztraminer following. Later, more Riesing was planted along with a small block of Pinot Gris.
Current blends
Chardonnay
Cool climate Chardonnay is sourced from some of the highest elevation vineyards in NSW
Cabernet blend
Cool climate blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot