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 the highest in Australia at the time.
Today, we source grapes from some of the best vineyards in Orange. We look to capture the high elevation, cool climate fruit purity and natural acidity creating flavoursome wines with longevity.
David Cumming
Our history
"At 940 metres above sea level, the vineyard is arguably the highest in Australia..." Secret Wines of NSW, 1989
Founders
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 & Orange Wine Region
Ilford is located at the southern tip of the Mudgee Wine Region. Sitting at an elevation of 950 metres, it was the highest vineyard in Australia at the time. Today, we work with grape growers in the Orange Wine Region.
The Wines
The original four hectares was planted by Don and Helen and their young family in 1977. It comprised Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Sylvaner and Gewürztraminer.
Cellar Door
The original Cellar Door and winery were originally the property's historic shearing shed, which had serviced the wool growing property for over 100 years. It was converted to the winery in 1982 for the first vintage.
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 original vineyard was planted in four phases. Initial plantings in 1977 comprised Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, with Riesling, Sylvaner and Gewürztraminer following. Later, more Riesling 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