Located around two hours north-east of Melbourne in Merton, Growlers Gully is a family-owned boutique winery offering an entirely vegan list of vintages. Run by Wendy and Les Oates, the pair says they see no advantage in using animal products in the production process. Amen to that!

Established in 1997, the name Growlers Gully derives from a road in Merton. There are two schools of thought as to the origin of the road name. It either describes to the growls of the koalas that inhabited the tree-lined road, or it evolved from the route disgruntled miners took on their way back from poor mining claims in the Puzzle Ranges. The latter is the one that is documented. Merton lies in the heart of the Upper Goulburn/Mansfield wine region and the impact on the taste of the wine from Growlers Gully is evident.

The 2006 Shiraz is particularly good; cherry/crimson in colour with a blackberry aroma. The flavour is sweet, but also peppery and is suitable for drinking now or cellaring for a few years. The Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 is also a fine drop, offering a rich cherry colour with hints of plum and blackcurrant under the nose. The taste is superb, with a touch of licorice and fresh herbs. Growlers also had an exceptional 2006 White Shiraz; a delicious combination of white pepper and limes flavours. It has unfortunately now sold out, however the new vintage will be available from around November this year.

Prices range from $20-35 per bottle, with a 10 per cent discount available for buying by the case. Orders can be placed using a form available on the website or by visiting the cellar door direct on weekends and public holidays between 10am-5pm. Delivery within Victoria is free of charge. All wines are vegan suitable, produced without the aid of animal products.

Growlers Gully
3.5km up Shaws Road, Merton (Map Ref RACV Country Directory Page 47, C9 )
Phone: 03 5778 9615
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


WORDS: Emily Clark