Chalmers

Chalmers holds two certified sustainable Victorian vineyards, where Bart van Olphen takes the reins in the bespoke Merbein winery.

Established in 2008 on Mount Camel Range, Heathcote Vineyard spans 80 hectares with 24 grape varieties planted as of the 2024 vintage. Acquired in 2010 on Njeri Njeri Country in the Murray Darling, the Merbein base has red sand and limestone soils, housing the nursery, winery, mother vine material, and around 50 grape varieties grown for wine production. Chemical fertilisers are eschewed, while mulch, compost, humic acid, and seaweed enhance soil organic matter and microbial life, and solar energy powers over half of onsite energy use. Fermentation relies entirely on native yeast populations, skin contact is selectively employed on white grapes, and only older oak is used for maturation. Its wines include traditional method sparklings and appassimento dessert wines.