Kiltynane Wines

‘Basils Farm’, home of Kiltynane Wines takes its name from one of the original owners Basil Halsall. In 1953 Basil won the ‘Sun Tour’, Victoria’s most prestigious cycling event and one of the oldest stage races in the world. To this day, the Sun Tour is still held in January and the Bellarine Peninsula remains a popular cycling destination and home to another cycling great Cadell Evans.

The property has a fascinating history. It was first settled in 1876 by William Bell, a ships carpenter who hauled timber between the Bellarine Peninsula and Melbourne even building a 60 foot boat to cart it. The Basils Farm site was been home to the local primary school and over the years numerous bottles still containing ink have been dug up around the property.

While Basil has moved on, the property still bears his name and the old sheds are still home to some of his tools. In 1997 the first Pinot Noir vines were planted by Andrew Tedder, then viticulturist at Shadowfax Wines. In 2004 the first wine produced entirely from fruit grown on the Farm was bottled under the Basils Farm label. Basil's ashes are sprinkled across the property.

While current owners Jim and Tina McMeckan enjoy the fruits of the vineyard and have plans to develop the property further. A new Pinot Noir vineyard has been planted at the end of 2013, the new cellar door is now open on weekends and visitors can enjoy tutored wine tastings with Riedel glassware or take in the magnificent views and gardens with an artisan produce platter and choice of wine. Part of the developing garden theme are produce gardens and orchards which will provide fresh biodynamic produce to our kitchen for cooking get togethers, cooking schools and chef's dinners.