Our Story

 

Long Rail Gully Winery is little to the north of the village of Murrumbateman in the cool climate wine growing region of the Canberra district.  The property was originally part of the Merryville Stud, which was famous for its merino sheep bloodlines that produced exceptionally high quality fine wool. This original bloodline is still sought after in Australia and internationally today. These soils and climatic conditions are now proving themselves as an excellent combination for the production of fine wines. The farms sheep grazing history is the inspiration for our label. 

Vineyards actually have a long history in the district, the first being planted in the 1840's when early European settlers established small vineyards in the region and produced wines for local consumption.

In more recent times, Gary, Barbara and Richard Parker have transformed Long Rail Gully into an amphitheatre like vineyard surrounding a beautiful trout filled dam. Long Rail Gully’s 60-acre vineyard was first planted in 1998. These vines have thrived on the sustenance derived from the ancient decomposing granite soils, which are amongst the oldest on the planet, they are over 400 million years old. The cool continental climate lends itself to creating classic Riesling and Shiraz, but it doesn’t end there at Long Rail Gully. Vibrant Pinot Gris, earthy Cabernet Sauvignons, lush Pinot Noirs and succulent Merlots are also part of the wines produced.  

2001 was Long Rail Gully’s first vintage of Shiraz and Cabernet. The success of these wines was the catalyst for the expansion of vines and varieties, which create the premium red and white wines you drink today.

"...the number of great wines coming out of the region is disproportionately high when compared with most regions. These folks are really punching above their weight"

Nick Stock, in Gourmet Traveller Wine, April/May 2011