What began with a dream and a desire to experience a life away from the 9-5 grind, has now become a unique family legacy that celebrates the very best of everything the Riverina has to offer. Gerry McCormicks’ bold decision to establish a winery at Harefield Ridge in 2001 was the first step in an inspiring journey that has borne fruit in the form of the spectacular Cottontail Wines estate.
100 ac
res of undulating land provided nature’s own canvas on which to begin the dream of creating quality fruits and superior wine production. The first seeds were planted in the form of over 170 olive trees in 2001, and it was here that the full magnitude of Gerry’s ‘big picture’ vision began to take shape. With their plump fruit and stunning foliage, these now mature olive trees provide a scenic welcome to visitors on approach to the restaurant and vineyard and offer a glimpse of the delicious wonders that await.
10 acres of vineyards were planted in 2002 and as hoped, the nutritious and healthy soils of the Riverina worked its magic, producing an abundance of luscious quality fruits with rich, complex flavours. Soon after the harvest in 2005 , the first commercial vintage of Shiraz and Chardonnay under the Cottontails brand was launched to great acclaim in the domestic and international markets. Encouraged to expand their range, by 2017 Cottontails had created 8 distinctive varieties, each with their own unique twist on the full-bodied berry-fruit flavours for which this proud local winery is renowned. In 2016, Gerry’s daughter Lilly took the reins as restaurant manager, and alongside Gerry is a strong and popular presence in the area. Their passion for sourcing all things local brings the best of fresh Riverina produce to the table and has seen Cottontails take pride of place in the area.
