A Touch of Class One of Gippsland’s oldest wineries that boasts some exceptional, award-winning wines has a new outlook. Enthusiast new owners, Bruce Preston and Wendy Heaney are thrilled with their recent purchase and have grand plans for the establishment. The new look to the winery is already taking shape. The couple purchased their winery house in The Gurdies in 2012. The property came with a small Riesling vineyard. Under the guidance of their neighbour Dick Wettenhall (owner and winemaker of The Gurdies Winery), Heaston Estate was born. In 2015 Bruce and Wendy’s first vintage was made. Over recent years, Bruce’s thirst for knowledge and hands on experience with the vines increased, prompting him to return to school to study viticulture. In 2020 Dick retired, selling the winery to Bruce and Wendy. “Dick has really brought up the reputation of the wine and set us up with some top, quality wines to sell. We are forever grateful to him, to be able to takeover this wonderful winery and to continue it on,” Bruce says in acknowledgement of the former owner.
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Bruce and Wendy intend on maintaining the reputation of the wines, which are all made using only estate-grown grapes, as well as creating an atmosphere that welcomes the locals and visitors to Gippsland. They engaged Marcus Satchell, who co-owns Dirty Three Wines in Inverloch, to continue as the key winemaker at The Gurdies Winery.
Wendy relishes in meeting those who visit The Gurdies Winery. Visitors can take in the glorious view while pairing their wine tasting with a locally sourced cheese and crackers box. Functions and wedding bookings are also rolling in with a new entertainment space to the right of the cellar door. The rustic vibe suits being amongst the vines and by the bay.
There are no regrets and the work involved to achieve the couple’s vision is welcomed. “It hasn't been a chore at all. It’s good fun. You know your work is a chore when you struggle to get up in the morning. But we're both up and going before five every morning. We just love it here,” Bruce shares.
“I think we've got a good product and we want people to enjoy it, have a good experience at the winery and be happy,” says Bruce with a smile. “We complement each other too. Wendy’s passion is the customer and looking after our events and I just love being out in the vines,” says Bruce. “But if you get him talking, he won’t stop,” adds Wendy with a laugh.
With a stunning view out to Westernport Bay and French Island, The Gurdies Winery should definitely be the first stop on the great Gippsland Wine Trail. “We want to shield the customer from the view coming up to the winery. As you walk down the stairs, through the double doors, it’s a picture-framed view that people then take in. It’s all about the vines and the view,” Bruce proudly shares.
Giving back to the locals who have supported The Gurdies Winery is also a priority. The winery hosts live music evenings where people from the Gurdies can join the couple for a social outing in the newly renovated space.
