The Gurdies Winery - A touch of class, new look for the Gurdies

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. 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.

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.

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. 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.

“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.

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.

New Look for The Gurdies Winery

Words and Photos by Danielle Ralph

“We always want to be open to the local people who supported us during the lockdowns. We would really like to support them back. That will always be a main emphasis for us at The Gurdies Winery,” says Wendy.

What is also special about owning a winery in Gippsland is the encouragement and endorsement from fellow business owners. “I love that Gippsland wine producers are very much hands-on. Everyone supports each other,” says Bruce.

Both Wendy and Bruce are radiating happiness. They have made the decision of a lifetime to devote themselves to making this winery the best it can be. They speak with genuine warmth and sincerely hope more people get to experience this hidden gem that has captured their hearts. “Just look at this place,” Wendy says with a smile. “Gippsland is blessed with rolling hills, fresh sea breezes off Western Port Bay and rich dark soil. We’ve got the best of both worlds here.”

The Gurdies Winery

Five of the Best

Each bottle of wine produced at The Gurdies Winery or Heaston Estate has its own character and story. Bruce Preston rates these bottles as some of the finest ones to date.

2017 Cabernet Sauvignon

“2017 was a great year. This came up against well known, warm climate wines when achieving its awards. Dick was chuffed that he’d taken this wine up to Rutherglen and mixed it with the big wineries. Nobody knew about this little winery in Gippsland called The Gurdies. Dick has done an amazing job to get this wine out there and showcase Gippsland.”

2018 Riesling (Heaston Estate)

“2018 was quite a dry year, so the grapes were under stress. I love comparing the 2018 and 2019 and how the weather has influenced the flavours of the grapes. The 2018 is a bit more of a drier, fruity flavour whereas the 2019 is more aromatic on the nose. I like watching people going through the journey of seeing which one suits their palate. Riesling is very underrated.”

2016 Chardonnay

“This is very popular for our winery. We don’t like our Chardonnay too heavily oaked. The oak is a token gesture on the palate. We really want the berry flavours to come through, so we mature in an old oak barrel to get the flavour of Gippsland.”

2019 Pinot Noir

“Pinot is a signature grape for Gippsland. It has enjoyable earthy flavours and a nice intensity. There is a little bit of pepper. It’s a nicely balanced Pinot Noir. People come back for more and more of this.”

2021 Rosé

“This dry Rosé has a lot of spice flavours. We were going to release it at Christmas, but it’s been so popular having offered out a few tastings. Even outside of our winery, Rosé is very popular at the moment, especially coming into summer. It’s very drinkable.”