Acacia Ridge

Tricia and Gavan Oakley began the establishment of 4ha each of pinot noir, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon in 1996. Most of the grapes are sold to other Yarra Valley winemakers, and when the Oakleys decided to have part of the production vinified for the Acacia Ridge label, they and some other small vignerons set up a marketing and grape-sharing co-operative known as Yarra Valley Micromasters. It is through this structure that the Oakleys obtain their Chardonnay, which complements the Cabernet Merlot and Shiraz made from their own plantings. -JAMES HALLIDAY