Kings of Kangaroo Ground

Kangaroo Ground, on Melbourne's northeast fringe, is home to Australia's only post office winery. Winemaker Ken King integrated the local post office into his small winery complex in 2004. As well as sorting the district's mail, Ken nurtures a number of local vineyards and makes all wines onsite at Kangaroo Ground. Ken's involvement in winemaking began in 1984 as a member of the Eltham and District Amateur Winemakers Guild. In '88 Ken purchased the 3ha site prized for its rich black volcanic soils that he refers to as chocolate cake. Chardonnay and pinot noir vines were planted in '90 and grapes sold to Diamond Valley until '00. The vines have not been irrigated since '96 and are thriving in the deep soil. Cabernet sauvignon and riesling are sourced from other nearby black soil vineyards. Pesticides are not used and the traditional winemaking process means that the wines are vegan compliant. -JAMES HALLIDAY