The Fish, Campbells and Macquarie rivers are all known as Wambuul by the Wiradjuri people. The Renzaglia vineyards lie within the Wambuul Valley, now the namesake for three new wines: the 2024 Renzaglia ‘Wambuul’ Cabernet Sauvignon, 2024 Renzaglia ‘Wambuul’ Shiraz and 2024 Renzaglia ‘Wambuul’ Chardonnay.
The wines we title Wambuul are the result of blending grapes from our vineyards. The vineyards in question include Renzaglia’s Bella Luna Vineyard, Winooka Park, Casey’s Vineyard and the Mount Panorama Vineyard.
The Bella Luna Vineyard is the original Renzaglia site. Situated at 780 metres, it was first planted to Chardonnay—propagated from cuttings taken from the Canobolas Smith vineyard in Orange—before later expanding to include Shiraz, Tempranillo, Grenache and Sangiovese. Bella Luna is also home to the Renzaglia winery and family residence.
Closer to the Fish River, Winooka Park sits at 800 metres and comprises two blocks: the first planted in the early 1990s to Traminer, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon, and a second containing small plantings of Cabernet and Shiraz.
The Mount Panorama Vineyard, located on Wahluu at 750 metres, includes Shiraz, Cabernet and Chardonnay. The newest site, Casey’s Vineyard, sits at 1,030 metres and is home to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz.
These cool-climate sites range in aspect and soil, from basalt and granite to sandy loams. This gives us a great tapestry of fruit to blend.
From a viticultural point of view, our overriding focus is on growing for quality. Our practices are deeply influenced by organic methods, including tillage, mulching and under-vine mowing to manage weeds. Our disease-management program leans heavily on biological nutrients, compost teas and tinctures, alongside a judicious use of organic fungicides.
It should be said that in extreme circumstances we will use curative fungicides to save a crop. This does technically disqualify us from claiming certified organic status, but jeez, we go very close!
The new releases draw fruit from across the Central Ranges, with vineyards spanning Wallington in Canowindra, Patina and ChaLou in Orange, and First Ridge in Mudgee.
One of the most exciting aspects of working with a small group of dedicated grape-growers is the opportunities for collaboration. We are like-minded and enjoy robust discussions about viticulture, always with the shared intent of striving for the highest quality possible.
In the winery, our approach is guided by the essence of each variety. We aim to capture their inherent character without interference, which means no added yeast, tannin, sugar, or acid. We’re using very little new oak and instead working with an array of fermentation and maturation vessels: concrete, earthenware amphorae, stainless steel, foudre, puncheons, barriques and even glass. It’s an elaborate toolbox designed to nurture wines that are engaging, honest, and true to their origins.
