Kennedy

Heathcote, Victoria, Australia

Established by John and Patricia Kennedy in 2002, Kennedy Vineyard sits on the east-facing slope of the Mount Camel Range in Heathcote. This site is renowned for its ancient Cambrian soils, and the vineyard’s 20 acres of Shiraz thrive in this unique terroir. The focus in the vineyard is on understanding the fine-grained differences across the site, with meticulous attention to detail in canopy management and fruit selection. This hands-on approach continues in the winery, where second-generation winemaker Gerard Kennedy follows a site-driven philosophy. Each parcel is fermented in small open tanks using indigenous yeasts and gentle pigeage. The wines are then matured in French oak, with only 20 percent new oak, for 12 months before bottling. Kennedy Shiraz is known for its balance, depth and regional character. It reflects both the pedigree of the Mount Camel Range and the precision behind each decision in the vineyard and winery. Family-owned and run, Kennedy Vineyard combines generational farming knowledge with a focused commitment to quality and expression of place.