Beyond organic.

At Weathercraft, our approach to farming is rooted in a philosophy that goes beyond organic principles. I have always viewed biological farming as the natural evolution of organics. Biological farming, for me, is about fostering the health of the soil, understanding its needs, and letting that guide the vitality of the vines. It's more than simply avoiding synthetic pesticides and herbicides—it's about recognising that insects, diseases, and weeds are symptoms of deeper soil imbalances. Rather than just combating these pressures, I focus on nurturing the soil to create an environment where our vines can thrive naturally.

Biological farming recognises that the soil is alive. It’s an intricate ecosystem that needs balance—its structure, nutrients, and microbial life must be in harmony for the vines to reach their full potential. The vines can stand strong against external pressures when the soil is healthy. This balance affects the vitality of the vineyard and the quality of the wine we produce. How I manage the soil and its living populations directly impacts the fruit we grow and the wines we create.

Being a truevigneronmeans taking a hands-on approach to every stage of the process. It’s a holistic view of winemaking that begins long before the grapes are harvested and continues long after the wine is bottled.

The health of the soil, the vine, and the land itself are all interconnected. By working closely with nature, I’ve seen how this approach has transformed our fruit. The need for interventions has lessened, our yeasts are more reliable, and the vibrant flavours of the grapes shine through in the wine.

When you break down the name Weathercraft, it embodies everything we stand for.Weatherrepresents the ever-changing forces of nature, and the unique character of each vintage is shaped by water, heat, air, and earth.Craftsymbolises our role in nurturing the vines, guiding nature’s course with care and expertise, and transforming the fruit into wine that respects each season’s individuality. This delicate balance between nature’s elements and human craftsmanship defines Weathercraft.

We’re not just producing wine but creating a legacy of sustainability, quality, and care. Our wines reflect our commitment to both the land and the people who enjoy them. Every bottle tells a story of the vineyard, the weather, and the craftsmanship that went into creating it. We are proud to share this journey with you and grateful for your continued support as we strive to produce pure, stunning, and ethically made wines.

Raquel Jones - Co-founder & Vigneronne

Weathercraft Vineyard

Site Location

Everton Upper lies about 10 km northeast of Beechworth, along the Beechworth-Wangaratta Road. Many of the Beechworth vineyards within Everton Upper are located along this road, with the boundary of Everton Upper starting approximately 8 km from the centre of Beechworth.

Some of the most renowned vineyards in the Everton Upper area, part of the Beechworth Wine Region, include:

Giaconda:30 McClay Road, Everton Upper

Savaterre:929 Beechworth-Wangaratta Road, Everton Upper, opposite McClay Road​

Serengale:1168 Beechworth-Wangaratta Road, Everton Upper

Golden Ball:1175 Beechworth-Wangaratta Road, Everton Upper

Climate Data during Vintage (Sep-Apr)

[10-year average 2014-2024]

Average Rainfall (Sep-Apr)

Beechworth: 420-430 mm - Everton Upper: 340-350 mm

Average Rainfall (Annually)

Beechworth: 731 mm - Everton Upper: 611.5 mm

Days Over 35°C

Beechworth: 18-19 - Everton Upper: 20-21

Main Months for Days Over 35°C

Beechworth: Jan-Feb - Everton Upper: Jan-Feb

Max. Temp Range (during vintage)

Beechworth: 14.3°C to 28.1°C - Everton Upper: 17.7°C to 32.1°C

Min. Temp Range (during vintage)

Beechworth: 4.0°C to 15.2°C - Everton Upper: 4.6°C to 14.4°C

[Sources: Elders Weather, Wunderground, BOM]

Variations between Everton Upper and Beechworth remain subtle despite extreme weather events like the 2019-2020 bushfires and the impact of La Niña during 2022, with conditions transitioning towards El Niño in the latter part of 2023. The 2014-2024 raw data for Everton Upper indicates more consistent weather patterns, particularly during the critical weeks leading up to harvest. The lower overall rainfall reduces the risk of disease, and consistent temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s offer an advantage for steady ripening.

Elevation

Everton Upper's elevation varies from around 400 meters above sea level near Giaconda to approximately 290 meters past White Post Road at the northeast boundary of the Beechworth Wine Region. This gradual 110-meter decline in elevation creates subtle microclimate variations along the Beechworth-Wangaratta Road. The Weathercraft vineyard is situated at 310 meters above sea level along this route.[Source: Topographic Map]

Interesting fact:The lowest elevation for Grand Cru vineyards inBurgundyis around130 metersabove sea level (in Chablis, specifically Grenouilles), and the highest is330 meters(in the Corton area of the Côte de Beaune). [Source: Wines of Burgundy]

Geology

The Beechworth wine region’s ancient geology comprises stark, eroded landscapes with sparse vineyard soils formed from weathered granite, compacted and fractured shale and slate, and well-draining gravelly inclines. 

Everton comprises both lower and upper areas. Lower Everton is located along the Great Alpine Road, while Upper Everton is primarily situated along the Beechworth-Wangaratta Road. The former Everton Railway, now a heritage site on the Rail Trail, marks the junction of two key geological formations in the Everton region: granite and slate. Alluvial soils characterise the lower river flats, while the upper hills are volcanic.

Ancient geological processes shape our vineyard’s soils. The soil composition varies across the site; in parts, a top layer of granite-derived colluvium is observed—sandy, well-drained, and rich in quartz and feldspar. This soil promotes acidity and minerality, ideal for varieties like chardonnay. Beneath this, the Golden Ball Granite, formed during the Devonian period, adds complexity with minerals like muscovite and fluorite. Additionally, areas with clay loam soils retain more moisture and contribute to the richness and depth of our wines.[Source: GeoSciM, Independent Geological Investigations]

We’ve strategically positioned each grape variety in the areas best suited to their needs. Chardonnay thrives in areas where the granite-based soil enhances its precision and elegance. Shiraz is situated in a section with clay loam, which adds body and complexity. This careful matching ensures our wines reflect the unique qualities of our vineyard.

"A prolonged dry spell and several heat events kept acidity levels high, accelerating ripening and compressing the vintage into a shorter, more intense period."

The 2024 vintage was a mixed bag weather-wise. It started quietly from September to November, with steady weather and plenty of cloud cover ensuring the nights remained cool. However, December and January threw us some curves, including heavy rains during the crucial flowering period for some of our reds.

A late spring frost also threatened our crops, and while some vineyards nearby suffered significant losses, we were fortunate to avoid major damage. This allowed our chardonnay to thrive, leading to the most considerable harvest we’ve ever had.

Additionally, most of our new vineyard vines weathered the frost well, reaching the cordon wire and setting the stage for future development. Considering the setbacks from previous years' frosts, this progress is a significant step forward.

Following this challenging period, we experienced a stretch without rain starting at Veraison. Acidity levels remained high during this prolonged dry spell with several heat events, accelerating ripening and compressing the vintage into a shorter, more intense period for whites, leading to a harvest approximately two weeks earlier than usual.

Despite these challenges, minor crop damage was reported, and the quality of the fruit remained exceptional. Chardonnay looks especially smart this year, while red varietals progressed at their usual pace.

Returning from overseas, we’ve been inspired by wineries we visited to re-think some of our strategies. We've always been driven by improving upon the last year and adopting a “how do we make it better?” mentality. With my recent lung operation to remove cancer and neither Hugh nor I getting any younger, we’re now more focused on simplifying the vintage process. By eliminating unnecessary steps and embracing an even more ‘hands-off’ approach, we aim to push the quality quotient higher. Purchasing a bottling line is a prime example of this shift, allowing us to be fully estate-grown, estate-vinified, and estate-bottled. This minimises wine movement and allows us to bottle precisely when we believe the wines are ready.

Leaning further into our biological sphere, we’ve had success with two new implements in the vineyard. The first implement cuts and lifts weeds from the ground along the vine row. In contrast, the second operates like a horizontal whipper snipper, cleaning and trimming the remaining weeds, especially around the vine's base. It can get incredibly close without damaging the trunk, which is a game-changer for us!

We’re also excited to share that an increased amount of pinot gris in 2024 has allowed us to create a Beechworth barrel-fermented version, adding a new, textural wine to our portfolio.

Stay tuned to our socials as we continue to share updates and release new wines in the coming months.