Eppalock Ridge Winery is located in the heart of the Goldmining district in Central Victoria. In 1976 Sue and Rod Hourigan left behind careers in fabric design and television production design at the ABC, to chase their passion for producing fine wine.
The chase led them to McLaren Vale South Australia where Sue found work in the Barn Restaurant. Rod started his apprenticeship at D'Arenburg Winery and over the next 3 years did vintages at Pirramimma and Coriole, gaining invaluable hands on experience. During this time he attended the first short course for winemakers, at what is now called Charles Sturt University, conducted by Brian Croser of Petaluma fame.
In 1979 they moved to Redesdale in the Heathcote district of Central Victoria where they established Eppalock Ridge. The winery and vineyards are perched on a rocky, basalt ridge overlooking Lake Eppalock. The vineyards were planted to Shiraz, Cabernet, Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. With the firm belief that premium wine can only be made from the best quality fruit, meticulous attention is payed to the tending of the vines.
