Steels Gate is a hidden gem in the Yarra Valley, one of Victoria’s most renowned wine areas, located in a misty and tranquil area.
In the serene, picturesque location of Steels stream, a boutique vineyard is home to decades-old chardonnay, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, and pinot noir grapevines.
Steels Gate is almost totally surrounded by National Park land, which heightens the sense of total tranquility.
For this month’s winery spotlight, we spoke with Matthew and Brad, the owners and managers, to learn more about Steels Gate’s past, what the vineyard has to offer guests, and to chat about all things wine.
What is the history of the winery, please?
In Steels Creek, Victoria, Australia, there is a small vineyard and winery called Steels Gate. This 82-acre (33-hectare) property, which is almost entirely surrounded by a National Park, raises Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes on 6 acres (2.5 hectares) of vines, the majority of which were planted in the late 1970s. 2009 saw the establishment of Steels Gate.
Just 60 kilometers from the center of Melbourne is the Shantell Vineyard and Restaurant, which is located in a magnificent hillside setting at Dixons Creek.
Mostly planted in the late 1970s, the 13 acres (5 hectares) of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir grapes at Shantell Vineyard.
Wine is about family, and for Matthew, Brad, and Sebastian, cultivating and producing fine wine as a family is the best thing in the world.
The wine sector has long been a source of enthusiasm for Matthew and Brad, who launched their first retail location in 2004. They purchased their first vineyard in 2009, driven by a strong desire to be more involved in the winemaking process. After concentrating on viticulture for a while, they made the decision to construct a winery in 2016. Since this is the first year they have produced the wine as a family, they are really eager to display their 2017 vintage. In 2018, Matthew & Brad are excited to announce the debut of Shantell, their first restaurant and cellar door. “We like spending time with our son in the vineyard and making wine. Nothing compares to growing and producing excellent wine as a family.
Which types of wine do you specialize in?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Semillon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Blanc de Blanc, Pinot/Chardonnay Sparkling, Pinot/Chardonnay Rose.
Could you briefly describe your winemakers and winemaking process?
Matthew and Brad develop wine that captures the natural characteristics of the fruit from each site after managing the viticulture on their Home Block vineyard for the previous 9 years. An expertly managed vineyard is the foundation of premium wine.
From cane pruning to pressing wine and bottling, everything we do is by hand.
Do you offer food sampling or have a restaurant on site?
Yes, we have a restaurant right here that looks out over the Shantell Vineyard. Although we don’t give culinary sampling, we do offer a one- and two-course lunch menu for parties.
Do you provide catering for unique events?
Yes. Byron and Jane are in charge of running Shantell’s kitchen. With more than 50 years of combined expertise in the hospitality sector, their cuisine philosophy is centered on using seasonal, local ingredients and making the menu attractive and straightforward.
The motivation behind this family of foodies who oversee all the food at Shantell is that “there is nothing more fulfilling than friends getting together to share wine, food, and laughter.”
We are able to accommodate for nearly any occasion thanks to our fully-catered kitchen. including everything from small weddings to private dining with wine sampling in our kitchen (overlooking the vines). In addition…
Consider having a meal outside amid the vines. As long as the sun is shining, it is a complete thrill even on a cool Yarra Valley afternoon (and don’t worry, we have an inside location with a breathtaking view of the Valley if Mother Nature is against us when you visit!).
You will move to a private table among their 40-year-old grape vines for a private, one-on-one tasting hosted by Steels Gate Wine proprietors Brad Atkins or Matthew Davis.
You will be treated to a 3-course lunch with expertly paired wines at the Steels Gate @ Shantell cellar door and restaurant, which is frequently referred to as having “the best views in the Yarra Valley.” Their talented chef Byron More prepares meals there utilizing organic, locally sourced foods whenever feasible. Whether it’s the autumn leaves on the vines, the setting sun reflecting off the clouds and mountains, or the rainbows crossing the valley sky, colors are always breathtaking.
The small details are not ignored, and complimentary throws are offered in case the sun is unable to provide enough warmth for your special eating occasion.
If you are in Maribyrnong, Victoria 3032, and looking for a winery tour to Yarra Valley wineries or Mornington Peninsula wineries, this is the best way to visit us.
Winery Tour Yarra Valley
Unit 201/98 River Esplanade
Docklands, VIC 3008
(03) 7042 3201