About Us

John Vickery 31.10.1932 – 23.09.2023

John Vickery started making Riesling for Leo Buring in 1955, during an era when Australia made predominantly fortified wine. He recognised the potential of Watervale and Eden Valley sites to craft dry Rieslings that expressed their own unique local terroir. Wines with a sense of place, purity and longevity that could be celebrated decades later.

Aside from being at the forefront of cool fermentation via refrigeration technology, as well the gentle handling of Riesling fruit via the introduction of bag presses, John considered his most rewarding contribution to the Australian Wine Industry was his involvement in the first screw cap initiatives in 1998. This was by any measure, the single most significant event in the improvement in quality of Australian Riesling, and the wider industry.

He was humbled to be judged by his peers as Australia’s Greatest Living Winemaker in a survey conducted by Epicure in 2003. In 2007 John was awarded the Medal of Order of Australia for ‘service to the wine industry as an oenologist, particularly through the development of innovative methods for Riesling production.’

He’s in the same league as Max Schubert and other great winemakers, most of whom are known for their reds.” Jeffrey Grosset.

Keeda Zilm – Winemaker / Custodian

Keeda Zilm is the custodian of John’s winemaking methods which include cool fermentation, careful handling and a commitment to perfect ripeness in both berry & seed to create Riesling with poise but most importantly flavour. Under her watchful eye, John’s commitment to push boundaries in pursuit of quality will continue. And his unique winemaking methods will be preserved.

Keeda’s work is supported by a community of growers in Watervale and Eden Valley who have their own stories of John through the years who are proud to be a part of the evolving Vickery journey. The viticultural community’s respect for John is evident and integral to preserving this humble but great man’s legacy.

Growers

We are privileged today to source fruit from some of the same growers John worked with in his early career. The growers are central to the preservation of John’s legacy and the evolution of Vickery wines.

Watervale

Blenheim – Grace’s Vineyard, Koerner – Dunstan’s, G4, G6 & G10 Blocks, Castine – Hayshed Block, Bryksy – Hill Hickey’s, Stanway – Slate Creek Vineyard.

Eden Valley

Mason – Woodcarvers Vineyard, Schubert – Barty’s Block, Stephens – Wyncroft Vineyard.