• Previous
  • Next

Review Search

The dream of owning a vineyard is one that many of us have, i know i often find myself driving through rural Victoria, looking at empty paddocks thinking that it might be a perfect location for my vineyard. It is the leap from imagination to reality that happens a little less frequently, but when it does it's born out of passion and commitment.

Domaine Asmara is one such winery with Andreas Greiving, his wife Henni and son Benjamin taking the leap from corporate life and starting a winery, restaurant and accommodation on their 80 acre property at Toolleen in the Heathcote wine region. The word “Asmara” translated from Indonesian signifies love and passion for wine, which is an apt name for the winery.

 

 

Domaine Asmara has a focus on the Heathcote staples of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, but also grows Cabernet Franc, Durif and Viognier, the latter of the varieties is one that i believe produces some excellent results in the region, but is somewhat undiscovered by the broader wine world. The vineyard site in Toolleen sits upon the famed red Cambrian soils that were formed over 500 million years ago, and have been identified as excellent terroir for the growing of premium fruit.


The wine making philosophy of Domaine Asmara is traditional, with hand harvesting, the use of open fermentors and basket pressing of wines that all serve to maximise the flavour, tannin profile and varietal expression of wines. All grapes are hand harvested and the annual production is 2,500 cases per year.

I have been very impressed by the 2012 releases from Domaine Asmara, with the reds showing dense fruit that is more than supported by tannin and oak, and the 2012 Viognier having layers of flavour. The full reviews are available here, with wines available to be purchased through the website.



If you are looking at visiting Domaine Asmara some details on the Cellar Door, Accommodation and Restaurant are provided below:

Cellar Door:
Address: Gibb Road, Toolleen, Victoria 3551
Opening Hours: Open every day from 10am to 6pm

Restaurant:
The menus is Asian and regionally inspired and offers some dishes that are found nowhere else...unique Domaine Asmara creations!
Open every day from 10am to 6pm
Daily lunch, dinner by appointment. Call (03) 5433 6133 to make a booking.

Accommodation:
The winery offers a Bed & Breakfast stay in a spacious bedroom with a king sized bed and private en-suite bathroom. English or Continental breakfast is served on the verandah overlooking the vineyard and facing Mt Camel and Mt Pleasant.

Wedding & Function Venues:
Corporate and private functions for up to 50 guests can be catered for.