The place we
LOOKING NORTH TO MOUNT MOOROOKYLE (LEFT) & MOUNT KOOROOCHEANG (RIGHT)
Photography by Mark McLeod
Set high on a remote plateau in Central Victoria, Circle of Hills Vineyard rests among three ancient, extinct volcanoes — Mt. Kooroocheang, Mt. Moorookyle and Powletts Hill. This striking, elevated landscape is defined by its cool climate, persistent winds, and pristine, exposed conditions — an environment that shapes wines of precision and quiet power.
Located just beyond the township of Smeaton, 35 kilometres north of Ballarat, the vineyard was established between 2020 and 2021 as a considered response to a changing climate. Here, cooler temperatures, dependable rainfall, and resilient soils offer an enduring site for fine winegrowing.
Circle of Hills is owned and guided by Welshmans Reef Vineyard, which was established by our family in 1984. At our winery in Welshmans Reef each wine is carefully crafted and bottled. Together, these sites form a singular vision: to cultivate wines of clarity, longevity, and place.
We farm regeneratively, with a deep commitment to soil vitality and ecological balance. Our philosophy is grounded in stewardship — an intention to enrich the land over time and to sustain its natural rhythm for generations to come.
Ripening is slow and deliberate. Long, cool autumn days and cold nights preserve natural acidity and build layered, restrained flavour profiles. The resulting wines are defined by elegance, structure, and a distinct sense of place.
An approach rooted in care
Looking after the land matters to us just as much as producing good wine. We farm with care, using regenerative practices that build soil health and support biodiversity. We run the winery on rain water and draw power from the sun. It’s about making good decisions now so the vineyard, and planet, stay healthy for the long term.
The wines reflect this deep care. They're balanced, considered and true to their place—wines for the table, for sharing, and for bringing people together.
