Topper’s Mountain Wines unique terroir arises from its high altitude location on the western edge of the Great Dividing Range and deep, volcanic (Krasnozem) soils. The New England area, recognised as an exciting new wine producing region, is in fact a re-emerging wine region with an interesting history. Grape growing in the region dates back as far as the first settlers. The New England area is unlike any other grape growing region in Australia. This is due the region’s high altitude (with a good number of vineyards above 1000m), cool climate and soils and topography highly suited to premium wine (grape) production.
Mark Kirkby established the current vineyard between 1998 and 2002, with his wife, Stephanie and three daughters. Over more than a decade, Mark, in close collaboration with winemaker Mike Hayes, has established a vineyard packed with exciting alternative varieties that revel in their terroir. The wines are made by Mike Hayes, a winemaker in the Granite Belt region just over the state border in Queensland. Mike is known for his passion for integrating viticultural & winemaking techniques. Combining old and new world wine techniques, less intrusive winemaking techniques and the wild yeast from the vineyard, the grapes can truly express their varietal characteristics and local terroir.
Topper`s Mountain vision is to make wines that sing of whence they come. The wines are all Single Estate, meaning that only grapes grown at Topper’s are used to make the wine which eventually fills the bottles. So, when wines & styles are planned, Mike’s vast experience from all over Australia’s wine regions and his feel for the subtle dance of nature that coaxes the soil, the climate, the fruit & the yeasts to co-operate towards the final wine in the bottle, keeps Topper´s vision on track.