Five Oaks Winery is a small family run vineyard and winery located among the lush, rolling hills on the southern side of the Yarra Valley.
Established in 1978 the mature vines, plus the local climate and deep red volcanic soil, produce high quality fruit.
The vineyard slopes gently westward, overlooking cherry and stone fruit orchards, with Mt Dandenong in the background.
Owner and winemaker Wally Zuk explained his involvement in Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries and the importance of small wineries to both himself and the region.
How long have you been in the wine industry?
I have been involved for twenty-five years.
How did you get involved with Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries?
As the owner of Five Oaks Vineyard, I was involved at the inception of the Smaller Wineries group when just six smaller wineries met and agreed to work cooperatively to promote our cellar doors. I think it was in 1998. Since then we have grown to encompass over 20 small, family owned wineries.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I don’t consider making wine a job. It is a very enriching passion. I get a real satisfaction from interacting with the cellar door visitors, discussing wine and sharing experiences of memorable occasions involving wine and food.
Have you always enjoyed wine?
Yes. Especially after my introduction to Henschke’s 1967 Hill of Grace in 1970.
Why are smaller wineries so important to the Yarra Valley?
They are important because they offer the wine consuming public an opportunity to meet one-on-one with the owners and winemakers of premium hand-crafted wines not generally available in retail outlets.
How important is it for Yarra Valley wineries to do more than just produce wine?
Very important in the sense that Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries puts on on two of the now longest running wine and food festivals in the Valley – they provides the public with a laid-back experience, a chance to meet the maker, and an influx of traffic to the area, which helps other local businesses as well. The group also contributes a percentage of profits to local community groups including the CFA.
What makes for a memorable Yarra Valley dining experience?
Good simple food matched with the right wine and good company in a venue with the right ambiance that overlooks the magnificent views around the Yarra Valley
How has the wine industry changed since you’ve been involved?
In terms of the Yarra Valley, the explosion in the number of cellar doors – there were only about 20 when we started; now there are some 70+.
What do you see for the future of wine across the region?
I see tougher trading conditions because of the large number of producers giving a highly competitive environment,
You’ve invited friends for a picnic lunch in a Yarra Ranges park. Which wine do you take along?
Being a Cabernet maker with a passion for that variety it would be a good aged Cabernet!
