Description
About Yal Yal Estate
Yal Yal Estate is a picturesque vineyard located at Merricks on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. Working with renowned winemaker Rollo Crittenden, Liz and Simon Gillies launched the Yal Yal Rd label in 2010.
Established in 1997, the vineyard focuses on low yield, single estate Chardonnay, Rose, and Pinot Noir, reflecting the unique character of Yal Yal Estate’s terroir. In addition, Liz and Simon source excellent fruit from carefully selected Mornington Peninsula vineyards for the Pinot Gris.
The vineyard is tucked into the valley amongst the rolling hills of Merricks. A five-minute drive to the beach, the vineyard gently slopes down the hill and abuts 20 acres of the untrammeled bush – which is largely impenetrable and full of native animals and birdlife. The vineyard resounds with the sounds of kookaburra’s calling and koalas seeking their mates. An old wallaby can often be found at dusk hopping between the vines.
A year in the vineyard is an exciting and romantic journey – sometimes demanding, but always a rich and rewarding experience. Working amongst the vines through the seasons is an experience to be savored. Whether it be pruning through the cold winter months, waiting for budburst in Spring, watching veraison unfold as we chase birds out from the nets over summer, or best of all, tipping harvest buckets full of delicious fruit into the back of the tractor in early Autumn, it is a journey that we want to share with you.
