Blackjack Wines
Bendigo, Victoria
Situated in Harcourt, near Bendigo, Victoria, Blackjack Wines crafts artisanal wines catering to every taste, a boutique, personal and premium experience from vine to glass.
Why sustainability matters to Blackjack Wines comes down to a lightbulb moment: seeing the impacts of climate change directly in the vineyard and recognising that the changes being experienced are already affecting how the grapes are grown and the wine is made. The team realised that meaningful change starts with them, and pursuing Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification was a natural step towards taking greater responsibility for the future of their vineyard, their region and the generations of winemakers to come.
That responsibility is reflected in Blackjack’s sustainability superpower, Legacy & Community. The team is doing this for the future of its vineyard, its local community and the next generation, wanting to leave the Harcourt Valley in a healthy and productive state for those who come after them, while continuing to make great wine in a changing climate. By adopting more sustainable practices now, they hope to protect the land they love and ensure it can continue to support winemaking for generations to come.
Behind the scenes, one thing customers may not see is the amount of time Blackjack Wines spends in the vineyard, hand pruning and hand picking the grapes. The team is in the vines every day, observing how each part of the vineyard is different and responding to what the vines and land need. It’s a hands-on approach, but for Blackjack, caring for the land this way is an important part of making great wine and protecting the vineyard for the future.
Beyond the cellar door, a local gem worth seeking out is Mount Alexander’s Dog Rocks, reached by heading up from the valley to take in the views across the surrounding landscape. A picnic with a bottle of Blackjack wine while enjoying the view is a favourite local pastime – a simple way to slow down, enjoy the country and appreciate the region they call home.
And back at the vineyard, wildlife sightings are a constant part of the experience. Birds are a constant part of life at the Blackjack cellar door, and visitors will almost always hear them while they’re there. Spotted pardalotes, rosellas and kookaburras are regular visitors, adding to the peaceful experience of being surrounded by the vineyard and nature.
