MOUNT OPHIR ESTATE

The historic Mt Ophir Estate rises majestically above the gently rolling plains to the south-east of  the small township of Rutherglen in the north east of Victoria, Australia.

The 140 acre property has 360-degree views of the surrounding area, including the Murray River Basin and the Snowy Mountains to the east.  The Estate was established in 1891 and 100 years ago was regarded as the largest state-of-the-art wine making complex in the world.

Today, listed as a National Trust property and classified under Heritage Victoria, it is a functioning organic/permaculture designed farm and tourist accommodation facility.

Blessed with gloriously long hours of sunlight from December through to March followed by beneficial cool airflows from the nearby high country during the dormant season, Rutherglen has become one of the world’s premier wine regions.

Established in 1891 and later by the English wine merchant, Peter Bond Burgoyne, Mt Ophir Estate became the largest state-of-the-art wine making facility in the world. “BY APPOINTMENT TO HIS MAJESTY THE KING” on a plaque, above the entrance, saluted all who entered. The distinctive architecture of the magnificent French Provincial tower and winery buildings remain as a reminder of an illustrious past and even though  
the demand for the estate’s generous reds and richly fortified wines are long gone, the current owner, Ruth Hennessy has revitalized the residual 140 acre estate with her vision and passion.

She has lovingly attended the replanting of 10 acres of vines, re-established gardens, and orchards, planted an olive grove together with thousands of Australian native trees to enhance remnant vegetation hundreds of years old.  Along with introducing permaculture design and livestock to this magnificent landscape, original estate houses are now restored, creating a truly unique accommodation and organic farm experience.

The French provincial tower has been transformed into a 5-star suite - a spiral staircase leads to the second floor library and then up to an exclusive room for two at the top. Wonderful views and great privacy are assured from this unique getaway venue.  For this one forward bookings are essential!  Minimum 2 nights.

The second private suite is usually described by guests as “the Cute House” it being a spa suite in the original yeast house for the estate wine making.  It is an upstairs/downstairs getaway for 2.  

The B&B is in the main homestead, historically called “The Bungalow” because of its large verandahs around 3 sides of the home.  This dwelling has been refurbished to include all modern conveniences.   It has a wonderful country kitchen in which informal dinner can be arranged.  

Other accommodation at the estate includes the self-contained Gatehouse for 2 to 12 people.  A refurbished manager’s house – you will enjoy the open fireplace in winter!  Cooled for summer too.

The Pickers House is a backpacker style budget accommodation venue.  This too has been refurbished with a new kitchen and bathrooms to suit up to 16 people.  Individual backpackers are welcome to share with others and if you have a group (e.g., cyclists) you may like to take the whole house for yourselves for a private getaway.  There is secure bicycle storage available at the property for your convenience.

The Lodge is currently under renovation and will be available from October 2009 for 1 to 2 couples.  This was the house at the private VIP entrance to the estate and will be a very special place to recapture romance.

Gluten free meals if required.

The whole estate is available for booking for weddings and functions.  

We welcome bus groups and provide estate tours together with light refreshments by arrangement only.

Bookings are essential for all accommodation on the estate.

ORGANIC PRODUCTS FROM THE ESTATE: