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Any Australian wine venture would be incomplete without a nod to Shiraz and to the distinctive terroir that allows its cultivation. The climates and soil in distinct areas of this part of the southern hemisphere are the keys to producing excellent Shiraz-based wines.
Malakoff Vineyard
 Malakoff Vineyard, though considered at the center of the famous Victorian Shiraz territory, is remote enough that it was considered by Michel Chapoutier as a place with virtually untapped potential. Located two hours northwest of Melbourne, the vineyard is on an eastern-facing slope of the southern edge of the Pyrenees Hills. In the southern hemisphere, this creates the best sun exposure, resulting in maximum fruit development and ripeness.
The climate at Malakoff Vineyard is ideal in that the heat is actually lower than that of regions further south. Despite ample sunshine, the cool upland location keeps the climate temperate, and thus produces a slow, late maturation. This, plus the late harvest time (April), creates the fine, ripe tannins that are characteristic of many premium Australian wines.
 Shiraz-Viogner Vineyard
Head south approximately two hours from the Malakoff Vineyards, and you enter the Geelong. Here is where the majority of the Shiraz-Viognier grapes are grown. This region is noted to be superior for growing Shiraz due to the ideally temperate climate, which is produced by the warm sun and the cooling, maritime breezes.
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