In 1977, Peter Donovan and his family established a new vineyard and winery just south of Stawell in Western Victoria. Situated on a rocky incline on the western slopes of the Black Range, the picturesque vineyard overlooks the magnificent Grampians ranges. In establishing this vineyard, Peter Donovan and his family are, at least, the 5th and 6th generation to continue the family’s proud history in viticulture and winemaking.
The vineyard is situated in the cool climate area of Victoria in the Grampians region. Grapes are hand picked, and winemaking follows the traditional, old method with basket press and open fermentation.
Peter Donovan’s family history in Australian viticulture started when his Great Grandfather, Pietro Pola, aged 21, left his homeland in the canton of Girsens, Switzerland to embark on the ‘Marco Polo’, departing from Liverpool in late 1858. It would seem that Pietro already had a background in viticulture and winemaking, as family papers from 1894 make mention of 40 pieces of properties in Switzerland, including “vineyards at Selvetta” and “33 barrels”.
Sometime between 1870 and 1874, Pietro purchased land at Rhymney, not far from the township of Great Western, which he named ‘St Marks’. With his brother Martino, Pietro planted the first vines in the Rhymney neighborhood. He steadily built up a fine property and his pioneering work as a vigneron led many others to plant vines in the district.
In 1887 the Centennial Exhibition Wine Committee visited the area to encourage participation at this significant event. At that time, Pietro had 16 acres under vines and a substantial stone cellar with a large underground area for wine maturation and storage. A 3 year old blend of tokay and chasselas impressed the visitors.
Pietro Pola died in 1924 aged 88 years and 7 months. Wine production was continued on the property, which still remains in the family, until the 1950s.