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Meet The Maker

Raise a glass to our monthly showcase, "Meet the Makers", where we uncork the secrets of Victoria's top wineries, one bottle at a time. This month, taste the passion, art, and terroir that go into every drop at Zonzo Estate.
Zonzo Estate

The Vineyard

Located in the heart of the world renowned wine region of the Yarra Valley, two kilometers west of the township of Yarra Glen, surrounded by undulating hills and the gentle twists and bends of the Yarra River, you will find Zonzo Estate; which operates as a winery, restaurant, wedding venue and working farm.

Established in 2007, Zonzo Restaurant was the first of its kind in the region. Offering authentic, homestyle Italian cuisine down long shared tables, where everyone could come together, feast and indulge in la dolce vita. This converted old milking shed, complete with picturesque views, has become synonymous with celebrations; from birthdays to weddings and everything in between, offering delicious wood-fired pizzas, to homemade pastas, all paired with the perfect drop of vino. 

The Winemaker

In 2015 Director Rod Micallef acquired the surrounding property, which included 45 acres of vines, and renamed the precinct Zonzo Estate. Soon the Restaurant would be able to offer Estate grown wines alongside its delicious wood-fired offerings.

Caroline Mooney was engaged as the head Winemaker to bring the first vintage to life and has been an integral part of the team since. Caroline was raised in the Yarra Valley (on a farm next to Zonzo Estate, no less). Her understanding of terroir is instinctive and her respect for the land and traditional winemaking process helps to create expressive wines.

When it comes to crafting the perfect drop, Caroline believes it is important to use traditional winemaking techniques, and instinct. Ensuring her approach varies based on seasonal changes and site variation. The result is wine with nuances unique to each variety shining through. 

In keeping with the traditions of the Restaurant the wines produced by Caroline and her team are made with food pairings and celebrations in mind, whether you are enjoying them in the Zonzo Restaurant or in the comfort of your own home. 

Rod is always looking ahead, and with the help of Caroline and the rest of the team, embarked on an ambitious project in 2019: to convert an empty urban warehouse into a sustainable winery. Doing nothing by half, every inch of the winery has been optimised for making wine by hand including custom tanks and fermenters. It is a place where a passion for winemaking and commitment to preserving the planet merges, using the latest technology for heating, cooling, recycled water and solar power.