About Us

The Blue Gables Story

Alistair Hicks and his wife Catherine were searching for a lifestyle change when they planted their first vines on land carved from Catherine’s father’s dairy farm in 2004.

Positioned high above the beautiful Macalister Irrigation District in Central Gippsland, Blue Gables Vineyard is a truly distinctive vineyard site. The elevated site, combined with its exposed aspect and unique position within the landscape, creates a remarkable microclimate unlike many other parts of Gippsland.

Warm, sunny days are followed by significantly cooler nights due to the absence of coastal influence, creating dramatic day-to-night temperature variations. This unique climate closely mirrors the conditions found in Burgundy, France, where similar temperature shifts help produce wines of elegance, complexity and longevity.

Recognised as one of the warmer vineyard sites in Gippsland, Blue Gables benefits from extended ripening conditions while retaining the freshness, natural acidity and structure essential for premium wine production. The combination of elevation, climate and our distinctive soil profile provides the foundation for wines with richness, depth, vibrant aromas and exceptional varietal expression.

At Blue Gables, our wines are deeply site specific - crafted to reflect the unique characteristics of our vineyard. Every bottle tells the story of this place: the elevated site, the climate, the soils, and the landscape. This connection between vineyard and wine creates a true sense of place, allowing each variety to express its own personality and individuality.

Our winemaking philosophy is centred around minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard to take the lead. By respecting the natural qualities of the fruit and carefully guiding the winemaking process, we aim to preserve the purity, texture and character of each variety. Our approach is focused on balance, patience and allowing the unique expression of the Blue Gables vineyard to shine through in every bottle.

Our journey as a wine producer began with our first vintage in 2008, when we released our inaugural Sauvignon Blanc. In 2009, we expanded our range with our first complete collection of table wines, showcasing the character and quality of our estate-grown fruit.

In 2010, we introduced our sparkling wines, adding Sparkling Chardonnay and Sparkling Pinot Gris to the Blue Gables portfolio. This was followed in 2012 with the release of our Sparkling Shiraz, which has become a signature style and a reflection of our passion for crafting distinctive wines with character.

In 2015, we welcomed winemaker Alastair Butt to Blue Gables, beginning an exciting new chapter in our winemaking journey. Alastair’s expertise and attention to detail helped refine the expression of our vineyard, building on the strong foundations established from our earliest vintages.

This commitment to quality was recognised when Blue Gables Vineyard was awarded a prestigious 5 Star James Halliday Winery rating in 2019. We are proud to have maintained our 5-Star James Halliday Winery rating in 2026, reflecting our ongoing dedication to producing premium wines of consistency, quality and distinction.

Today, Blue Gables is home to 14,000 vines across Shiraz, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Sangiovese and Pinot Noir, producing 30–50 tonnes of estate-grown fruit each year.

After years of producing wines from our special vineyard site, we have now entered an exciting new era with the completion of our own on-site winery. Our first vintage was completed in our new winery in 2026 - a significant milestone that allows us to craft our wines right here at Blue Gables.

Working collaboratively, Alistair Hicks and fellow winemaker Xavier Goodridge are bringing together experience, innovation and a shared passion for expressing the true character of this remarkable vineyard.

The first releases from our new winery including our Rosé, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc are now available. Our highly anticipated reds and Chardonnay are continuing to mature and will be bottled in February 2027, marking another exciting milestone in the evolution of Blue Gables.

Our Cellar Door remains the heart of the estate, welcoming guests throughout the year to experience our wines alongside wood-fired pizzas, warm hospitality and breathtaking views across the Newry Flats in the Macalister Irrigation District.

Blue Gables is more than a vineyard - it's a place where family, landscape and craftsmanship come together. Through site-specific wines, minimal intervention winemaking and a deep respect for our vineyard, every bottle reflects our passion for this remarkable place and our commitment to creating wines with authenticity, individuality and a true sense of place.