OUR JOURNEY
Topper’s Mountain was never about taking the easy road.
From the beginning, our vision was to create wines of intrigue and beauty from a place few expected to see vines thrive. Planted high on the edge of the New England Tablelands, the vineyard has grown through challenge as much as opportunity. Fires, droughts, and the hurdles of being outside a “known” wine region have tested us, but each challenge has deepened our connection to this land and our belief in its potential.
Our journey is defined by perseverance, passion and care. From day one, we chose to farm without pesticides or synthetic fertilisers, turning instead to organic practices and natural soil health.
Even after the devastating 2019 Tingha Plateau bushfire, when replanting was the only option, we stayed true to this path. Every setback has been met with resilience, shaping wines that reflect not just our site, but the spirit behind it.
Founded by Mark and Stephanie Kirkby between 1998 and 2002, the vineyard was planted with rare and lesser-known varietals from the outset — Nebbiolo, Tempranillo, Gewürztraminer and more — chosen to make the most of this unusual terroir.
Experimentation quickly became part of our DNA, with the now-famous “Fruit Salad” block guiding which varieties would thrive here and leading to some of our most exciting discoveries, from Manseng to our bone-dry Gewürztraminer.
Today, Topper’s Mountain stands for innovation, authenticity and a quiet confidence in what we create. Every bottle carries the story of a family choosing to forge its own way—and of a place whose character is revealed in every glass.