Brave Goose Vineyard

The Gaggle
The "Brave Goose" was the last of a gaggle bought to deter marauding cockatoos from young vines in 1988. She goose stepped resolutely along the rows surviving fox attacks and harsh winters, and her memory lives on!

John and Jo Stocker developed their interest in viticulture while living in Switzerland. On returning to Australia in 1987, they sought sunny slopes on the north of the Great Dividing range in the foothills of the Tallarook Ranges and began planting Cab Sauvignon and Shiraz, followed by Merlot, Malbec, Gamay, and most recently Viognier. Their aim was to achieve a high quality, low-yielding vineyard in the shallow, weathered ironstone soils. Two decades on, the vines are consistently producing top quality wines, and Jo and John are thrilled to be handing over the reins of this boutique operation to their winemaker daughter Nina and son-in-law John Day.

Nina and John returned to the Brave Goose Vineyard in 2011 following 4 years travelling and working in wineries and vineyards in Italy, France, Portugal and New Zealand. Nina was the winemaker for successful brand Catalina Sounds in Marlborough for 3 years, winning the Air New Zealand Trophy for Best Sauvignon Blanc in 2009. John Day was employed as vineyard manager for Catalina Sounds, where he grew award winning Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc for the brand. They are excited to be taking on the challenge of growing the family business and incorporating their experiences and expertise into the vineyard and winery.

Punter, socialite, recluse; All require a glass of Goose!