Today, in respect for the vision, quality of fruit and wine produced from Mrs. Hopwood’s vineyard (as it was locally known), our “Hopwood Winery” has released a magnificent range of wines under “Charlotte’s Farm” label. The estate grown 2004 and 2005 vintage wines will be available from all good liquor outlets, restaurants, by mail order or by visiting the winery on the outskirts of Echuca on the Murray Valley Highway. The history of the district is a long one and has been confirmed repeatedly with wines winning acclaim, starting with early success at the Grand Colonial Exhibition in Melbourne in 1875, the Philadelphia Exhibition in 1876 and reconfirmed repeatedly up until present time with the success of wineries such as Tisdall’s and John Ellis of Hanging Rock fame.   Hopwood Cira 1860         Verdelho, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet and Sangiovese, crafted by renowned winemaker Don Buchanan and his dedicated staff, are available in the first release and are bound to please, providing excellent consistency of style, value for money and distinctive packaging. The district is capable of producing many excellent styles for current drinking or more iconic wines for cellaring and maturation. Petite Syrah, Petit Verdot, eclectic blends of these with the regal Cabernet or Shiraz and wood matured Chardonnay with all the complexity of malolactic fermentation do extremely well in our soils and climate and are worth looking out for over the coming months.