Story about: Missy & Harry Webber, Yarra Valley


The saying 'It's a dogs life' could have been coined to describe Missy and Harry who, with more than 200 hectares of vineyard as their backyard, have it better than most.

Missy and Harry are a familiar sight to the many visitors who come to De Bortoli's Yarra Valley Estate. Well loved by their owners Steve Webber and Leanne De Bortoli, they pretty much rule the roost.  Steve and Leanne have lived in the Yarra Valley for over 20 years, managing the De Bortoli family property that boasts some of the oldest vines in the Yarra Valley. In that time they have had three black labs, including Missy and Harry's predecessor Max, who would often be seen leading the harvester down the rows during vintage.

In recent years, more wildlife has been seen around the property as the vineyard has moved to biological farming. All in a quest to grow better fruit and make better wine. The results speak for themselves.

So next time you're in the valley, pop by and say hi to the two friendly black labs.

The De Bortoli family own 250 hectares of vineyards in the Yarra Valley, a beautiful cool-climate region just north-east of Melbourne. It is from here that family member, Leanne De Bortoli and her winemaker husband, Steve Webber, are turning conventional thinking on its head and in the process, are making some interesting wines.

Located at Dixons Creek, De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate has a good mix of varieties including; Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz as well as lesser known varieties such as Pinot Grigio, Viognier, Vermentino, Nebbiolo and Sangiovese.

Recent years at De Bortoli Yarra Valley have been marked by a complete turnaround in viticultural and winemaking practices stemming from the family's desire to make wines that reflect a sense of place. This fundamental philosophical change begins in the vineyard with a move toward biological viticultural practices in the belief that better soil and plant health will produce more sustainable vines and higher fruit quality. The preservation and longevity of the vineyards is something the family believes is one of the single most important legacies they can pass on to their children.

De Bortoli Yarra Valley has also been awarded best Australian Tourism Winery (2008 & 2009) and boasts a cheese room and Italian-inspired restaurant, Locale, featuring locally grown produce.