VINEYARD ESTATE CELLARS

WOODS ROAD TARNEIT, WYNDHAM CITY

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

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  • History

    VINEYARD ESTATE CELLARS - History

    Oral history for the local area (from landowner) suggests that these structures were part of a mulberry wine making and storage facility. Due to the quantities of domestic artefacts on the site,people must have lived there. The period of occupation is suggested to commence in the 1850s.

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    Updated history:

    This site was originally recorded onto the Inventory by du Cros & Watt in 1993. The name of 'Leake's Cellars' was based on du Cros and Watts information from 'unanimous' local opinion that the cel lars were owned and operated by William Leake. However, they did note that the cellars are shown on a parish plan during Colin Campbell's ownersh ip of the land (Campbell owned the property between 1853 to 1887). From recent further research, it was found that the vineyard was briefly occupied by John Doherty in the early 1870's. The property was also mortgaged or leased to HJ Langdon around this time, though it is not known whether the cellars existed. Nevertheless, there appears to be no evidence that William Leake ever owned the property.

    Further historical background research may shed more light on who established the vineyard and cellars. However, based on the present known information, the cellars were likely built during Campbell's occupation. The present owner, Mr Trevor Davis, informed that the mulberry trees are what is left of what was once a larger orchard, and believes that the winery produced mulberry wine. Mr Davis, who has lived on the property since the early 1960s, has never known or heard of grapes being grown at the location (Davis, T. 2011, personal communication, 15 August). It is likely then, that Campbell was producing mulberry wine from his mulberry orchard, evidence of which (7 trees) remains approximately 80m north of the cellar complex.

    Archaeological Significance

    VINEYARD ESTATE CELLARS - Archaeological Significance

    The site is of high archaeological potential. Additional historical research is required to assess the popularity viability of the Mulberry Wine industry in Victoria. ------------------- H7822-0137 (HO's 29 & 30 - Wine Cellars) is a rare example of a large cellar complex that is associated with an historic mulberry orchard which is also rare. Although the complex's condition is variable, taking into consideration its rarity, overall the site is in good condition. Additionally, the site has archaeological values consisting of in situ and portable remains that are likely to contribute substantial information regarding the sites use, structure and possibly age particularly considering the lack of historically documented evidence for its existence. The site is considered to have high archaeological significance. [UPDATED 1 AUGUST 2022]

    Historical Significance

    VINEYARD ESTATE CELLARS - Historical Significance

    This site is of high historical significance is placed due to its ability to provide evidence of early attempts to grow commercial mulberry orchards and produce wine in this district. It is historically important that this activity was established during a period when grass crops and livestock were the dominant rural activities. ------------------------- H7822-0137 (HO's 29 & 30 - Wine Cellars) has certainly been influenced by a phase of activity within the activity area. This phase is represented by the establishment of a mulberry orchard from around the 1860's. A row of seven mulberry trees still exist at the location. Subsequently, historical documentation suggests that H7822-0137 was constructed due to the production of wine from the orchard. The substantial remains of this site are in varied condition. However, their existence, including the mulberry trees, is good evidence of the orcharding and wine producing phase of activity at the location. Therefore, H7822-0137 is assessed as having high historical significance. [UPDATED 1 AUGUST 2022]

    Interpretation of Site

    VINEYARD ESTATE CELLARS - Interpretation of Site

    Structure consistent with wine cellar form, notched out sections of bluestone suggest this structure may have been an above ground dwelling as well. The large site area 50 m x 25 m possibly represents a wine making and storage facility. However, more research is needed into the history of this site. -------------------------------- Updated: From current historical documentation, it appears likely that Colin Campbell developed a mulberry orchard during his occupation of the property between 1853 and 1887. During Campbell's occupation, "The Argus" (2 January 1867) advertised a property for sale "opposite Campbell's vineyard and farm" . The mention of a 'vineyard' suggests that the mulberry trees were utilised for the production of wine. Therefore, it is likely that the substantial cellar complex was constructed to produce and store such wine. It is not known when wine production on the property ceased and there is no presently known record of the cellar's use or existence since Campbell's occupation. The site is presently not being used for any purpose and has had basalt rubble from the adjacent paddocks 'pushed' into it. There is also historic debris of various ages present at the site. [UPDATED 1 AUGUST 2022]

    Heritage Inventory Description

    VINEYARD ESTATE CELLARS - Heritage Inventory Description

    Updated description: Within an infestation of boxthorn are the remains of a large bluestone complex. The largest features is a bluestone structure (17 m x 8 m) dug into the ground. A series of bluestone drystone walls are possible dwellings (all in a collapsed state) are visible. 19th century galss and ceramic scatters are visible and a ford crosses Skeleton Creek. [Reassessed for the Outer Western Metro Site Reassessment Project - Melton & Wyndham, March 2010] Previous description: Two cellars dug into the western face of a slope facing Skeleton Creek. Smaller cellar is of drystone wall construction. Larger cellar, possibly 2-storied, however drysone upper mortoured. Large cellar has been used as a rubbish dump. Drystone wall connecting two structures. Mulberry trees and an apricot tree in vicinity. Site surrounded and invaded by boxthorn. Heritage Inventory Significance: Site is of high local significance because it provides evidence of early attempts at orcharding and wine production in the Werribee district during a dominantly pastoral phase.
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