Eastern Peake’s first vines were planted in 1983 on grey loam basalt soils at Coghills Creek, about half an hour’s drive from Ballarat. It’s now established as a leading producer of cool climate wines, nurtured by one of the best hands in the business.

Owen Latta is 2018’s Gourmet Traveller Young Winemaker of the Year, and is responsible for the winery’s minimal intervention pinot noirs, chardonnays and syrahs (but with maximum complexity of flavour).

Eastern Peake gets its name from nearby Mt Bolton and sits on a plateau overlooking the Creswick Valley. It’s a gorgeous setting to sample a few glasses at the glass-fronted cellar door, paired with cheese, olives and charcuterie from local artisan producers.

You can join Owen Latta on a guided winery tour, where he’ll share the farming and winemaking philosophy behind Eastern Peake and Latta wines. Included with the ticket price are barrel samples; a flight of six wines from Eastern Peake and Latta Vino; a regional produce board; and naturally, a bottle of vino to take home.