McIvor Estate Cellar Door - TOOBORAC

Gary and Cynthia ( Cinzia) Harbor are the hosts at Mc Ivor Estate. Go there for: fabulous wines, picturesque cellar door, olive grove, vineyard , delicious Sardinian inspired antipasti. If you are lucky they will have cranked up the wood fired oven and have a special lunch on the go. check out the website for more details, but I can't think of a nicer way to while away a few lazy hours than tasting the line up of their wines while looking over the Harbors Italian inspired mixed estate.. my especial favourites are their Italian varieties.

We were greeted by Cynthia as we walked in and she proceeded to supply us with olives, olive oils and wine (all produced on the estate) as well as informing us about everything we were tasting. It would have been very easy to stay chatting and tasting with the very congenial hosts in this idyllic setting among the surrounding hills but all good things have to end. This was a repeat visit with exactly the same people and atmosphere. Well worth a stop.

When we drove up the driveway to the vineyard what first took our attention was the fantastic view over the vines. Then we were introduced to Cynthia and her husband who own the property. Lovely people. They asked us if we wanted to sit in the sun outside. Cynthia brought us some bread, house made olive oil and house made balsamic. This was to accompany the wines on tasting. Wonderful experience. Their wines are of high quality and typical of the Heathcote style of shiraz. Highly recommended

We dropped in on a lovely Sunday drive. The lady who helped us was charming and friendly. Whilst we didn't stay for food and I don't drink the atmosphere was something that would get us in the car for another visit.

The setting is ideal and the hosts, food and of course the wine all combined to make the luncheon memorable.This is my second visit, and certainly not my last , to this winery. Snuggled amongst the rolling mountains this winery makes outstanding olive oils and enjoyable wines.It was the local Heathcote celebrations and the small restaurant was bursting with people. However our waitress was outstanding and the service was unique in the way we seemed to be the only diners.!We knew the menu was for pizza but we were pleasantly surprised to have a three course meal plus coffee and wine for $45. I left clutching two bottles of their Cabernet Sauvignon and two bottles of oils but more important having feeling well satisfied with my lunch and the whole experience .I heartedly recommend a visit.