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James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2008 Edition

 

The Wood Park Story

With an environmental science background John Stokes planted his Wood Park vineyard amongst regenerating natural bush land in the foothills of the Victorian Alps in 1989. At that time, wines in the King Valley were being made by the first wave of winemakers predominantly, Brown Brothers. Through the 1980s, a second wave of winemakers was emerging.

John Stokes discovered wine making from literally stomping on a small vat of his cabernet/shiraz grapes. It really was a surprise, to win best overall wine in the local wine show. He won again for the next two years, and it became clear that a strong passion was unfolding. John went on to produce his hallmark Cabernet Shiraz Blend. But he needed a white. Local winemaker from Giaconda, Rick Kinzbrunner made the first four vintages of chardonnay, in the Burgundian style that John has continued.