In 2012, the Wiley family bought the property that would soon become The Six Js Estate. The property had previously been a very successful vineyard, winery and restaurant, run by John and Lynne Derwin. Roundstone Vineyard previously won many awards and recognition for its wine, particularly the Gamay. In February of 2009 the Black Saturday fires devastated the Roundstone Vineyard that John and Lynne had built.  All that survived was the hay shed and the sheep. Sadly, John and Lynne were unable to rebuild and made the difficult decision to sell in 2012 after reinstating the vineyard and harvesting grapes in 2011 and 2012. 

Upon purchase of the property, the only structures were a portable classroom (1950's vintage) sitting on one of the concrete foundations of a prior dwelling, and the hay shed. There was no drinkable running water and there was only power to the pump shed. The great fortune was the bulk of the vines survived.  Deciduous "green" trees and plants have shown to be very resilient to the fury of the fires and the vines proved no exception.  We do however have about 1500 "gaps" in our vineyard and we continue to slowly replant.  It is slow work but progress is being made. Currently, we have approximately 12 acres of vines at The Estate.  
The inspiration behind the name came from the six children of Christine and Malcolm.  Partly accidental and partly by design, all six children have a middle name beginning with "J".  The inspiration goes beyond the name.  All of the children take an active part in many of the wine making and viticulture tasks. 

Prior to 2016, De Bortoli wines managed the vines and used the grapes for their wines. In 2016 the Wiley family began to run the viticulture at The Six Js Estate.  Currently, our grapes are sold to a number of wine makers who value quality fruit and the care we take to ensure consistency from season to season.  In 2018 we made our first wine and The Six Js Estate was a fully functioning winery.

Our story is really just starting. There is so much more development and creative work to be done at The Six Js Estate.  Our passion for creating great wine is without question and being able to live that passion and include our entire family is a great privilege. 

Meet The Family Behind The Wine

Malcolm ~ The Winemaker.

After decades as a practicing medical professional, Malcolm's love of wine led him down an entirely new path. So began the story of The Six Js Estate. Today, Malcolm plays one of the most important roles in the Estate's operations as our wine maker and viticulturist. Malcolm's vision for the Estate is one that incorporates his six children, the inspiration behind the name, and sees a bright future in which each child has a place.

Malcolm continues to practice as a doctor in the north of Melbourne.  Voltaire is quoted as saying "the art of medicine consists in amusing the patient, while nature cures the disease".  In wine making there is a similar balance between art and science and Malcolm brings his "surgical precision" and bed side manner to every vintage.

Every wine is carefully developed to meet Malcolm's high standards; If it doesn't appeal to his palette, it won't be a product of The Six Js!

James

James ran the viticulture operations during his time as a Student at RMIT studying Engineering.  He is still very connected to the Estate and comes out of "retirement" at least once a year to assist at harvest time.

Josephine

Josephine now resides in Sydney and together with her partner was instrumental in setting up most of the IT side of our small family business.  

John

John's high-school artwork appears on our very first vintage label, the 2018 First Light Shiraz.  His passion for the artistic crafts has taken him to furniture making and his workshop is located on site at our vineyard / farm.  Look him up on instagram at angusjohnfurniture!

Jeffrey

Jeffrey is working in the building industry and on his weekends he supplies the Estate with his building skills to continue the development of our property.  His passion for the arts remains strong and Jeffrey is responsible for most of the art work on our bottles.  

Jane

Jane is almost finished school.  Her passion is to create and innovate and with her keen artistic eye and her considerable skills in French she would like to further her studies overseas when she finishes school.  

Jethro

Jethro, the youngest of The Six Js, is studying at high school.  Being very talented at almost everything has us all guessing as to where his future lies.  Hopefully if he does go to university he can help during Vintage!!   :)

Six Js Estate Staff

Audrey

After working within the community based / youth work sector for a number of years, Audrey found herself at a loose end towards the end of covid and a chance conversation brought her to our attention. She quickly discovered a sense of calm and fulfilment working outdoors in nature which naturally developed into a deeper interest in the beauty and process of carefully managing the vines. Audrey is now an experienced part of our operations and works closely with Malcolm to manage the viticulture and winemaking at our Estate.
54 Willow Bend Drive
Steels Creek, 3775
​Victoria, Australia
Facebook
​Instagram
Victorian Liquor License
License No. 36156299
​Drink responsibly.
WARNING
Under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998, it is an offence:
To supply alcohol to a person under the age of 18 years (Penalty exceeds $17,000)
For a person under the age of 18 years to purchase or receive liquor (Penalty exceeds $700)
Proudly powered by Weebly