Oakridge Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2024

The Maker
Oakridge has been part of the Yarra Valley’s modern winemaking story since 1978, when Horst “Jim” Zitzlaff planted vines on a former cherry orchard at Wandin East. In those early years, the family concentrated on cabernet sauvignon, merlot and riesling, setting a foundation for what would become a pivotal role in the revival of the region. By the 1980s Oakridge had established itself as a name to watch, producing award-winning cabernet blends and carving out a distinctive identity in the valley’s reborn wine scene.

A new chapter began in 1998 with the move to Coldstream, where the winery and cellar door still sit at the heart of estate vineyards. Under the guidance of Chief Winemaker David Bicknell since 2002, Oakridge has built a reputation as one of Australia’s leading cool-climate producers, particularly recognised for single-site pinot noir and chardonnay. The estate has passed through different custodianships over the decades, but its focus has remained steady: to harness the character of the Yarra Valley’s diverse sites and translate them into wines of clarity and precision.

Today, Oakridge forms part of Paragon Wine Estates, alongside a collection of celebrated producers across Australia and New Zealand. With Bicknell and Chief Viticulturist Steve Faulkner still leading from the vineyard to the winery, Oakridge continues to shape the valley’s reputation on the world stage, balancing innovation with a deep respect for the land.

Philosophy
At Oakridge, the vineyard comes first. The belief that “wines are grown and not made” underpins every decision, with sustainability at the core of its practice. Certified by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, the team champions biological farming, cover crops, compost teas and an on-site insectarium — all designed to foster biodiversity and resilience. The aim is not only to grow exceptional fruit, but to leave the land in better condition for future generations.

In the winery, minimal intervention complements this philosophy. Native yeasts, gentle handling and careful oak use allow each site and vintage to express itself without excess manipulation. For Bicknell, detail is everything: balance in the vineyard translates into purity in the glass, where the nuances of soil, aspect and season are preserved.

This approach has earned Oakridge critical acclaim, from Halliday’s top-rated Australian Chardonnay to The Real Review’s Winery of the Year. Yet for the team, accolades are a by-product of a greater pursuit — crafting wines that speak clearly of the Yarra Valley, and ensuring the traditions and landscapes that sustain them endure well into the future.