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Clyde Park is one of the crown jewels of the Geelong wine region. Perched on the steep, north-facing slopes of the Moorabool River Valley, this boutique estate has earned a formidable reputation for producing some of Australia’s most expressive, character-rich cool-climate wines. From its pioneering roots in 1979 to its current status as an estate-grown legend, Clyde Park represents the absolute peak of Geelong winemaking.

The Pioneers: Gary Farr and the Legacy of Clyde Park

The story of Clyde Park began in 1979 when it was established by the legendary Gary Farr. Long before Geelong was recognized globally for its premium cool-climate wines, Farr recognized the immense potential of the region's north-facing slopes and planted a modest acreage of Pinot Noir. His vision laid the foundation for what would become an iconic Australian vineyard.

Over the decades, the property has passed through several hands, but its soul was truly cemented when current owners Terry Jongebloed and Sue Dixon took the reins. For more than 20 years, Terry and Sue have poured their passion into the estate, preserving Gary Farr's original legacy while modernizing the viticulture to unlock the full potential of this extraordinary site.

Bannockburn & Moorabool Valley: Geelong's Extreme Terroir

Nestled in the historic Bannockburn subregion—approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Geelong—Clyde Park sits at the heart of the Moorabool Valley. This unique pocket of Geelong is cradled by the Moorabool River, which provides a natural microclimate offering essential warmth and protection from harsh southern winds.

The geology here is dramatic. An ancient, dormant volcano has gifted the valley with rare soils featuring rich deposits of dark basalt over deep limestone beds. Lying in the rain shadow of the Otway Ranges, Clyde Park receives minimal rainfall. While these dry volcanic soils and constant breezes make conventional farming challenging, they force the vines to produce naturally low yields of tiny, thick-skinned berries. This intense concentration results in Pinot Noir wines of incredible depth, structure, and lively natural acidity.

The Single-Block Pinot Noirs: A Masterclass in Soil Expression

At Clyde Park, the low-yield approach reaches its peak in their single-block releases. As the vines have matured past the 30-year mark, they have developed deep root systems that reveal an ever more profound and nuanced expression of their terroir.

Their flagship Single Vineyard F Block (planted in 1979, now nearly 47 years old) produces a structured, earthy, and highly complex Pinot Noir that is widely regarded as a Geelong benchmark. This is complemented by the 30-year-old B2 Block and the floral, cherry-bright D Block. Together, they demonstrate how varying micro-terroirs within the same estate can create completely distinct flavor profiles.

Experience Clyde Park: Cellar Door and Beyond

Beyond the bottle, Clyde Park offers one of the most stunning cellar door experiences in Victoria. Visitors can taste the estate’s extensive range while looking out over the rolling Moorabool Valley, paired with a wood-fired menu that champions local Geelong produce.

Whether you are collecting their ageworthy single-block releases or enjoying their vibrant estate wines, Clyde Park remains a shining example of Geelong’s potential to craft world-class, cool-climate Pinot Noir.

👉 Explore Our Complete Geelong Pinot Noir Range Here