Why Houdini?

Though best known as a master of illusion, Harry Houdini was also the first successful aviator in Australia.

This historic achievement provides the inspiration for Houdini Wines, a boutique vineyard located on Holden Road, Diggers Rest, and the flight path of what Houdini later described as a “glorious thrill”.

The towering gum trees that were witness to Houdini’s flight now shelter our vines, which thrive in the rich red earth of this region whose reputation grows with each vintage.

About Us

The vines that make Houdini Wines were planted by hand late 2001. The root stock of our Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon waited patiently on the dams edge until all was ready.

Once planted it was up to Mother Nature to give us water for the dam so that they would survive.

The drought made the first 4 years of there life very hard. Losing many plants each year and replanting only just to lose more again. It was at this time that we decided to plant Pinot Noir.

Although Mother Nature does a lot in our vineyard, we just make sure now that we fill in the gaps when she’s busy!

We at Houdini Wines use recycled water supplied by Western Water through the Sunbury/Melton Recycled Water Scheme. Having the recycled water has enabled our vineyard to flourish and grow and be as productive as it is today.

Harvest

Once our grapes have reached their peak, we then have professional pickers come in and harvest.

Our first harvest was a very special and exciting time for us. Once the pickers had nearly finished picking the vineyard we arrange for some family and friends to spend a day with us picking.

Our first harvest was sent out to be crushed and processed and by the time it was ready to be bottled we had built our storage shed. This enabled us to bring our barrels back to the vineyard ready to bottle.