The deck and view at Squitchy Lane (source: Squitchy Lane Instagram)
Squitchy Lane: Small and quality
Review
Address: 9 Medhurst Rd, Gruyere VIC 3770
Varieties include: Sauvignon Blanc (inc a Fume Blanc style), Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Merlot
Experience
Small and friendly, with top quality wines, Squitchy Lane is a little known gem in the back blocks of Gruyere. Inspired by the wines of Mount Mary, owner Mike Fitzpatrick (of AFL fame) wanted to create a boutique winery producing wines with impact. Today, while still small, the wines are some of the most awarded in The Valley. Walking into the small cellar door, it has a homely feel with a great view.
Entrance to Squitchy Lane in Gruyere (source: Squitchy Lane Instagram)
Wines
Wines here are all about the classic French styles, covering elements of Burgundy, Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is probably their most famous and awarded variety and their Fume Blanc style Sauvignon Blanc is a cult classic, oaked and more like a Chardonnay than the tropical NZ Sauv Blancs many people are used to. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also excellent. There’s often the opportunity to purchase back vintage bargains too.
Their amazing Fume Blanc (source: Squitchy Lane Instagram)
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Setting
A tiny cellar door, with a small deck looking out over the vineyards. It’s a great little spot, not meant for big crowds, a very peaceful spot to enjoy a tasting and then maybe a glass of wine on the deck.
Back view of the Squitchy Lane cellar door, taken from down near the vines (source: Squitchy Lane Instagram)
What we like
The small and friendly vibes and excellent wines.
What we don’t like
From a wine tour perspective, they only take groups of around 6 people, so it is very limiting for Wine Compass purposes.
Read more about Yarra Valley wineries or return to the Yarra Valley wine tour page.