The Victory Hotel Circa 1858 is a place to share friendship over a drink and a meal; it has been so since the southern Fleurieu was opened up by the first crown surveyor, John McLaren. The Hotel looks north over the McLaren basin and sits in the foothills as the southern Willunga escarpment falls into the sea. The ocean has an influence on the comings and goings of daily life here.
The Rudderless vines are all grown on the five acre estate vineyard surrounding the Hotel. Combining the vineyards’ maritime climate and Winemaker Pete Fraser at Yangarras’ experience and dedication with Doug’s passion for his project, the resulting Rudderless wines are spectacular!
Doug Govan talks about the Rudderless vineyards…
The Lower Vineyard
“The original level-headed plan had been to plant 2.5 acres behind the hotel on my own property. However an identical size piece of land to the west beckoned me for two reasons.
Firstly it had been established with five meter tall almond trees which blocked the panoramic view; and secondly it had a gentler slope and would accordingly be easier to establish.
