A standout feature of the Ocean Eight Cellar Door is the underground barrel room. You need to make an appointment if you want to get down there for a tasting, but calling ahead is a small price to pay for a pretty unique experience.
If you’re lucky, your tasting will be led by winemaker Mike Aylward. Mike’s from a winemaking family – his parents owned Kooyong – and after the family vineyard was sold, Mike started Ocean Eight with his parents and took on the role of head winemaker. He’s also spent a lot of time in Burgundy, France.
Ocean Eight produces small quantities of wine, mostly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, all fermented with wild yeasts, and all of exceptional quality. Here, it’s quality over quantity.
