Silos Estate & Wileys Creek

The property encompassing Silos Estate was established by John Wiley (a Scot) in 1870 who bought the land and began the farming of the property nearly 150 years ago. For a lengthy period of time the property was a dairy, and many of the old farm buildings form part of the current estate operations today.

Since 1984 the property has changed hands several times, with various owners restoring the buildings, planting the vineyard and establishing the restaurant and cellar door.

Your hosts – Sophie and Rajarshi – have been at the property since 2007. Since then the property has found a new lease of life with the accommodation having been further developed and upgraded, the winery and cellar door expanded and new labels for the winery released. A near picture perfect vista now greets all visitors whether they come to the tasting room; stay at the accommodation or enjoy a meal at Silos Restaurant.

In 2007 Silos Estate outlined a three year plan to become fully self sufficient in energy needs and address unsustainable production practices. This goal was achieved in mid-2010, with the Estate actually becoming carbon neutral for its energy needs in mid-2008.

All energy for the winery, accommodation and cellar door is generated via solar or wind power (100% renewable energy sources); all old and/or inefficient lighting and appliances have been replaced; all glass and paper is recycled; where possible all food waste is composted and its production process for viticulture and wine making completely redesigned (it is a non-irrigating vineyard; has removed all known environmentally damaging chemicals/sprays; use low carbon bottles for wine packaging etc.).

Silos Estate has now reduced its environmental footprint to such an extent by generating its own energy, it is anticipated that the Estate will soon be carbon negative i.e. sequester or offset more carbon than it emits particualrly when combined with it’s tree planting program (over 3,000 trees planted since 2007).