Punt Road Wines and Napoleon & Co Cider is located in the Yarra Valley although the winery is named after a major thoroughfare in the middle of Melbourne. Considered one of the busiest roads in Melbourne, within walking distance from the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Punt Road Wines began in the 1850's as a quiet dirt road that ran into Yarra River. The road was surrounded by some of the first vineyards in Victoria, and was linked across the river by a punt, which would ferry people and goods to the other side. A bridge now stands where the punt once was, and the vineyards have been re-established throughout the Yarra Valley, where the grapes for this wine are grown today. The Punt Road Wines range consists of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Late Harvest Semillon. When vintage conditions permit, exclusive parcels will be labelled under the Punt Road MVN reserve label. In 2008, Punt Road Wines launched the Napoleone & Co. Cider range. Made from estate grown fruit, they produce both an apple and pear Cider as well as a sparkling Methode Traditionelle Pear Cider. 'Punt Road's name comes from Punt Road in the Melbourne suburb of South Yarra, the site of thriving vineyards 150 years ago. This beautifully tended modern vineyard is in prime Yarra Valley heartland, sharing its location with an apple orchard and a smart, comfortable cellar door. Punt Road wines are very good and well priced for their quality.' Ralph Kyte-Powell.
