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Living and working in the King Valley in Victoria has long been dream of wine maker Sam Miranda
It was 1991 when he was first introduced to this magnificent part of the world. At that time Sam and family were living in Griffith NSW producing some very good wines, when several growers from the King Valley visited Griffith to sell their fruit, and so began a strong bond with the people and the environment of King Valley.
Sam really started to appreciate the fresh style and complex structure of wines produced from King Valley fruit when he became a wine maker in the area in 1996. This prompted him and his family to purchase a 70 hectare property on the corner of Snow and Whitfield Roads in 1997 with the intention of building a winery the following year.
The dream came true in 1998, when the construction took place on the main route 2.5 hours from Melbourne on the way to Bright, Falls Creek and Mt. Hotham. “It was bonus really” said Sam, being amongst the beautiful environment of The King Valley and so close to the Victorian Ski Fields.
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In 2003 life took a new turn for Sam when it was decided the family business ( Miranda Wines ) would be sold to McGuigan Simeon in October of that year. To Sam the future lay in the King Valley, so during the negotiations taking place he purchased the King Valley property and took ownership of the winery in early 2004, just prior to the 2004 vintage.
Sam has always wanted to produce wines from the King Valley area that express the fresh, cool climate of the region
The High Plains whites reflect exactly that, with grapes sourced from two of the better growing sites in the upper King Valley. It has certainly been a big success for everyone within the Sam Miranda Family. In 2004 Miranda purchased a 120 hectare property in the Myrrhee district of King Valley which currently has 12 Hectares under vines. Not only is this a rich and productive property, it also offers magnificent views over the surrounding mountains, a nice way to work while Sam sits on his tractor some 5oo metres above sea level.
To Sam the future is written in hard work and strong development; in being able to plant, grow, source and make his own wines that reflect the true style of King Valley. The aim is to produce a vast selection of varieties suited to the cooler parts of the magnificent valley, like Sangiovese, Pinot Gris, Pinot Menuir, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay and some unusual varieties such as Petit Manseng, Tempranillo, & Saperavi.
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To make a visit to the Sam Miranda winery and enjoyable and worthwhile experience, the family is planning a new cellar door designed by well known Sydney architect, Alex Popov. Stage 1 will be the cellar door while stage 2 will incorporate a restaurant and function area. The design will be modern but simplistic offering a relaxed atmosphere to compliment Sam’s wines and the beautiful surroundings. Work is set to start in Jan 2006, with along term plan over 5 to 10 years that will eventually see accommodation as part of the package.
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In 2005, the well renowned Symphonia label found its new home at Sam Miranda Wines
A gem of North East Victoria, Symphonia wines have long established themselves as the Australian pioneers of such interesting varietals as Saperavi, Tempranillo and Petit Manseng.
"We are all very excited about Symphonia, and are eager to continue the Miranda tradition and passion for premium wines. We are thrilled at the prospect of working together in a region where we can produce the best the King Valley has to offer!"
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