Boutique Winery Mundrakoona Estate (Vigneron Licence No. 24006988) is a family owned and operated vineyard and winery 4 kms south of Mittagong in the cool climate wine region of the Southern Highlands of NSW. The Balog family's efforts have succeeded in turning a rough bush block and derelict house into a modern vineyard and boutique winery. (The name 'Mundrakoona' was devised by eldest daughter Mary-Kate when she was younger, meaning a 'magical place to play' - her Shangri-La.) The Balog family Josef Balog was born in the wine growing regions of Austria. An artisan blacksmith by trade, Josef has constructed the tanks used in the winery and other implements required on the property. Visitors to the vineyard can also see Josef working at the forge and purchase the traditional decorative iron work he produces. His wife Barbara manages cellar door sales and promotion and takes a keen interest in the local wine industry. She is past President of the Southern Highlands Vignerons Association. Eldest son Anton is Mundrakoona's winemaker. Although young, Anton has had considerable experience with vintages in Australia and Europe. His wines under the family label have already achieved encouraging success and some notable acclaim. His brother, viticulturist Mark, assists with vintage and maintaining the vineyard and has his own viticulture business which services vineyards in the area. Daughters Mary-Kate, currently working overseas, and Anna, studying Business and Tourism at university, also take a strong interest in the winery. Cool climate vineyard. The three hectare vineyard at Mundrakoona is planted to Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo. The European technique of close vine spacings is used to yield low crops of grapes with maximum flavour. The well drained soil on the estate consists of gravelly, sandy loam over a sandstone base. Other grapes are sourced from selected local vineyards and vintaged at the winery. Visitors welcome. Visitors are welcome at Mundrakoona Estate. On arrival you are likely to be met by the family's two friendly dogs. The Cellar Door is open from 10.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 5.00pm on weekends and Public Holidays for tastings and sales. Tours of the vineyard and winery, where you can see the winemaking process, are available by appointment. (Coaches welcome by prior arrangement.) Traditional blacksmith. On most days you can see Josef at work in the blacksmith's shop. The display of wrought iron artefacts in the tasting room - decorative gates, balustrades, window boxes and candelabra - is also available for sale. Local paintings and produce can also be purchased at the Cellar, where a wood fire awaits you in winter months. For further information, please see our Contact Us page.

Home Page | The Winemaker | Vintages | The Blacksmith | Merchandise | Contact Us