Building a Life in Coghills Creek

Together, Norman and Dianne built their own mud-brick home, established a large vegetable garden, and ran livestock, pursuing a vision of self-sufficiency and a slower, more grounded way of life.

From their home, they looked east across the Creswick Valley. To the west stood a striking granite outcrop known as Eastern Peake on Mount Bolton — the landmark that would eventually lend its name to the vineyard and become immortalised on every bottle label.

A Love of Wine

While the property provided the setting, it was Dianne's fascination with wine that would shape what came next.

She loved wine not simply for drinking, but for what it represented. In those days, the Australian wine industry was small and personal. You could visit a winery and meet the family responsible for every bottle. The idea that an entire season's work could be captured, preserved and shared through wine captivated her.

That fascination stayed with her.

The Advertisement That Changed Everything

In 1981, an advertisement in a newspaper would alter the course of the family's future.

A young winemaker named Trevor Mast, then working at Best's Great Western alongside Viv Thompson, was searching for growers willing to plant Pinot Noir in a cool-climate Grampians location.

Believing their land might be suitable, Dianne wrote a letter.

Around forty people applied. Five were shortlisted. Only two received the opportunity to proceed.

Norman and Dianne were among them.

Planting the First Vines

In November 1983, the first Pinot Noir cuttings were planted at Eastern Peake.

Trevor remained closely involved, becoming a mentor and guide as the young vineyard found its feet. After leaving Best's to focus on developing Mt Langi Ghiran, he continued to share his knowledge and encouragement.

One gift, in particular, would leave a lasting impression: a bottle of Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé.

His advice was simple.

"Make something like this."

The wine's balance, restraint and sense of place resonated deeply. It helped shape a philosophy that still guides Eastern Peake today — wines that are thoughtful, expressive and firmly connected to their vineyard origins.

Learning as They Went

There was no grand business plan.

Norman and Dianne asked questions, listened carefully, followed advice and learned through experience. Like many pioneering cool-climate growers of the era, they were figuring things out as they went.

At the same time, family life was growing alongside the vineyard. Son Owen was born in January 1984, with daughter Clare following in 1986.

As the vines matured, so too did the vision.

What Followed Became Eastern Peake

What began as a search for a simpler life evolved into one of Australia's enduring family-owned cool-climate wine estates.

Built on curiosity, perseverance, friendship and trust in the land, Eastern Peake has remained true to those early foundations. More than four decades on, the vineyard continues to tell the story that Norman and Dianne began in Coghills Creek — one vintage at a time.