Back in the early 1990s, Eastern Peake founder Norman Latta convinced two close friends, Frank Walsh and Pat Griffin, to plant vines in our tiny township of Coghills Creek. At the time, the region's potential for cool-climate wine was only just beginning to reveal itself, but Norman believed these sites could produce something special.
In 1995, Pinot Noir was planted across both vineyards, while Pat also chose to plant Chardonnay — a decision that has certainly stood the test of time.
Those early years were shaped by community. Vineyard life in Coghills Creek was deeply collaborative, with neighbours sharing machinery, labour, knowledge and long days during harvest. It was a hands-on, grassroots effort, with everyone pitching in to help establish vineyards and build a future for wine growing in the district.
Many of our favourite photographs from this era come from Dianne Latta's family albums. They offer a glimpse into the early days of Eastern Peake and the people who helped make it possible.
Pat Griffin was not only the grower behind the Griffins Road vineyard, but also a close friend and regular part of the Eastern Peake story. The photographs capture more than vineyards and vines; they reflect the friendships that surrounded them. Among our favourites are the end-of-vintage dinners — tired faces gathered around a table, big laughs, and the kind of community spirit that helped shape these vineyards from the very beginning.
The vineyard sits on Griffins Road beneath Griffins Hill, land connected to one of Coghills Creek's original farming families. The site itself carries an even deeper history. Long before the current vineyard was planted, it was home to the original Myola vineyard, established in 1862 by John Hawkins, alongside a thriving orchard that once stretched across the property.
Following Pat's passing in the early 2000s, the vineyard changed hands and spent many years outside the Eastern Peake fold. Then, decades later, a young farming family contacted Owen Latta to discuss the future of the site. Together, we agreed to a long-term lease that allowed Eastern Peake to once again farm this special piece of land.
Since returning to our care, the vineyard has been transitioned to organic and regenerative farming practices, continuing a tradition of stewardship and respect for the land. Our focus is on improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and ensuring the site can thrive for generations to come.
Today, the return of Griffins Road Chardonnay and Pinot Noir under the Eastern Peake label feels less like a new release and more like the continuation of a story.
A story that began with neighbours, friendship and a shared belief in the land, and one that continues to unfold with every vintage.
