Every vineyard has a story, and here in Coghills Creek many of those stories begin with friendship.

Back in the early 1980s, Norman Latta and Dianne Pym took a leap of faith when they responded to a call from winemaker Trevor Mast, who was searching for growers willing to plant cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. As vines went into the ground at Eastern Peake, neighbours and friends watched on with interest. Before long, others joined the journey. Patrick Griffin established Griffins Road, while Frank and Kerry Walsh planted what would become Walsh Block. Together, these vineyards helped shape the early story of our small corner of the Coghills Creek GI.

As many know by now, my parents’ journey into wine began as contract grape growers for the late, great Trevor Mast during the formative vineyard years of the 1980s and 1990s. It was a remarkable period in Victorian wine, when new vineyards were appearing across the landscape and a strong sense of community bound growers and winemakers together. Machinery was shared, advice freely given, and friendships forged through long days in the vineyard and even longer conversations around the table. That spirit remains part of the fabric of our little corner of Coghills Creek, just outside Ballarat.

This is the second story in our series celebrating the vineyard sites planted by friends and neighbours who became part of the Latta family wine story.

Griffins Road Vineyard

Some stories in wine begin long before the bottle.

This one begins with neighbours, friendship, and a shared belief in the land.

Origins: The Story of Eastern Peake

The Beginning

Eastern Peake began as a small project born from curiosity, hard work, and a deep connection to the land.

In the late 1970s, Dianne Pym and Norman Latta purchased a property in the tiny township of Coghills Creek, just 25 kilometres north-west of Ballarat in Western Victoria. Their ambition was not to start a winery. Instead, they were seeking a simpler life — one shaped by the rhythms of the seasons and a closer relationship with the land.

We’re proud to share a meaningful milestone in our vineyard journey.

A quiet moment of gratitude

Eastern Peake has always been about place, patience and people rather than headlines. So when thoughtful wine reviews arrive, particularly ones that speak so clearly to the vineyard and the season, we take a moment to pause and feel quietly grateful.

The 2023 vintage was one that asked for attention. Cool conditions, careful decisions and a steady hand in the vineyard shaped both our Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. To see all of the 2023 releases met with such positive and considered reviews is deeply rewarding, not just as winemakers, but as custodians of this small corner of Coghills Creek.

Among the reviews was something particularly rare: a 99-point score for the 2023 Block 1989 Pinot Noir. This vineyard block, planted in 1989, has long been a touchstone for us. It carries decades of history, resilience and character, and each year it quietly tells its own story. To see that story resonate so strongly is both humbling and affirming.

These wines are the result of many hands, many seasons and many years of learning. We share this moment with everyone who has walked the rows with us, poured a glass, asked a question, or simply taken the time to listen to what these wines have to say.

Thank you for being part of the journey. We’ll keep doing what we’ve always done—letting the vineyard lead, and trusting the work.

The trees endure, the land has memory exhibition

Ballarat International Foto Biennale August 23rd - October 19th

We are thrilled to host artist David Rosendale as part of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale and offer Artist Workshops in our glass walled cellardoor offering a spectacular rural outlook over Creswick Valley

Owen Latta, winemaker and director of Latta Vino and Eastern Peake, is honoured to announce that he has been awarded the prestigiousYoung Gun of Wineaward for 2025.

Recognised as one of the most forward-thinking and progressive accolades in the Australian wine industry, the Young Gun of Wine award celebrates innovation, individuality, and the future of winemaking.

2023 Single Vineyard Release 

It has been quite a little while since our last wine release, this one is full to the brim with ten new exciting wines… plus 2 that have slipped through over the summer break without a proper introduction. Upon writing this it’s been so great to reflect on the 2023 harvest which was only just kicking off at the beginning of April, compared to this years harvest 2025 is all but finished… The team and myself are all still recovering from whiplash, it’s crazy to have the vintage already wrapped up, packed away & have wines all relaxing in their various vessels in the cellar. 2023 vs 2025 seasons which couldn’t be anymore different from one another, one thing for sure is the terroir shines strong off our sites 

Excited and honoured to be a part of the Young Gun of Wine this year, and in great company!

Vintage is always a busy time loaded with positive energy within our small team here at Eastern Peake

The 40th anniversary of this western Victorian cool-climate vineyard was celebrated in North Carlton amid family, friends – and some very delectable drops.

Max Allen

Plan your discovery of Victoria's Central Highlands with Uncover Ballarat's Forage & Feast event program running from 16th January - 16th February 2025