about

In 2005, Collector Wines began with the release of just one wine, the Marked Tree Red Shiraz. A Reserve Shiraz quickly followed, cool-climate Marsanne and Chardonnay in the years afterwards, and a growing complement of the Italian varieties so suited to this region.

With our Tasting Room and shop based in the village of Collector we are a winery at the edge of Lake George and Weereewa. We farm as well as partner with growers across the Canberra District and surrounding regions – Tumbarumba, Gundagai and Hilltops.

Our approach is simple. Organic where possible, we concentrate on building soil carbon, improving water retention and supporting biodiversity in the vineyard. Minimal, yet considered work in the winery is focused on producing wines that speak of varietal definition and their sense of place. We aspire to be the best winery in Canberra.

2007

Alex establishes Collector Wines, releasing the Marked Tree Red Shiraz 2005, which goes on to become NSW Wine of the Year. Alex makes the wines in Edgar Riek's tiny winery at the Cullerin vineyard on the shores of Lake George / Weereewa, near the village of Collector.

2010

Alex begins to farm the McCarthy Rd sangiovese vineyard in Wallaroo. Alex is a finalist for Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the Year. The winery releases the first Reserve Shiraz 2008, which goes on to become Best Red Wine of Show at the Sydney Royal Wine Show.

2011

Alex moves the growing winemaking operations to Murrumbateman.

2015

Alex and his sister-in-law, Kate McKay, open the Cellar Door in Collector village, next to Some Café in the c1829 old general store. Alex begins to farm the Vivian Lane shiraz vineyard near Yass.

2016

The first year the winery was able to enter wines of provenance (a trio of wines spanning at least ten vintages), Collector wins the Red Wine of Provenance Trophy at the National Wine Show for the Marked Tree Red Shirazes 2005, 2009 and 2015.

2020

The winery harvests no grapes due to smoke taint from bushfires in the region. The winery begins to consistently appear in The Real Review's Top Wineries of Australia.

2021

The winery vintages its first sparkling cuvées, for release in 2028.

2021

The winery appears in the Halliday Wine Companion's Top 100 Wineries for the first time.

2025

After back-to-back Best Chardonnay Trophies at the Canberra and Region Wine Show 2018, 2019 and 2021, the Tiger Tiger Chardonnay is shortlisted for the Chardonnay Trophy at the National Wine Show of Australia 2025.

2026

The Collector Wines story comes full circle, with the opening of the Tasting Room back in Collector village. The c1840s old Collector bakery, also known as Hazeldean, was the 1990s home for the hatted Lynwood restaurant owned and operated by Kate's family. Collector celebrates 21 years.