THE STORY OF CIRCULUS WINE IS BORN FROM LIFE-ALTERING NEWS, A PASSION REIGNITED, AND A COURAGEOUS LEAP OF FAITH.
For our founder, John White, his journey into the world of winemaking began amidst the vineyards of South Australia.
Raised in the embrace of the Barossa, Clare Valleys, Mclaren Vale, and Adelaide Hills, his childhood was peppered with weekends dedicated to wine tours and ancient, damp, and dark cellars. The ambience of those cellars and the aroma of oak barrels cast a spell that would endure a lifetime.
While John enrolled in oenology straight out of school, the cautionary tales of seasoned winemakers echoed in his ears—whispers that pivoted his path. Consequently, for more than 30 years, his passion for wine quietly simmered beneath the surface, kept alive through his deep appreciation for the viticultural and wine making processes. John went on to pursue a rewarding career in finance and investment management, in Australia and abroad.
Life, however, has a way of shifting one's perspective. In 2020, at age 51, after repatriating from Hong Kong and living on Victoria’s Surf Coast, a cancer diagnosis brought mortality sharply into focus. It’s moments like these that the mind reflects on choices made, dreams deferred, and unspoken ambitions.
It was this news, paired with the simple yet profound question from his wife, that became the catalyst for John to reexamine his true calling. “What do you wish to do, that you haven't done yet?” This question resurfaced buried desires and aspirations. It was where regrets found their voice. This sparked a series of events, ultimately leading to owning Coatsworth Farm, the home of Circulus Wine six months later.
Delving deep into conversations with local winemakers, unravelling the intricacies of the winemaking process and the rich narratives woven into the terroir of each vineyard, it was in these conversations that his path took a decisive turn and led them to the remarkable opportunity to become custodians of a vineyard with a history of producing fruit that was producing award-winning wines.
In need of a little tender loving care, it would become their canvas for renewal, a place where they could weave their own story into the fabric of its soil.
The property, with its rural charm and unspoiled views, spoke to their hearts. It was perfect for them, aligning seamlessly with their vision. With a dedicated focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, their two beloved varietals, the vineyard mirrored their passion. More than that, it offered them the opportunity to cement their legacy of leaving the world in a better state. It was an invitation to breathe new life into the land, to nurture vines back to health, and to watch it respond in kind.
And so, carefully and lovingly, Circulus Wine was born—a boutique, family-run winery nestled in the tranquil embrace of Victoria’s Pinot Coast, on windswept shores edging the Southern Ocean.
Far from arbitrary, the choice of the name Circulus was inspired by three distinct factors:
PLACE
Our vineyard is located over an ancient sea bed and surrounded by water on all sides, with the Southern Ocean, Port Phillip Bay, and Corio Bay framing our position. This location creates an interesting maritime-influenced microclimate dominated by persistent cool breezes, which lengthen our growing season and reduce the risk of frost and disease pressure. Our vineyard is also nestled halfway around Port Phillip Bay, which is circular in shape.
PHILOSOPHY
Our viticulture follows a biological and regenerative approach. Our guiding principle is to give more than we take from the land, build our soils, and adopt a circular economy approach, recycling and reusing wherever possible. We aim for minimal intervention in the viticulture and winemaking approach, expressing our site's terroir and letting the vines and the season speak for themselves as much as possible.
PERSONAL STORY
John’s unique 30-year odyssey, a journey of discovery and rediscovery, led him to come full circle back to his first love, wine. This personal story, a tale of passion reignited, is woven into every bottle of Circulus Wine.
From our vineyard to our cellar, our guiding principle is to give more than we take. This means we strive to leave the land better than we found it, by enriching the soil, conserving water, and promoting biodiversity. This ethos culminates in our small-batch, estate-grown wine, each bottle a reflection of our appreciation for the land.
Each bottle of wine tells the tale of rekindled passion, land regenerated, and dreams taking root. It is made by and for those who fearlessly embrace the complexities of life and, in the middle of it all, find joy.
