Acclaimed Four Winds Vineyard listed for sale on the back of top awards win

Sarah and John Collingwood are going out on a high.

Just months after taking out five major trophies at the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards, including the coveted 2024 Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy, the couple has listed their successful Four Winds Vineyard for sale as they ponder their next adventure.

Set in the beautiful Yass Valley just 30 minutes’ drive from Canberra, the property spans more than 20ha and includes a generously proportioned residence, cellar door and thriving business as well as 12.5ha dedicated to a premium vineyard.

The sale marks the end of an era for owners John and Sarah Collingwood, who took over from Sarah’s parents Graeme and Suzanne Lunney 15 years ago.

Sarah said she had a great affinity with the property, having helped her parents plant the vines 27 years ago. Since then, the landholding has been a labour of love across three generations that have nurtured it into a successful commercial operation, cellar door and hospitality business.

“John and I have loved being the custodians for the past 15 years and the business has given us a great lifestyle, but for our family, it’s time for a new adventure,” she said.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built and what we’ve achieved, and we feel like the time is right to pass this beautiful place over to new owners to grow it even further.

“One of the things I most love about this property is looking over the vineyard from the home. I will miss that outlook, but we have great memories of raising our kids there and the lifestyle it’s given us. We’re proud to have created something really special.”

The architecturally designed home comprises four bedrooms and four bathrooms and has great separation with multiple living areas as well as office space. There is also a tennis court and beautifully tended gardens.

The vineyard’s cellar door, which sells Four Winds’ award-winning riesling, shiraz, cabernet and sangiovese, is also popular for its woodfire pizzas and at-the-table wine tastings, attracting nearly 30,000 visitors a year.

Selling agent Sam McGregor, from Windrose Property, said the acquisition of Four Winds Vineyard was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that combined the wonders of the Yass Valley lifestyle with a successful commercial venture.

“This is more than just a home or a vineyard – it’s an established, profitable brand with national recognition. It’s not every day a property of this calibre comes up for sale,” Sam said.

“Four Winds Vineyard is very well known. It’s one of the vineyards in Murrumbateman that everyone knows because of its relaxed environment and extremely high-quality wines.

“Even during COVID when a lot of businesses were struggling, Sarah and John retained a strong operation at Four Winds, pivoting to takeaway pizzas and wine which allowed them to thrive during what was a challenging period for many.”

Sam said the sale has already sparked interest among wine and hospitality circles with opportunities to host weddings, corporate events, and offer boutique accommodation.

“It’s a valuable asset and a great piece of real estate with a really successful business. There are large business groups that will want to have a pitch at it and bring it under a portfolio,” he said.

“Similarly, its boutique vibe means it is also perfect for people who are keen to secure their own business. There’s probably Mums and Dads, maybe empty nesters and downsizers that still want to be active and living in a great location close to Canberra that may be ready for a lifestyle change.

“This really is an opportunity to start with an extremely profitable and successful business and continue turning it into whatever you want.”

Windrose Property is inviting offers for the sale of Four Winds Vineyard. For more information, click here.