Our Land, Our Story: Thousand Candles and the Legacy of Country
The land we call Thousand Candles holds a history that stretches back far beyond our time here. Spanning over 400 hectares in the Yarra Valley, this property is not just home to vineyards and pastures but is part of a much deeper story—one that honours the traditions of the First Nations people who have lived on and cared for this land for thousands of years.
This place is rich with the presence of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, whose connection to the land remains a source of inspiration for us. The creeks that cut through the landscape, the rolling hills, and the vast bushland are part of the same Country that once brought sustenance to the traditional custodians. The Yarra River, with its flow of life, has long been a source of food, shelter, and spiritual connection.
A Legacy Rooted in Respect
At Thousand Candles, we are humbled by the history of this land and see ourselves as custodians, following in the footsteps of those who came before us. The property, with its diverse ecosystems of kangaroos, tea trees, candle bark, manna gum, and mountain ash, continues to echo the traditions of the Wurundjeri people. It’s a landscape alive with stories, from the creeks where eel and crayfish once thrived, to the bushlands where ceremonial gatherings might have taken place.
The name Thousand Candles itself is a tribute to a moment in time, inspired by a story of the land’s past. As settlers watched the gathering of three local tribes by a great bonfire, seeking permission for safe passage through each other’s territories, the glow of the fire against the night sky was said to resemble the light of a thousand candles.
Honouring Country in What We Do
Since taking stewardship of the land in 2010, we’ve remained committed to respecting and preserving the natural beauty and cultural significance of this place. Our biological farming practices, led by Stuart Proud, are about more than growing grapes—they’re about nurturing the health and balance of the land itself. We work hard to promote biodiversity, improve soil health, and care for the waterways, all while recognizing the deep connection this land has to its original caretakers.
We understand that our role here is one of responsibility—to honour the legacy of those who first lived on this land and to ensure that we leave it in better shape for future generations. Every action we take in the vineyard, from brewing compost teas to restoring the natural ecosystems, is done with this greater purpose in mind.
Wines That Reflect Place and Story
At Thousand Candles, we aim to create wines that not only express the uniqueness of our vineyard but also pay homage to the land’s long history. We believe that the wine we produce is a reflection of both the environment and the spirit of the place—the earth, the vines, and the ancient stories that still live within the soil.
Our wines are about more than taste; they are about connection. They embody the natural balance of this land and the respect we hold for those who walked here long before us. We invite you to experience these wines, knowing that each bottle tells a story, not just of the vineyard, but of the deeper history and beauty of this land.
Looking to the Future
Our journey at Thousand Candles is guided by the principles of care, respect, and responsibility. By adopting sustainable and holistic winemaking practices, we are not only producing exceptional wines but also honouring the legacy of the First Nations people and the land they have cared for over millennia.
We are proud to be a part of this ongoing story and are committed to ensuring that the land’s natural beauty and cultural significance thrive for many generations to come. With every bottle, we offer a connection to Country—a testament to the history, the land, and the light of those thousand candles.