About Us

Set on Dja Dja Wurrung Country beneath the dormant volcanic formation of Mt Franklin, the estate is shaped by cool climate conditions and mafic soils that define both the land and the wines produced from it.

A Transition Into Land

Mt. Franklin Estate is the next chapter for founder Nikki Knights — a wine and spirits industry operator with over 22 years’ experience across importing, distribution, and brand development. After building a career launching and scaling new-to-market wines and spirits across Australia, the transition into vineyard ownership marks a shift from working within the industry to working directly with land, production, and place.

The Journey

Mt Franklin Estate was never part of a long-term plan — it was instinct.After first seeing the property on 27 December 2025, and returning again on 1 January 2026, the decision was immediate. There was a knowing — not just of a home, but of something far greater.This wasn’t simply a vineyard.It was an estate.

It was fate — and there was no turning back. What began as instinct has become intention — a place where wine, people, and purpose come together.

Wine Woman | The Foundation

Founded in 2019, Wine Woman sits at the intersection of wine, spirits, and storytelling. Operating as a direct importer under exclusive international arrangements, including alignment with global platforms such as Vivino, the business provides access to worldwide supply channels and specialises in brand activation, portfolio development, and national distribution. Known in the industry as the Whisky Whisperer, Nikki has built a reputation for championing products defined by provenance, craftsmanship, and narrative. The philosophy is simple:

Sip sustainably. Drink consciously. Together, we make a difference.

At Mt Franklin Estate, this ethos is no longer just a statement — it is embedded into the land, the way it is farmed, and the community being built around it.

The Hands Beyond Our Vines

Tim Castle | Winemaker

Tim Castle has been an integral part of the Mt Franklin Estate story, crafting previous vintages under the Mafic label and helping define the character of our wines. Renowned for his expertise in cool-climate winemaking across regions including the Yarra Valley, Tasmania and Macedon Ranges, Tim brings exceptional craftsmanship and a deep respect for place. As we enter a new chapter, we're proud to have Tim guiding the future of Mt Franklin Estate wines.

Sharon Hebbard | Viticulture Consultant

With more than 20 years of experience across vineyard management and winemaking, Sharon Hebbard is one of Victoria's most respected viticulture specialists. Her thoughtful, vineyard-first approach balances soil health, sustainability and fruit quality, helping ensure our vines continue to thrive. Sharon's expertise plays a vital role in shaping the future of Mt Franklin Estate and the stewardship of our unique cool-climate vineyard.

The Estate

Wine Woman acquired in 2026, Mt Franklin Estate is planted to: Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay. Guided by experienced viticultural professionals, the vineyard is managed with a long-term, considered approach to production and sustainability. Beyond wine, the estate is evolving into a broader destination — one that brings together agriculture, hospitality, and experience.

More Than a Vineyard

Mt Franklin Estate is being developed as a place to gather.The property includes approximately 4 acres of olive groves, producing estate-grown extra virgin olive oil, alongside a mix of fruit trees and nut plantings, supporting a vision of integrated and sustainable land use. The intention is to support the broader Hepburn Shire ecosystem, creating a space that is shared, creative, and evolving. Over time, the estate will offer:

Local wineries and distilleries

Food producers and chefs

Local artists and musicians

Event partners and regional businesses

Sustainability & Impact

Sustainability is embedded across both Wine Woman and Mt Franklin Estate. This is a long-term commitment to land, environment, and responsible production.

3% of our online sales will be donated to the World Animal Protection

3% of cellar door sales supporting local carbon offset initiative

Over 10 acres under regenerative native planting (~3,000 plants)

Historical Storyline of Mt Franklin Estate

According to the historical Halliday records, Lesley McGillivray was the visionary behind the vineyard and was remarkably early in recognising the potential of Italian varieties in the Macedon Ranges. In 1988, she planted two experimental rows of Italian grape varieties on the volcanic soils below Mount Franklin. The trials showed that Dolcetto and Pinot Grigio (then referred to as Pinot Gris) performed particularly well. Around 2000, Lesley, together with family and friends, planted the first substantial section of the vineyard, eventually expanding it to include more Dolcetto, Pinot Grigio and a small amount of Nebbiolo.

These planted vines —were a result of over a decade of experimentation and belief in Italian varieties before they became fashionable in Australia. Lesley was genuinely ahead of the curve!! The original vision was really Lesley’s belief that Italian grapes belonged on that site.

The Halliday write-up specifically describes Lesley as being “well ahead of her time” for planting Italian varieties in the Macedon Ranges in 1988. That’s significant because very few Australian vineyards were experimenting with Dolcetto and Nebbiolo at that stage. What this means for Mt Franklin Estate’s story

The vineyard predates the “Mafic” branding, under the later owners / custodians of the land, Julie and Peter Kent whom spent approximately a decade prior to Wine Woman in 2026. The Kent’s launched the name ‘ Mafic “ reference to the volcanic basalt geology of Mount Franklin.

Vines thrive under clear skies at cool elevation 360 metres above sea level in the far north-west corner of the Macedon wine region. Hand-reared vines of Dolcetto, Pinot Grigio and Nebbiolo continue a tradition of fresh, accessible Italian-style wines – a nod to Swiss-Italian migrants who brought their craft to our part of the world in the mid-19th century.

We have detailed records of Lesley’s vine journey here, along with the heritage trail back to the wee bud of the vines!