"This winery was named after an American sailor who jumped ship during the Gold Rush of the 1850s and made his way to this part of the world. So much for the history lesson.

The wines are much more interesting, anyway. Shiraz is ripe, sweet and jammy, but has lifted liquorice and bacony, tarry flavours and odours, too. And it will get better in the bottle.

The Cabernet Sauvignon is intense and quite fine, with a core of very pure cabernet fruit; there's savoury and meaty flavours on show, as well. These are big wines with generous dispositions."

Ben Canaider Established: 1988 Wine Region:
Bendigo Winemakers: Ian McKenzie and Ken Pollock
Owners: McKenzie and Pollock Families
Open: 11am-5pm Weekends and Public Holidays while stocks available.
Wines: Cabernet/Merlot, Shiraz. Price: $18.00-$30.00