The Wivenhoe vineyards were amongst the first in the colony and were producing wine in 1840. The casks were stored in Wivenhoe’s extensive cellars. History tells us that on 2 July 1848 , George Cox of Mulgoa and Mudgee obtained 1,000 Hermitage cuttings from Charles Cowper’s vineyard, thus indicating that a vineyard had been well established at Wivenhoe by this date. In 1849, a German Vinedresser, Johannes Justus, came to work for Charles Cowper.

The present Vineyard was replanted on 14 August 1998 and a small quantity of Chardonnay wine resulted in 2001, the Centenary Year of Federation.

In 2002, some 800 litres of wine were produced, proceeds of which will go to furthering the education and support of the students of Mater Dei.