Swinging Bridge Estate

Our story.....

Swinging Bridge Estate was first planted in 1995 by the Ward and the Payten families with an initial planting of Shiraz and Chardonnay. The vineyard is located to the south of Canowindra in the Central Ranges of New South Wales (45min south west of Orange and 25min north of Cowra).

Our family has been a part of the local farming community in Canowindra since arriving in 1906. Our great, great grandfather Thomas Payten first purchased “Alfalfa” for his eldest son Leo, who soon established himself as a prominent local farmer. "Alfalfa" continues to be run by Michael and Helen Payten who are fourth generation descendants.

Mark Ward, co-founder of Swinging Bridge Estate, immigrated to Australia in 1965 from Norfolk in England where his family were farmers. Mark graduated with honours in Agricultural Science from Cambridge University. He quickly settled into the Canowindra area, marrying Anne the eldest daughter of John and Ailsa Payten. He purchased the property "Gayton", 10kms out of Canowindra, which is on the river plains of the Belubula. This land was part of the original soldier settlement scheme for the returning World War II veterans. "Gayton" was prone to flooding, so blocks on higher ground closer to town were included to provide some relief in wet times. At the time these blocks were used for grazing and cropping but would later prove their worth as the future vineyard site for Swinging Bridge Estate.