It was first established as a sheep station pastoral run in the early years of the colony by Joseph Gilbert.

[2] It was originally to be called Karrawatta, however this name was easily confused with the neighboring Tarrawatta.

[3] Over the years, Gilbert planted grapevines and made wine, as well as running sheep at Pewsey Vale and other pastoral leases in the colony.

[5] The vineyards planted by William Gilbert were removed shortly after World War I.

New vineyards were planted in the 1960s in conjunction with the Yalumba wine company.