After settlement by James McCormick in 1876 the property operated as a mixed farm and was still being used for the agistment of cattle more than 100 years later when the Ball, Knowles and Harris families acquired it in 1988.

Soil testing was completed and the task of converting the property to a vineyard commenced. 8,000 vineyard posts and nearly 120 kms of wire were used to support 20,000 vines of chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon. Planting was completed in 1989.

Willow Creek Vineyard’s first vintage in 1991 was predominantly chardonnay and cabernet with the pinot noir still too young.

In 1998 the property came to life with construction of the winery, barrel room, cellar door and Salix Restaurant.

In 2003 Willow Creek Vineyard was the first simultaneous holder of both Mornington Peninsula Vignerons' Association Trophies for Best Red Wine (2001 Tulum Cabernet Sauvignon) and Best White Wine (2002 Tulum Chardonnay).

Salix Restaurant has received a number of awards since its genesis and most recently, in July 2008, was awarded Best Restaurant in a Winery at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Awards for Excellence. They also won the State award.

In 2008 the new partnership of viticulturist Robbie O’Leary and winemaker Geraldine McFaul, bought together an intimate understanding of the site with a winemaking approach focusing on minimal intervention.  The first wines from this duo are set to be released in October 2010.

Willow Creek Vineyard has held a 5 red star rating in James Halliday's 'Australian Wine Companion' since 2006.