Hamelin Bay's association with Margaret River dates back to first settlement by the Bussell family in 1830% The Five Ashes Vineyard has been given its own identity in honour of ancestor and Swan Valley pioneer Dr Samuel Waterman Viveash. The soils are well drained brown sandy loam gravels and the vineyard is fully drip irrigated on a north to south pine trellis, vines are positioned to maximise sunlight penetration. The biggest threat to production is birds and substantial areas are netted each year. The role of the winemaker is to capture natural essences of the vineyard environment without interfering in the vinification. A component is barrel fermented in a mix of new and seasoned French oak barriques.