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Situated in the exclusive circle encompassing some of Margaret River’s most outstanding wineries, Xanadu is a true pioneer of the region with a long history of producing wines with distinct character
Xanadu was established by Dr John Lagan, an Irishman, who arrived in Margaret River in 1968 and was inspired by the pioneering spirit of the region. At the time, the potential of Margaret River as one of the world’s finest wine-producing regions was only just being considered. John established one of the region’s earlier vineyards planting his first vines in 1977. A lover of literature and inspired by the similarities between the environment at Xanadu and words of Coleridge; Dr Lagan named the vineyard after the home of Kubla Khan.
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Xabregas has gained an enviable reputation for quality, locally produced wines under the leadership of an award winning winemaking team at The Vintage Wineworx
Xabregas has rapidly exceeded expectations of a small producer, collecting a bounty of awards and outstanding wine reviews including Gold at the International Wine and Spirit Competition 2007 and 2008 in London, the Qantas Wine Show of Western Australia and the New Zealand International Wine Show 2007 and 2008. Xabregas received a Five Star rating and the title of Best Mt Barker Winery in James Halliday’s - Australian Wine Companion 2007. The initial Xabregas wine production was limited to 2,800 cases and each year has increased in quality and quantity, with the 2008 bottling yielding 18,000 cases. The Xabregas brand is now synonymous with quality and value and has become a much sought after label.
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Woodlands is a ten hectare vineyard located in the Wilyabrup region of Margaret River established in 1973 by David and Heather Watson and remains family owned and operated
Woodlands vineyard was one of the first five vineyards to be planted in the Margaret River Wine Region. David and Heather aimed to create wines to emulate the great vineyards of Bordeaux, namely Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet based blends. Woodlands came to fame early on with the release of the 1981 Andrew Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine took out trophies for Best Red Wine at the Perth Wine Show, the Mt Barker Wine Show and the National Wine Show. This wine was the first from Margaret River to achieve a National Red Wine Trophy. Subsequent Cabernets made by David Watson won trophies and critical acclaim across the country.
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Wine by Brad is a fresh and funky wine producer from the Margaret River wine region of Western Australia
In 2003 a couple of influential winemakers and shadowy ruffians decided there was some fun to be had by putting together some pretty neat parcels of fruit from the region, creating their own label, releasing it with minimal fuss, and then remaining anonymous until the dust settles. Brad is the public face. He's the guy who makes all the decisions. He embodies the grower, maker and marketer, and he enjoys a drop too. There's a little bit of Brad inhabiting all of us to some degree. Some say he is a mythical figure but we dispute this vehemently! He is the guy we have chosen to represent every aspect of our wine. This wine is Brad. With a CV that includes some of the legends of Margaret River wine (Leeuwin Estate, Xanadu) he was a natural to deal with the day-to-day driving of the Brad bus. And he was the only guy called Brad that wanted the job.
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Willoughby Park is a superior venieyard at the heart of the great viticultural precincts around Albany and the great, Great Southern
Along Western Australia’s south coast where the Southern Ocean has sculpted a raw and dramatic coastline on the eastern edge of the Porongurup Range National Park, lies a tiny vineyard. A true hidden gem of the Great Southern wine region. This is Kalgan River vineyard, famously described by gentleman James Halliday as a 5 Star mighty mouse of a vineyard. Its proximity to the Southern Ocean brings cooling summer breezes, slowing the ripening of grapes and allowing for a long, cool and even ripening period. The vines are dry grown with root systems travelling deep into rocky soil beds, yielding harvests of the most complex fruit with a unique expression of place. Terroir, natural climatic advantage and sensitive viticulture come together to work their magic in this place of fortuitious beauty.
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Wignalls wines is a traditional winery established in 1982 after intensive investigations into local terroirs by founder Dr Bill Wignall
Results showed Albany’s growing conditions in spring and summer were virtually identical to the Burgundy region of France. It was therefore decided to experiment with Burgundian varietals such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Growing grapevines was a completely new experience for the family, as well as for the Albany sub wine growing region. The Wignalls judgement proved correct, and results were not long in coming. With the planting of the first ten acres in 1982, Wignalls King River Vineyard was up and away as a prestigious Australian small label.
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Whodunnit
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It is the quality of the Great Southern region and the combination of skill and artistry between viticulture and winemaking that makes drinking West Cape Howe wines a truly memorable experience
Within the Great Southern wine region is a collection of five sub regions, each with their own unique topographical qualities. These regions include Denmark, Albany, Porongurup, Mount Barker and Frankland River. With a typical maritime climate, the coastal towns of Denmark and Albany experience relatively mild summer temperatures and cool wet winters. These conditions enable fruit to ripen slowly and gradually, thus developing subtle layers of fruit intensity and are well suited to the earlier ripening varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Further inland to Mount Barker, Porongurup and Frankland River, the days are slightly warmer, and the nights are cooler (with a higher risk of frosts). With greater sunshine hours, these sub-regions are where Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz varieties thrive.
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Watershed is a dividing rise of land between two bodies of water. Watershed means to go to a new and higher level of understanding, an awakening
The Watershed label was designed by Roland Butcher and incorporates a purple room with a four paned window on the wall. Green vines can be seen looking out of the window, however, the main focus is a ray of light streaming through the glass and diffusing across the floor, symbolizing a human being’s stream of consciousness - a creative but almost uncontrollable thought process, spurred on by small inspirations, all leading to a final revelation, or awakening.
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Voyager Estate is located in the premium wine producing region of Margaret River
Voyager Estate began life as Freycinet Estate, its first vines being planted in 1978. When it became Voyager Estate in 1991, the first move was to expand the original 44 hectares by buying three adjoining properties, bringing the total area to 300 hectares. Over the next few years a program of extensive modernization and improvement was undertaken. Taking pride of place is a magnificent cellar sales building, constructed in the enduring South African Cape Dutch style of architecture. The choice of this handsome and functional style of architecture reminds visitors that the first vines planted in Western Australia in 1829 were introduced from South Africa. The expansive gardens are now maturing and transforming Voyager Estate into a place of singular tranquility and beauty.
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Planted by Dr Tom Cullity in 1967, Vasse Felix was the first vineyard and winery to be established in the Margaret River region
Situated in the sub-region of Willyabrup, Vasse Felix is now owned and operated by the Holmes a Court family. Visitors to the winery are welcomed by a unique underground cellar, a spectacular restaurant overlooking the original 1967 plantings and an exquisite art gallery, making Vasse Felix one of the great drawcards of the region. Margaret River enjoys perfect conditions for viticulture. It's Mediterranean climate features mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers - ideal for the growth of high quality fruit. By comparison with Bordeaux, Margaret River enjoys less rain during a longer, drier moderate growing and ripening period. In 1965 Dr John S Gladstones emphasised the region's suitability on his report "The Climate and Soils of Southern WA in relation to Vine Growing". Two years later Dr Tom Cullity planted his Vasse Felix vines.
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The story of Tyrrell's Wines is inextricably linked to the story of wine in Australia
It is a story about pioneers, men and women who transformed the Hunter Valley of NSW, planted grapes there, and looked for better ways to make wine. English immigrant Edward Tyrrell planted his first vines in the Hunter Valley in 1858 establishing Tyrrell's Wines after receiving a land grant in apparently poor pastureland in the lee of the Hunter Valley's Brokenback range.
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The Twinwoods Estate Vineyard is located on the south eastern catchment of Wilyabrup creek in the locality of Cowaramup
Thirty kilometres north of Margaret River township, regarded as the prime growing area for Cabernet Sauvignon, six superior acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and six of Shiraz were established in the early 1990s. Nine more acres of Cabernet Vineyard followed, more land has since been set aside for future planting. The vineyard is managed to principles of minimal chemical inputs, without the use of any mineral fertilisers. Irrigation from the estate dam is only called upon when conditions dictate that the vines need some supplementary water. Production is limited to 3 red wines made from Estate grown grapes including the flagship Optivus. The focus is Cabernet Sauvignon with the production of an Estate wine, made to reflect the location, in a style which is elegant, great palate texture and length. The wine is made in a style which allows it to be consumed while still young, while also offering the capacity to age.
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Back in 1996 when Ian Tassell was planning a retirement hobby and Patricia a country retreat, little did they realise it was going to be the start of Tassell Park Wines
Prior to his retirement from the corporate world in December 2000, Ian was Managing Director of Marketforce, Perth's largest advertising and marketing agency. His retirement signalled an end to a career in sales and marketing spanning some 35 years. Patricia, prior to the arrival of their son Matthew in 1997 worked in radio sales at 94.5FM and had also worked in the advertising and media industry for almost 20 years. Enjoying a passion for good wine they had made many visits to the Margaret River wine region over the years and their love of the area grew as they travelled from Perth numerous times during their wedding preparations in 1996 when they were married at the historical St. Mary's Anglican Church in Cowaramup. This is when the idea of buying a property "down south" became more than just a passing thought.
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Swings & Roundabouts is based in the Margaret River region, the cellar door and home vineyard is at 2807 Caves Rd, Yallingup
The estate produces pure Margaret River styles and West Australian blends from the Swings vineyard and local shareholder and contract growers. The strong belief is in the northern Margaret River fruit that can develop wines with elegant Mediterranean structure for great drinking, with or without food.
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Streicker is located in the Margaret River region, a dedicated maker of fine, award winning single estate wines
Established 2002 by John Streicker after his original purchase of Yallingup Protea vineyards and farm, Streicker Wines today also encompasses two other vineyards, Bridgeland and Ironstone, with a total of 153 hectares currently under vine. Since the first significant planting of vines in 1967, Margaret River has grown to be regarded as one of the great wine producing regions of the world. The Margaret River appellation extends approximately 100 km from north to south and is about 32 km at its widest point. The region is marked by the rolling hills of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge, between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. To the west, the Indian Ocean provides a dramatic boundary of cliffs, world renowned surf and some of Australia’s most pristine beaches.
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Stella Bella Wines is a small privately owned wine company, located in the Margaret River region of Western Australia, that makes wines under the quixotic brand names of Stella Bella, Suckfizzle and Skuttlebutt
While the brands are differentiated by sub-regions, vineyards, style, price and curious names, the objective is always to create wines of expression, personality and interest with an emphasis on unique imaging. As a wine producer Stella Bella aims to be: creative while curious about new and different wine styles and grape varieties. Stella Bella will never neglect the virtues and lessons of tradition. Stella Bella take an opportunistic approach, whilst estate owned vineyards provide much of the fruit, the winemaking team are always in search of grape growers with a Stella Bella vision.
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Scotchmans Hill is a family owned vineyard and winery based on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria, Australia
Established in 1982, Scotchmans Hill has become a producer of some of Australia's most complex, elegant and consistent wines. Scotchmans Hill is located on Mount Bellarine which was named by the Scottish immigrants who settled the Mount Bellarine area in the 1840s. Mount Bellarine was formed over 30 million years ago by tectonic movement which formed Port Phillip Bay and the surrounding volcanic region of Geelong and Mount Bellarine.
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The historic Sandalford Wines is located in the heart of the Swan Valley on the banks of the beautiful Swan River, a short 25- minutes drive from the city of Perth
Western Australia's first Surveyor General, John Septimus Roe founded the 40 hectare Estate in 1840, which now includes 22 hectares under vine as well as housing the Winery, hospitality and tourism facilities and administration. He named the property Sandalford after the priory in Berkshire where his father was rector. The Estate formed part of the second land title in all of Western Australia. Today's Sandalford, located on the original property, is one of Western Australia's oldest and largest privately owned wineries.
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Salitage is a premium fine wine producer located in the beautiful and spectacular viticultural region of Pemberton, in the south west of Western Australia
James Halliday described Salitage as: "the most important winery in the Pemberton region. Salitage is the showplace of Pemberton. If it had failed to live up to expectations it is a fair bet the same fate would have befallen the whole Pemberton region."
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As treacherous as it is beautiful, Western Australia’s rugged southwest coastline is littered with shipwrecks – the wreck of the Ringbolt being one of them
Sunk in the late 1800s in what is now known as Ringbolt Bay, located on the southern tip of the Margaret River wine region, adjacent to Cape Leeuwin. It is at Ringbolt Bay where the Southern and Indian Oceans merge and their invigorating waters lap at the edge of the Margaret River wine region.
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Redgate Wines is located in a beautiful part of the Margaret River Wine Region that is very close to the wild coast line where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet
Close by the winery lies Redgate Beach (a favourite spot for both body surfers and fisherman) and a Redgate Road which runs from Redgate Beach to the village of Witchcliffe, there seems to be little in the way of official history in regard to where the Redgate name came from.
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The wines of Pierro are the culmination of passion, innovation, location, climate and time
Pierro are fortunate in that beautiful Willyabrup vineyard is located in what is widely regarded as amongst the finest wine grape growing terrain in the world. Located in the heart of Western Australia's renowned Margaret River wine region, this far flung locality has a viticultural pedigree second to none. The Pierro property on Caves Rd was acquired by estate patriarch Dr Mike Peterkin in 1979. The block was chosen due to its north facing slopes, gravelly loam soils and Willyabrup brook, which flows through the entire property. The first vines were established in September 1980, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. The big Medoc varietals came later, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc followed in 1988.
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Picardy is a boutique vineyard and one of Australia's leading premium wine producers, established in 1993 in the Pemberton region of Western Australia
All wines bearing the Picardy label are made entirely from fruit grown on the Picardy vineyard, and are vintaged and bottled by the Pannell Family in their own winery at Picardy. Picardy is owned and operated by Bill, Sandra, Dan and Jodie Pannell. Bill and Sandra were pioneers of the Margaret River region, establishing Moss Wood vineyard and winery in 1969. Moss Wood went on to be a major driving force in establishing Margaret River as one of Australia's important growing regions. Dan has grown up in the wine industry and completed a Bachelors of Science (Oenology) at The University Of Adelaide.
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The Oatley Wines story is of the legendary Oatley family themselves, supported by an outstanding group of extended family and friends
The Oatleys have played an important part in the Australian wine industry since their first vintage at Rosemount Estate in 1974. Those wines were the predecessors of many hundreds of highly awarded and recognised bottlings of fine Australian wine under the Oatley family direction. With the 2001 merger of Rosemount to Southcorp Wines and the subsequent sale of Southcorp to Foster’s in 2005, the Oatleys decided to re-enter the wine business. Logically they followed their calling back to the vineyard and established Oatley Wines, quickly gathering a team of extended family and friends to do the job.
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Moss Wood is a premium wine producer located at Margaret River, highly regarded as one of Australia's best wine producing regions
A study by viticulturist, Dr John Gladstones, first drew attention to the suitability of the Margaret River region for making wine. Gladstones believed that the soil found in the area, clay subsoil covered by gravelly loam, was ideal for viticulture. He compared the Margaret River climate with that of Bordeaux, indicating that both had an average rainfall of over 1000mms and an absence of temperature extremes, because of the influence of the sea on three sides.
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The original Moondah Brook Estate was established in 1968, a 92 hectare property located at Gingin, north of Perth
The vineyard was established because of its unique climate. Sea breezes in the afternoon and gully winds of an evening assist with the reduction in temperatures at ripening time, allowing the wines to display great varietal character.
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Millbrook is a boutique winery situated in the historic town of Jarrahdale in Western Australia, 50 minutes south-east of the capital city Perth
The Millbrook estate winery is located at picturesque Chestnut Farm nestled among virgin jarrah forests, with stunning vistas of the rolling landscape. The origins of Chestnut Farm date back to the nineteenth century when the original owner, Joseph Batt, planted an orchard and the first grapevines in 1860, providing fruit and a few headaches to the local timber-millers in Jarrahdale.
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Mandoon Estate was established in 2010 from a property dating back to earliest settlement, known famously throughout the world of wine as Sandalford
The historical site at Caversham in Swan Valley, was acquired by the Erceg family from the Roe family, who had owned the land since settlement in the 1840s. Originally granted to the Swan River Colonies First Surveyor General, John Septimus Roe, it was always the intention of the new proprietors to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the property, as well as to realize the full potential of Swan Valley as a world class winegrowing region.
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The MadFish story begins in the far southern reaches of Western Australia where 15 kilometres from the quiet coastal town of Denmark is the picturesque MadFish Bay
According to local folklore, the bay’s tranquillity is broken when two tides meet, resulting in schools of small fish going mad…. Jumping about to avoid being gobbled up by hungry, larger fish. MadFish, produced by Howard Park Wines, are wines with an emphasis on enjoyment and drinkability. They are for people who enjoy the pleasures of life: family, friends, food and wine.
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Bruce and Jeanette Tomlinson established Lenton Brae Estate in 1982, the site of the vineyard being chosen after a chance conversation with Bill Pannell, owner of neighbouring Moss Wood
The Lenton Brae vineyard is in the Wilyabrup sub-region. Wilyabrup was the site chosen for the first vine plantings in 1967 and is acknowledged as the epicenter for superior Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon. The white varieties of Chardonnay, Semillon and Sauvignon also perform well. The best soils in Wilyabrup (and Lenton Brae) are a gravelly loam of a depth 500 – 800mm over a clay base. The varieties selected for planting were Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Pinot Noir was also originally planted but has since been removed to increase the acreage of the preferred Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The name Lenton Brae comes from the chapel district of Lenton in Nottingham, England. It is from here that the first Tomlinson’s migrated to Australia in 1882. Brae is a Scottish term for a small hill, which is what the Wilyabrup vineyard is situated on.
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Leeuwin Estate is family owned and operated, one of the founding wineries of the now famous Margaret River district, it consistently produces wines that rank with the worlds finest
In 1972, following an extensive search for the area most suitable to produce the best varietal wines in Australia, legendary American winemaker, Robert Mondavi, identified the future site of the Leeuwin vineyard. Originally a cattle farm, Leeuwin Estate evolved, under the direction of Denis and Tricia Horgan, with Robert Mondavi acting as consultant and mentor. A nursery was planted in 1974 and the initial vineyards were deep-ploughed, deep-ripped, emptied of stone, planned, pegged, measured, marked and eventually planted by hand over a five year period from 1975.
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The legend of Howling Wolves is steeped in a philosphy of producing nothing but the finest wines from fruit grown within the superlative Willyabrup appellation of Margaret River
The Howling Wolves lair is a large, modern state of the art winery on seventeen picturesque hectares of rich, ochre soil shaded by tall stands of native trees, one of the largest in Western Australia. No detail has ever been overlooked in the winemaking process and no corners are cut in applying the most exacting standards of vinification. Initially established to process grapes and provide the very best service to local growers, Howling Wolves now collate the most exceptional parcels of Margaret River fruit to be vinified under their own label.
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Howard Park Wines was established in 1986 and was one of the original pioneers of the Great Southern region
The founding owner of Howard Park, John Wade ventured west to Western Australia’s southwest with one belief: “I don’t know any other region where you can produce both Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon as premium wines”. This founding belief began the journey of Howard Park. Howard Park remains a family owned winery under the guidance of Jeff and Amy Burch. With a philosophy to produce wines of distinct regional character with an uncompromising commitment to quality Howard Park has forged an international reputation for their wines and an expanded range including single vineyard and multi regional wines from Margaret River and the Great Southern. The two region philosophy aligns with Howard Park’s goal which adopts an ethos for integrating the old with the new.
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Established in 1836, Houghton has the enviable position as Western Australia's most awarded winemaker
Houghton Wines, based in the heart of the Swan Valley, contains a wealth of romantic history. Named after Lieutenant Colonel Richmond Houghton in 1836, the first commercial vintage was produced in 1859 totalling 25 gallons, the foundation for one of Australia's oldest continuous winemakers. The picturesque Houghton winery property today has fifty hectares planted with premium grape varieties including Verdelho, Chardonnay, Semillon and Chenin Blanc. Early documentation and current research suggests the first vines were planted between 1830 and 1836.
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Hay Shed Hill is a classic old vineyard in the heart of the Willyabrup Valley, where the region’s first vines were planted and the great tradition of Margaret River wine began
The Hay Shed Hill property was a group settlement farm for returned soldiers from the 1st World War and was originally established as a diary farm. The current homestead, considerably renovated, still has much of the original Group Settlement look and feel. Vines were first planted in 1973 to the varieties which have put Margaret River on the wine map; Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. The property was known as Sussex Vale until 1989 when it was bought by Barry & Liz Morrison. The Morrison’s were instrumental in establishing what you see today, managing to turn a fairly run down farm with a few vines into a quality grape producer with nearly 18 ha of vines. The place was planted right, the right varieties on the right slopes with the right soils. The winemakers today enjoy the advantage of working with truly mature vines.
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Richard and Ros Drake-Brockman's association with the Margaret River dates back to settlement by the Bussell family in 1830
Richard's great-grandmother Grace Bussell is famous for her courage as a 16 year old when in 1876, with the assistance of aboriginal stockman Sam Isaacs, she rescued the survivors of the shipwreck Georgette at Redgate Beach not far from the mouth of the Margaret River. Richard's great-grandfather Frederick, known for his exploration of the Kimberley, read about the heroic feat in Perth's press and rode 300 km on horseback to meet her. They married in 1882.
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With a colourful history dating back to 1839, Goundrey prides itself on consistently delivering reliable, flavoursome wines
Established in the Great Southern region of Mount Barker, the Goundrey vineyards were planted in the early seventies when the area was initially recognised for its viticultural potential. The infectious enthusiasm of the late West Australian wine identity, Jack Mann, encouraged a small number of farmers to diversify into grape growing, and pioneer the region.
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Fraser Gallop Estate are a small, premium wine producer in the Margaret River region
Fraser Gallop is all about producing the best wines possible from a wonderful location. 165 acres of undulating land on Metricup Road with about fifty under vine. The estate is a close neighbour to a number of iconic producers. You can be assured of high quality wines, as they endeavour to be ranked with the best of them. The philosophy is to allow the fruit to speak for itself.
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Frankland Estate was established in 1988 by Barrie Smith and Judi Cullam, they continue to be actively involved in every aspect of the vineyard and winery
They are assisted by a small, hardworking team who enjoy the diverse and idiosyncratic challenges associated with making wine. The Isolation Ridge vineyard lies on part of a farm where the family have run a wool growing enterprise since 1974. The decision to diversify their farming interests was inspired and informed by a tour of French vineyards Barrie and Judi undertook in 1985 and also by two vintages they worked at Chateau Senejac in Bordeaux. The winemaking philosophies at Frankland Estate reflect these influences as well as the hard earned lessons gained from some 17 vintages in the Frankland River region. Their approach to winemaking is based on the principle that the most significant characteristics of a wine come from the soil and the vineyard environment. They aim to make wines that reflect nature rather than the hand of the winemaker.
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Forester Estate is a family owned winery situated on at Yallingup on Wildwood Road in the northernmost reaches of Margaret River
Built in 2002, Forester Estate is a new generation winery that strives to showcase the distinct regional characters of northern Margaret River fruit. The Estate is surrounded by huge Eucalypt trees that once supported a thriving forestry trade established in the 1850s. This forestry industry was the first to open up rugged land along the Leeuwin Naturaliste ridge and provide jobs for many of the new arrivals.The property has a saw pit that was used by the original pioneers to mill timber which was transported by ox and cart to Yallingup Siding, the nearby railway station. This timber, especially the hardwood Mahogany (Jarrah), was shipped out from Geographe Bay to countries around the world. Even today, many streets of London lie on the Jarrah trees milled from the forests of Margaret River. It is from this heritage that the name Forester Estate is derived.
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Forest Hill is a family owned, boutique winery with an uncompromising approach to quality, creating unique and exciting wines of the highest calibre
The Forest Hill philosophy is to make individual wines of the highest quality with distinctive regional character. The estate takes aim to produce approachable, understated styles that are pure expressions of unique sites within the forty year old Forest Hill vineyard. Each Forest Hill wine is a true expression of the Great Southern wine growing region of Western Australia, displaying unique regional and varietal character with finesse, elegance and definition.
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Established in 1989, Fonty’s Pool wines is a contemporary, Pemberton winery, producing consistently exceptional and approachable wines
Fonty’s Pool wines is located just outside the Pemberton township and set amongst an idyllic landscape of lush karri forests, approximately 335kms south of Western Australia’s capital city Perth. Established in 1989 with further vineyards planted in 1991, 1996 and 1998 to reach the current total of 110 hectares, the varieties produced are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Marsanne, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Shiraz, Verdelho and Viognier. The total property dimension is 330 hectares and besides grapes, produces avocados (4,000 trees) and truffles. There is also a water storage lake on the property that is over a kilometre long and holds over one million litres of water.
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Nestled amongst the native gums, around some of the Margaret River's most picturesque terrain, lie the precious vineyards of Flinders Bay Estate
Flinders Bay Wines is a joint venture between the Gillespie and Ireland families. Alastair Gillespie has grown grapes in the Margaret River region for over 25 years. He also owns and operates a viticultural contracting business in the South West, establishing, maintaining, pruning and harvesting for growers in all the viticultural regions of Western Australia. Bill and Noel Ireland were wine retailers in Sydney from 1979 to 1996.
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At Flametree, the vision is to produce brilliant Australian wines of uncompromising quality and character
The Flametree is a spectacular Australian tree, in full bloom, a magnificent sight to behold. Interestingly it only comes into full flower when all conditions are favourable. The same is true of winemaking. To produce spectacular, wine all of the elements, from grape to glass, must come together at the right time.
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Sourced from premium vineyards, Fishers Circle embodies the style and depth of character that Western Australia is famous for
Fishers Circle Classic Dry White is definitely a fresh Western Australian catch, perfect for lazy days and breezy nights. So delicious, Fishers Circle Classic Dry White is too good to just throw back. You'll be hooked with the intense aromas and charming flavours of Fishers Circle Shiraz Cabernet Merlot. Elegant and stylish, this Western Australian trio is sure to have everyone circling for more. The lure of Fishers Circle Chardonnay will pull you in with its casual Western Australian elegance. Go on, take the bait and enjoy a Fishers Circle while you nibble.
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Fire Gully
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Despite a history of little more than a decade, Fermoy Estate's wines have won acclaim which belies the vineyard's youth
The property takes its name from the town of Fermoy, Co. Cork. Ireland which was founded by an ancestor of one of the original owners.
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Evans & Tate were at the forefront of the Margaret River's rise to international recognition as one of the world's great winegrowing appellations
Like many tales, Evans & Tate's does not begin in Australia. Lionel Teitelbaum was born in 1899 in a village called Nicopol in the Ukraine. Still a young boy when he emigrated to Australia in 1909, Lionel was bounding with confidence and enthusiasm. Such energy translated into a successful family and business life, creating a solid foundation for the future Tate generations. Lionel ensured that his son John enjoyed the benefits of an education as well as an appreciation of cultural pursuits including art, music and wine.
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The winery takes it name from the nearby Devil's Lair cave, hidden amongst the hills of Margaret River
The Leeuwin Peninsula extends from 33.5 degrees south to the 34.5 South parallel. Tempered by the warm currents of the Indian Ocean, the area enjoys maritime conditions. At the southern end where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet at Cape Leeuwin, the respective warm and cold currents throw a pall of humidity and cloud over the area, moderating summer and winter extremes. Devil's Lair cave is an ancient, mysterious place known to have been inhabited as long as 40,000 years ago. Fossil remains of the elusive Tasmanian Devil discovered on the site are believed to be the origin of the cave's name. Hailing from the premium wine growing region of Margaret River, Devil's Lair forms part of the Great Estates that produce wines of the highest quality.
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The Cullen winemaking approach is that they will do whatever it takes to make outstanding wines
In the early 1960's detailed climatic studies of various regions in Southwestern Australia revealed that during the winegrowing season, Margaret River's climate was similar to that of Bordeaux, particularly Pomerol. The conclusion that Margaret River was ideal for viticulture was first tested in Wilyabrup in 1966, when Diana and Kevin Cullen planted a trial acre of vines. The encouraging results led to the couple planting 18 acres of vines on their sheep and cattle farm in 1971.
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Cowrock
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Find Corymbia under the Marri tree, the perfect conditions for growing grapes. Drinking them too
Over 100 years of experience in West Australian winemaking. Their history is rich and their expertise is unique, both are paired with a passion for flavoursome, expressive and drinkable wines. The Corymbia family tree is as strong as the vines they grow, and each generation has left their mark on the industry. One of the first on the scene, the Mann family established vineyards, created wines and shared drops along the way. They’ve learned from the past; from Mr Jack Mann who made great wines because he understood how to grow great fruit. Inspired by his innovative methods and optimism, Corymbia have taken a leaf out of the family book. A leaf which has flourished and grown into an inspiring legacy. Every vineyard that Corymbia operate feature the Marri tree. So, each wine you drink now and in the future, will be grown under the finest conditions.
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Established in 1976, Clairault is one of the pioneering vineyard winery estates in Margaret River
Margaret River is a region of striking natural beauty which has become one of the world's most renowned premium wine producing regions and tourism destinations. Its rich terroir, Mediterranean climate and close proximity to the cooling influences of the Indian and Great Southern oceans ensure consistent vintages and the creation of exceptional quality wines. Clairault's pristine undulating property with bountiful creek lines, natural springs and some of the oldest native forests in the south west, make it truly unique. Its history, pedigree and forward thinking approach has established Clairault’s fast growing reputation as a serious player in Margaret River. This, along with outstanding winemaking skills has helped create wines that are truly distinctive to Clairault's vineyard.
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Down at the southern tip of Western Australia, between Margaret River and Mt Barker lies the little town of Manjimup and a very large and beautiful Chestnut Tree
The Chestnut Tree is at the highest and most visible site of the Chestnut Grove vineyards. It was always going to be the focal point of the winery that today produces one of the best Merlots in the country, as well as West Australia's finest example of Verdelho.
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Chapman Grove are dedicated to crafting fine wines from the Margaret River region of Western Australia
As a wine retailer and lover of fine wines, Ron Fraser recognised many years ago the potential of the Margaret River region to produce great wine. He decided in 1987 that this was where he wanted to make world-class wine and build a wine company which would be recognised as one of the major producers in the Margaret River region creating exceptional wines. After a long search for the perfect location, Ron finally found a vineyard that he believed would produce the premium quality grapes he needed to support his vision and planting commenced in the newly established Chapman Grove Vineyard in 1997.
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Celestial Bay is the result of Michael and Kim O’Brien’s long standing passion for wine which led them to the Margaret River region in search of a property suitable for viticulture
The adage that great wine is made from great fruit, drives the efforts in the vineyard. Celestial Bay's wine is crafted from exclusively estate grown fruit to maintain control over every aspect of the production process. Fruit is picked at the level of ripeness required for each style of wine. Vigilance is paid to cropping levels to allow the vines to achieve optimum ripeness and concentration of flavour and colour compounds. This often involves hand management of the vineyard, dropping fruit when excess crop is developing and managing canopy structure to provide the most efficient utilisation of sun energy and optimal bunch exposure. Extensive experience making wine in the Margaret River region and time working in France have shaped the approach at Celestial Bay. New World winemaking requires fastidious attention to hygiene in the winery, effective management of fermentation microbiology, careful stewardship of the wine post fermentation to bottling, whilst employing an artisanal approach to the vinification.
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A member of the McWilliams team, Catching Thieves presents the superlative winestyles that have made the Margaret River region so renowned
The philosophy behind Catching Thieves is to capture the style synonymous with the region to deliver contemporary, vibrant wines. Wines with so much style you'll do anything to get your hands on them. The name Catching Thieves pays homage to the daring, enterprising and creative characters from stories such as To Catch a Thief, Modesty Blaise and Catch Me if You Can.
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Castle Rock Estate is nestled on the eastern slopes of the Porongurup mountain and is named after a prominent nearby landmark
Castle Rock vineyard is planted on Porongurup Road in the shire of Plantagenet. It is set high in the Porongurup Ranges, which are 40 km north of Western Australia's south coast regional center Albany. The altitude, 350 meters, and the position of the vineyard, which exposes the vines to cooling south-east breezes results in a prolonged growing season, enables the fruit to develop maximum varietal flavour and ripeness. The vineyard has a cool and elevated northerly aspect, resulting in intensley flavoured wines. The first varieties (Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon) were planted in 1983. Those first two hectares were followed in 1986 with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with further plantings of Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon. Later planting included Merlot and Cabernet Franc. In 1996, the 10th anniversary of the first vintage, preparation commenced with an additional area planted with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
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Castelli are all about old world winemaking traditions, applied to the pick of fruit, grown to the finest vineyards across the great viticultural precincts of Western Australia
During a lifetime of annual visits back to his parents homeland, Luca Castelli grew up working in the vineyard alongside his grandfather Nonno Germino. After a career in power engineering and renewable energy, Luca became consumed by a dream of getting his hands dirty again amongst the vines once again. His brother Sam's passion for wine also began on the family farm back in Italy. Sam's extensive career in the engineering and construction sectors lead to the ASX-listed United Group Limited, an internationally active company with an annual turnover of two billion. He always remained keen however of picking grapes and delivering boxes of his homemade wine to customers.
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Yearning for adventure, a sense of fun and escapism? Cartwheel takes you off the beaten track to the inspiring Margaret River and Great Southern regions
Cartwheel's premium wines embody the natural sophistication of Western Australia's unique landscape and environment. The Margaret River wine region is focused around the Margaret River Township, which is located 250km South-West of Perth on a large peninsula of the West Australian Coast. Margaret River has a temperate maritime climate that is typified by long dry summers and moderate but very wet winters. Rising only to an elevation of 90m, the soils are well-drained sandy loams over water retentive clay loam that eliminates the need for supplementary watering in summer.
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Capel Vale began as a hobby for Sydney radiologist Dr Peter Pratten and his wife Elizabeth when they purchased land on the Capel River between Bunbury and Busselton in 1974
Capel Vale Winery, restaurant and cellar door, now sit atop the original vineyard site, Stirling Estate. Stirling Estate was originally the site of a stone fruit orchard in the 1930s. Consisting of rich, red alluvial loams over a limestone base, it possessed a natural, permanent watertable and was perfect for growing vines. The first plantings were in 1974, producing the first commercial vintage in 1980. After determining that the soils of the Capel area (now included in the EU registered Geographe Region) were best suited to Chardonnay and Merlot, it became the Prattens passion to determine the best region in South Western Australia for each of the main premium grape varieties.
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The first vineyard you'll see on the ocean side of Caves Road when travelling south from Yallingup town hall, lying in a picturesque valley behind Smith's Beach is Cape Naturaliste
The site started life as a coach inn for travellers on the three day journey between Perth and Margaret River in the horse and buggy era. The property was later developed into the Thorn Hill Dairy, during which time whaling ships would sail into the sheltered waters of Smiths Beach to replenish with supplies grown in the valleys rich alluvial soil.
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Cape Mentelle is situated mid-way between the township of Margaret River and the popular surfing beaches of Prevelly
Its spacious, rammed earth Tasting Cellar offers a comprehensive range of wines for sampling and sale, including special Cellar Door releases normally unavailable through retail outlets. The Cellar looks through to the winery's barrel hall, home to over several hundred oak barriques of quietly maturing cabernet. Professional and friendly staff provide excellent service and are well-informed about all aspects of wine production.
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The Calneggia family have owned vineyards and been involved in the Margaret River wine industry for over twenty five years
The estate portfolio includes several premium vineyards across the Margaret River region. Their philosophy is to craft fruit driven, elegant wines which are a true reflection of the vineyards whence they come, with an uncompromising commitment to quality. Many of the Calneggia wines are produced from premium wine grapes sourced off the Clearwater Estate vineyard owned by the Calneggia family. Further harvests are sourced from the vineyards of Westralian Nominees, of which the Calneggia family are substantial shareholders. These vineyards totalling some 160 hectares are all located in the northern part of the Margaret River wine region, where warm days and cool nights during the ripening season provide perfect growing conditions. The deep red loam and gravelly soils impart a richness and depth of flavour to the wines and the abundant water supply and proximity to the coast provide perfect growing conditions.
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Brookland Valley estate wines are grown on the sunny ridge of an ancient landform through which a small brook known as the Wilyabrup flows to the nearby sea
The spectacular valley, set against a gently undulating landscape, offers protection from the winds and warmth for the vines, a perfect viticultural microclimate. Vineyard management, built on principles of sustainability and incorporating agricultural craft that relies on a respect for the soil and the environment, rewards Brookland Valley with wines of quality and elegance.
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Bellarmine produces a range of wines which are made from grapes grown on its picturesque estate in the cool climate region of Pemberton in Western Australia
Bellarmine Vineyard was planted in 2000 and is owned by a German doctor, Dr Willi Schumacher and his wife Gudrun Schumacher. The Schumachers are passionate about great wine and searched the world for a place to plant vines before they chose what has become the Bellarmine property. The vineyard is an elevated site with gravelly laterite soils. Since the first vintage in 2004, Bellarmine has been consistently producing stunning wines. Bellarmine Wines is rated 5 stars out of five by renowned wine reviewer James Halliday.
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Australia's pre-eminent wine authority and critic, James Halliday has awarded Ashbrook Estate a five red star rating, an accolade afforded to Australia’s finest wineries
Established by the Devitt family in 1975, Ashbrook produced its first commercial wine (Riesling) in 1979 and its 30th vintage in 2008. Only handpicked estate grown grapes are used. All the processing, winemaking, bottling and packaging are closely controlled using the Estate's own state of the art facilities. Extensive use of the sophisticated lyre trellising system in the vineyard maximizes flavour potential and allows Ashbrook to produce only a premium label for each grape variety.
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The beautiful Amberley property is considered to be one of the finest in the Margaret River region
Established in 1986, Amberley Estate has remained true to it's original philosophy of making premium wines from fruit grown exclusively in the Margaret River region. Such a promise has ensured Amberley Estate wines capture the richness and character of this world-class appellation. Amberley Estate's flagship property covers a total area of 67 hectares with 31.48 hectares under vine. It was primarily the subject of a detailed soil, climactic and aspect analysis before the original owners decided to establish a vineyard.
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Welcome to Alkoomi Wines, a consistent producer of elegant, flavoursome wines, and the cool climate Frankland River region's original winemaking operation
Merv and Judy Lange are pioneers of the wine industry in the Frankland River district. They planted their first vines in 1971 – Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Malbec – and produced their first wines in 1976. Today, Alkoomi is one of the largest family-owned wine producers in Western Australia. The Lange’s son Wayne, daughter Sandy, and extended family members are all actively involved in the business.
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