Wineries of Western Australia

There is nothing more soothing than a sip of wine after a long hard day at work, sharing a bottle between some friends or having a whole bottle to yourself while you eat cheese and watch Outlander (not that I’m speaking from experience…). Well, however you decide to enjoy your wine, I think we can all agree that it is one of life’s undisputed pleasures and can transport us away from the rigours of everyday life. In this issue of Wineries of Western Australia, it is my absolute pleasure to share this curated collection of some of Western Australia’s finest and deeply loved wineries. Western Australia is key in Australia’s wine industry and is renowned for its diverse range of wine styles, both traditional and alternative. Uncorking The Unexpected (page…

SIP INTO SOMETHING NEW Raise your glasses to Passel Estate as it celebrates the launch of its newest release this summer, completing its exclusive selection of single-vineyard fine wines from the heart of Margaret River. Introducing ‘La Joie,’ a vintage sparkling wine crafted from chenin blanc using the traditional French method in the classic Crémant style. This marks Passel Estate’s first foray into sparkling wine. The grapes were harvested at the optimal time to preserve their natural acidity and underwent regular bâtonnage for added complexity before being bottled for secondary fermentation. After maturing on the lees for an additional year, the wine was disgorged, with a small dosage added for perfect balance. The result is a sparkling wine that bursts with bright fruit flavours, delicate white florals and subtle brioche…

ABC2000 Personalising wine glasses has never been easier or more affordable, thanks to ABC2000’s efficient engraving service. Whether they are Champagne flutes, red wine, or white wine glasses, these customised glasses make perfect gifts, suitable for any occasion from birthdays and weddings to corporate events and anniversaries. Imagine the delight of your guests when served their favourite wine in glasses etched with their names, a cherished motto or even your family crest. A good bottle of wine deserves to be enjoyed in style and nothing exudes elegance quite like personalised glassware, created with text or graphics using the cutting-edge laser engraver. For an extra special touch, you can also opt to have your custom wine glasses gift boxed or paired with a personalised bottle of wine. To ensure everything is…

LIEBHERR The new Grand Cru wine storage cellar from Liebherr takes wine storage to the next level. With the ability to store a staggering 324 Bordeaux bottles, the WSbl 7731 Grand Cru is Liebherr’s biggest ever wine cellar. For long-term storage, all varieties of wine require a steady and stable temperature, specific humidity levels and UV protection. The WSbl 7731 Grand Cru from Liebherr offers all this and more. The electronic temperature control system provides precision temperature settings from 5 degrees celcius to 20 degrees celcius, ensuring the set temperature is constantly maintained within a fraction of a degree. Coupled with innovation such as the VibrateSafe ultra-quiet and low-vibration compressor and humidity control, the new WSbl 7731 Grand Cru from Liebherr provides optimal long-term storage conditions, similar to an underground…

BAKKHEIA WINES As Bakkheia Wines approaches its twentieth year of grape growing and winemaking, it must be honest about its future as vignerons. Owners Michael and Ilonka consider their efforts and hard work which has produced a marvelous legacy and brand. The pair don’t want to see the winery ‘die on the vine’, but the couple are not ready to retire from the land as the location and environment is fulfilling and spiritual. Not having any children (by choice) and having nieces and nephews wanting to create their own paths, a dilemma for handing over the reins has occurred. Naturally one would assume the sale of Bakkheia Wines but Michael and Ilonka are opting for a different pathway, with the couple’s succession planning being considered long and hard. Eight years…

DOMAINE NATURALISTE Founded in 2012 by Bruce Dukes, Domaine Naturaliste quickly established itself as one of the standout wineries in the Margaret River region, earning a reputation for consistency and exceptional quality. Bruce’s passion for wine stems from his background as a soil microbiologist and his thirty-four years of experience in integrating grape growing with winemaking. His goal has always been to understand the intricacies of the fruit and express its true potential through culturally relevant wine styles. Pictured are chardonnay vines at the Domaine Naturaliste Wilyabrup vineyard in January 2024, just starting to flower. The ryegrass and clover sward has full cover of the entire vineyard floor, insulating the soil, moderating moisture and deep placing complex nutrients into the soil for gradual release. Early season subterranean clovers are selected,…