Winery of the Month November 2023
Aravina Estate
Aravina Estate is located along the Wildwood Ridge in the Yallingup sub-region of Margaret River. The Estate lies within an arena of undulating vines and natural bushland while overlooking glistening lakes, immaculate lawns, and stunningly manicured gardens. The 70-hectare vineyard was planted in 1986 and is home to several different varietals, allowing Aravina to create a range of high-quality single vineyard wines using (almost) 100% Estate grown fruit.
On arrival at the Estate, walk down through the manicured gardens and alongside the intricate creek system, onto manicured lawns and vineyard vistas.
Experience the entirety of Aravina Estate by tasting the fine wines at our Cellar Door, enjoying a drink and bite to eat from the Riveria Bar or a cold 8 Waves Brew, created from our onsite brewery, and finally taking a trip down memory lane in WA’s first Surf Museum.
Winery of the Month October 2023
Woody Nook Wines
2024 will usher in the forty second year since the planting of Woody Nook’s original Gallagher’s vineyard and their thirty eighth vintage. It is also the fourth vintage for the “new” winemaking team of Digby Leddin (Joined 2020), Courtney Dunkerton (Joined 2011) and Glenn Italiano (joined 2008) with a nod to the past and a deep respect for dry grown old vines, the fresh start has allowed the team to re-imagine the wine styles and re-invigorate the wine brand with an eye to the future.
Contemporary Rioja and Bordeaux inspired red blends; “G & T” (Graciano & Tempranillo) and “BDX” (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet franc) to complement our lifestyle and cuisine through to puncheon fermented “Chenanigans” (Chenin Blanc) and “Fume Blanc” (Sauvignon Blanc) and our Rock-star dry-ish Rose’ (Tempranillo).
Of course we continue to make all the Woody Nook Wines Classics; “Anniversary” Blanc de Blancs (Sparkling Chardonnay) the flagship “Gallagher’s Choice” (Cabernet Sauvignon) and our exceedingly popular Nooky Delight (fortified shiraz grenache).
Christmas 2023 will see the release of 2 “new” fortifieds both with an average age of twenty plus years; Liqueur Shiraz ad Liqueur Muscat, Pedro Ximenez.
The “New” kitchen team at The Nookery Café is led by head chef, Catalonian born, Oriol Pala Argemi (Juri) and English born sous chef Ben Knights. Focussing on contemporary Australian fare with a Mediterranean twist, the team is producing delicious food always enhanced by a perfectly matched glass of wine.
The Nookery Café offers indoor dining, alfresco or stretch your legs on the newly completed lawn area with stylish Jarrah tables or private shady gazebos.
The current custodians of the beautiful Woody Nook for the past twenty years Peter & Jane Bailey are very proud of their part of the world and are always welcoming visitors to share a piece of their paradise.
So whether you are a long term, loyal supporter or if you have never visited before, be sure to stop into Woody Nook Wines and experience everything we have to offer.
Winery of the Month September 2023
Stormflower Vineyard
A wine adventure from the incredible Wilyabrup pocket of the Margaret River region. Stormflower is all about producing the best wine we can from our small block, with all wines made at our small onsite winery, only with fruit from our vineyard. Sustainable farming is an integral part of the Stormflower philosophy, and we pay great attention to the health of the soil which results in a vineyard that is a healthy, biodiverse and resilient system. We are proudly certified organic, achieving full certification in November 2016. We aim to produce wine that is a unique expression of the site and not necessarily the regional style, allowing the fruit to express itself. We pay particular attention to create wines that have good palate weight, smooth textured mouthfeel, good fruit flavours and aromas and a clean dry finish. Our wines can be enjoyed by themselves, but the aim is to make wine that is geared mainly around food, so structure and texture are critical.
Our minimalist, sustainable philosophy is reflected in our cellar door. A relaxed, understated, natural space in which to sit back and enjoy our wines and our surroundings. Our tasting table and our sales counter are made from one of the Marri trees that blew down outside the cellar door during a storm in 2013. Our cellar door has been set up to taste our wines as we like to enjoy them, sitting at a table or in a comfortable chair in an environment that is cosy, welcoming, and unhurried. We welcome all visitors to explore our wines, our cellar door and our gardens. Our cellar door team are passionate about our wines and wine making philosophy and will guide you through your tasting. As well as many of the standard Margaret River varietals we have our popular Crémant, Pet Nat and Rose available for tasting (unless sold out!). Our gardens are perfect for a picnic (rugs provided by us), and to enjoy a glass of wine and some fine cheese and charcuterie from our decadent pantry packed full of imported European cheese and Australian and European salumi, along with our house made grape chutney, olives and obatzda.
We are family friendly with a change table and few bits and bobs to entertain the kids, and welcome your four legged family as well
Winery of the Month August 2023
Happs
Established in 1978, Happs wines are crafted by adventurous innovators who constantly challenge the status quo to bring you the best tasting, engaging, quality wines. It believes that wine should be accessible and enjoyed by everyone. It wants to show that wine can be fun, easy to choose and understand. It imagines everyone enjoying ‘a moment’ through its wines from fun with friends, birthday celebrations, your first sip at the cellar door and family gatherings. Its portfolio boasts more than 40 different wines, which have wide appeal.
Winery of the Month July 2023
In 1967, the illustrious Dr. Tom Cullity, a visionary pioneer of the region, established Vasse Felix, the very first wine estate in Margaret River.
Nestled among the world's great wine regions, Margaret River boasts an extraordinary environment and climate, an enchanting haven for both winemakers and wine enthusiasts. From its initial plantings to the present day, our relentless quest at Vasse Felix has been to embrace and express the utmost essence of the Margaret River region.
Our wines embody the essence of Margaret River, with a particular focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, complemented by delightful Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blends. These exquisite grapes flourish in our three remarkable Margaret River vineyards and are expertly vinified and bottled within our state-of-the-art winery, beautifully situated at our Home Vineyard, overlooking the serene Wilyabrup Brook.
Vasse Felix is an extraordinary place, distinguished by the magnificent environment and climate of Margaret River, our cherished family heritage, and the priceless value of our vineyards. Above all, our entire team is dedicated to upholding Dr. Cullity's original vision for Vasse Felix: to craft the finest wines imaginable.
The Founder, Dr. Thomas Brendan Cullity, was a highly intelligent and somewhat eccentric Cardiologist hailing from Western Australia. During his travels to Britain in the 1950s, while working at the National Heart Hospital, he discovered the exceptional table wines of Europe. Inspired, he returned home with a fervent mission to create outstanding wines in Western Australia.
Driven by his unwavering passion, Tom embarked on a tireless search for the perfect parcel of land, guided by the research of esteemed scholars like Professor Harold Olmo (1955) and Dr. John Gladstones (1965). His pursuit led him to a small piece of land, now known as the Vasse Felix Home Vineyard, nestled beside the tranquil Wilyabrup Brook. Here, he planted 8 hectares of vines, including the revered Houghton clone Cabernet Sauvignon, which forms the heart of Margaret River's finest Cabernets.
Balancing a demanding career and a large family, Tom spent most of his spare time navigating the challenging journey from Perth to Margaret River, traversing gravel roads to tend to his young vine plantings. At this site, merely 4km from the majestic ocean, Tom established rudimentary winemaking facilities, ingeniously recycling medical contraptions in a modest shed that also served as his sleeping quarters. Despite skepticism from some and colorful labels of "crazy" from locals, Tom persevered, relying on his intellectual brilliance and unconventional approaches, including a brief foray into falconry, to overcome the myriad of challenges he encountered.
Through Tom's steadfast determination and enduring persistence, he succeeded in crafting Margaret River's first commercial wines. His pioneering role in establishing the Margaret River Wine Region is forever etched in our memories.
Winery of the Month June 2023
CHERUBINO
Cherubino is a family-owned and farm-focused winery dedicated to crafting uniquely Western Australian wines of great depth, detail, and purity, true to their provenance. Since its establishment in 2005 by the award-winning Australian winemaker Larry Cherubino and his wife Edwina, the Cherubino label has earned a reputation for innovation and success in the Australian wine industry.
With a collection of five venues strategically located across the Margaret River region and Perth City, Cherubino aims to provide its clients with an immersive sensory and culinary experience. These venues offer a range of amenities, including comfortable accommodation, a fine dining restaurant, and two cellar doors located in Margaret River and Subiaco.
Larry Cherubino believes that the true essence of winemaking begins in the vineyard. Meticulous attention to detail in soil and vine management ensures that each grape is nurtured to its fullest potential.
"Simplicity in winemaking requires great attention to detail in the vineyard, an uncompromising approach to fruit selection, and uncomplicated winemaking, all framed by a kind season." - Larry Cherubino.
These words encapsulate their winemaking philosophy, crafting wines that authentically express the unique sense of place from which they originate. They take great pride in producing sub-regional and single vineyard wines that reflect the character and provenance of their origin.
Visitors are cordially invited to the Cherubino Cellar Door located in the heart of Margaret River. The sensory journey begins as guests discover seasonal wine ranges through tasting sessions. Wine can be paired with a selection of antipasto featuring Italian-origin products, while the Linton and Kay art gallery offers a captivating backdrop where art merges seamlessly with wine. For a more personalized experience, private tastings are available in the board room for up to 20 guests or in the barrel room for up to 10 guests. Appointments are recommended.
Additionally, Cherubino provides accommodation for those seeking a tranquil escape surrounded by vineyards located a short stroll from the Cellar Door and the award-winning fine dining restaurant Frui Momento.
Cherubino wines are an invitation to experience the very best that West Australia has to offer, crafted with the utmost care and respect for the land.
Winery of the Month of May 2023
The Hay Shed Hill vineyard
The Hay Shed Hill vineyard is situated on a picturesque property that was established as a group settlement farm for returned soldiers from the First World War. Known as Sussex Vale the property was originally a dairy farm. The current homestead, considerably renovated, still has much of the original Group Settlement look and feel.
Vines were first planted in the early 1970s. In the late 1980's the vineyard was bought by the Morrison Family and the wine brand Hay Shed Hill was established taking its name from the local reference to the hay shed located on the property. The sister label, Pitchfork, was developed to complement the single vineyard Hay Shed Hill label. A series of ownership changes saw numerous alterations to labels, wine style and distribution until the current group of partners bought back the farm and the brand in late 2006 and returned to the original concept of producing wine with integrity that expresses the quality of the site.
Enjoy your wine tasting in seated comfort while looking over the beautiful Wilyabrup vineyard.
We recommend allowing approximately 30-45 mins for our knowledgeable staff to guide you through our extensive list of wines, from the classic's that Margaret River is so famous for, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay to Spanish Tempranillo. Or for something extra special we now have rare museum release wines available to taste.
Extend your stay and enjoy lunch at Trip advisors number 1 restaurant to visit in the Margaret River region - Rústico at Hay Shed Hill and sample their award-winning tapas, hospitality, shared plate, Mediterranean style fare.
The menu is a foodies heaven! The tapas tasting degustation matched with premium Hay Shed Hill wines is the best value degustation in the south west. Indulge by starting lunch with Freshly Shucked Australian oysters, Chorizo or a jug of Sangria.
We look forward to treating you soon!
Winery of the Month of April 2023
Marri Wood Park
Marri Wood Park is a small but mighty vineyard run by father-daughter team Julian and Natalie Wright. Established in 1992, and certified biodynamic for half its life, the vineyard relies on gentle farming methods to produce the highest quality grapes for its flagship Chenin, fume style Sauvignon Blanc, SBS, and earthy Cabernet Sauvignon. Along with limited release Pet-Nat and the highly coveted Sparkling Chenin, guests are treated to a guided tasting of everything that's open and a museum release Chenin to boot. At 14 years old and plenty of life to go, this drop is a cracker. We are warmly welcomed by Lola the wine dog and the knowledgeable cellar door staff, who patiently describe each of the wines from their biodynamic roots with an impactful presentation about the cosmic influences at play in the vineyard. The conversation meanders, the vibe is relaxed and we leave the peaceful and serene bush setting with a few bottles of our new favourite drops and a plan to return.
