Wonderful Boutique Wine Experiences for the Discerning Palate
When we think of wine growing districts in Western Australia, we tend to think of the Margaret River, but I would like to turn your attention to another exceptional wine growing area called Kojonup.
The Frankland River and Broomehill regions near the township of Kojonup have the perfect climate for producing fine wine. They have wonderful rich soil, warm days during the ripening season and cool nights, without the heavy frosts that can damage a harvest. Meticulous care is taken to pick the grapes at the perfect time to ensure the sought after flavours are achieved. A wide variety of grapes are grown, but the region is best known for its excellent Shiraz and Riesling, while still producing outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc wines.
The Franklin River area was the birthplace of the Great Southern wine region and has a long pedigree of fabulous flavours. At just under three hours from Perth and only 2 hours from Bunbury, it is just a day trip away from the major centres. Wines produced in this region tend to have an elegant but intense flavour. The richness of this wine producing region can be measured by its superb wine show success.
Now that we have your attention, let’s see what the top boutique wineries in the region have to offer to the discerning palate.
Top Boutique Wine Experiences – Kojonup WA
Towerhill Estate
Towerhill Estate is located on the Albany Highway at Mount Baker, right in the heart of the Great Southern Region of Western Australia. This Estate is renowned for producing Cabernet Merlot. Their vibrant full bodied red has an earthy richness, with the aroma of cigar box and blackcurrant. This remarkable red reaches it full potential upon cellaring for 8 years, which is fortunate, as three of the five vintages have matured and are at their very best right now. Towerhill Estate also produce a lovely Cabernet Sauvignon.
For those who prefer white wines with a sweet, fruity or citrus finish, you will love the award winning range of Rieslings. Towerhill also produce Chardonnay and a Classic White. Towerhill Estate is perfect for those with a discerning palate, as they have a policy of only releasing wine that is mature and has a world of flavour. Towerhill Estate can be contacted on 61 8 9831 0693 or via their website at http://www.towerhillwine.com.au/
Trevelen Farm
Trevelen Farm is located 50km south of Kojonup, just off the Albany Highway on Weir Road at Cranbrook. They also have wholesale operations in Perth and Melbourne and their wines are available internationally in China, Japan and the USA. So, if you would like to taste award winning wines that are not only making an impact domestically, but also overseas, then this is the place for you.
The first point of interest for this winery is that it has achieved the James Halliday 5 star rating every year since 2007, and all of their wines have received accolades and medals at the highest levels.Trevelen Farm are especially proud of their Riesling vintages. Contact Trevelen Farm on 0418 361 052 to check cellar door times or to arrange an appointment.
Alkoomi Wines
Alkoomi Wines is located 60km from Kojonup on the Wingebellup Road at Franklin. This winery is one of the largest family owned vineyards in Western Australia. Alkoomi Wines is currently run by the fourth generation to live and work this land which has 105 hectares of vines plus 14 hectares of olive trees under cultivation. Both the wines & olive oil can be purchased through the cellar door. The Cellar door is open daily from 10am to 4.30pm, but it is best to check if they are open on public holidays. They also have a cellar door in Albany for your tasting convenience.
Alkoomi Wines have both a national and international distribution for their three wonderful ranges of wines. The Icon Range includes Shiraz, Semillon and Chardonnay, with vintages ranging from 2011 through to 2017. The Black Label Range covers Alkoomi’s premium offering, with white & red that can be enjoyed while still young. This range includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz Voignier and Riesling. The Whilte Label Range, on the other hand, consists of medium-bodied wines which can be enjoyed young, while the reds are able to be cellared for several more years.
Alkoomi Wines have been rated as a 5 Red Star Winery in the James Halliday 2019 Wine Companion. Now is a great time of year to head out and sample the wonderful vintages for yourself.
Frankland Estate
Frankland Estate is located on the Frankland Road in Frankland. This serene setting is the perfect place to settle back, relax and forget your busy lifestyle. Here you can taste wines from people who believe in sustainable practices, and that the best tasting wines come from the best cared for soil. This Estate creates wines of great intensity and depth of flavour.
Frankland Estate have an amazing selection of mature cellared wines for the discerning palate. Their small batch releases are impressive with vintages going back to 2006 which are in their prime & bursting with a world of flavour.
Frankland Estate supply Shraz varieties plus Cabernet Sauvignon for lovers of reds & a variety of Rieslings and Chardonnay for lovers of white wine. This Estate is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and on weekends by appointment. Frankland Estate can be contacted on 61 08 9855 1544 to arrange your visit to this tranquil paradise.
Ferngrove Wines
Ferngrove Winery and Cellar door are located on Ferngrove Road in Frankland River, which is a great area to make truly memorable wines. With a deep understanding and care, for not only the vines, but all of the surrounding area, Ferngrove Wines stands out for their harmony with the land. The care they display for their surroundings is reflected in the truly exceptional quality of the wines produced and the intense flavours they can achieve. Ferngrove Wines have earned the highly valued James Halliday 5 Star Winery Rating for 12 consecutive years in the James Halliday Wine Companion.
Ferngrove Wines produce some amazing reds encompassing Malbec, Merlot and Shiraz. These reds have a generous palate with abundant flavour, and in some cases, a hint of spice. The white wines are championed by Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. These whites exhibit considerable freshness, elegance and a wonderful citrus palate.
Ferngrove Wines Cellar Door is open for tasting daily Monday to Saturday from 10am till 4pm. Take the time to come and visit and be pleasantly surprised by this fantastic natural setting, and the amazing wines that are created here.
Accommodation in Kojonup
To assist with the planning of your boutique winery experience, it would be best to book your accommodation in the Kojonup area. Cornwall House Accommodation is a new 10 room motel, conveniently located on the Albany Highway in the heart of Kojonup. This motel offers country charm and hospitality mixed with modern appointments. The rooms are air conditioned, have ensuite bathrooms, free WiFi, smart TVs, refrigerators and tea and coffee making facilities. This motel also offers a twin room with wheelchair access.
The right motel can make, or break, your boutique wine experience, so don’t take any chances. Contact Cornwall House Accommodation on 08 9831 0214 or check out the website via https://www.cornwallhouseaccommodation.com.au/