Wine regions Australia - Geographe

Geographe   Western Australia

The Geographe region is small and compact with a strong reputation for the production of fine wine. Chardonnay, Semillon, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are the most widely planted varieties.

The Geographe Region takes in the curve of land on Geographe Bay and extends inland. The main towns of Bunbury and Busselton lie on the Bussell Highway that runs from Perth, through the region, to Margaret River and Augusta in the south.

The region is flanked by the Darling Range rising gradually to the east. The coastal area has been dubbed 'tuart country' after the soils, which are deep, sandy and overlaying limestone. These soils drain well but are low in nutrients. The region is dissected by the Capel, Collie and Ferguson rivers, which have deposited alluvial soils that are much higher in nutrient content.

The climate, essentially Mediterranean, is cooled and humidified by the Indian Ocean.

The region took off as a grape growing area after the First World War when an influx of Italian immigrants set about producing wine. Sadly many of these people were interned during the Second World War resulting in labour shortages and consequent neglect of the vineyards.

The elixir for the region was brought by medical doctors. Barry Killerby, established Killerby Vineyard and Peter Pratten established Capel Vale. A few other vineyards and wineries followed, in the eighties and nineties with the focus being on vineyard development. Chief grape varieties are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Shiraz.

Harvest time: mid February to early April

Sites with more information:

• Geographe Wine Region
• Down South, Western Australia