Wine regions - Manjimup
Manjimup Western Australia
Manjimup's vineyards are set amongst the towering karri forest
Sweeping view of Koolama Estate
A beautiful wine region tucked in Western Australia's Southern corner. Although Pinot Noir is widely planted, it is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay that are beginning to make a name for themselves.
Manjimup is 70k inland from the coast. Ocean breezes influence the climate along with the region's elevation, which at over 340 metres, ensures cold winters. Summer and autumn are fairly dry with the bulk of the rain falling in spring.
The Warren River flows from the north-east across the region and the Donnelly River flows across its eastern corner. The region is heavily forested with magnificent Jarrah, Karri and Red Gum (Marri) trees.
Manjimup's soil (marri) is a red, gravelly loam - a mix of sand and gravel deposited over ions by the rivers overlaying ironstone gravel.
The region produces a range of wine styles including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir. The region's main activity is growing fruit to supply other wineries in the state, however, a number of wineries do allocate parcels of grapes for their own labels.
Wineries and vineyards
Manjimup is characterised by small wineries and vineyards. One of the oldest, Sinclair Wines was established in the early 1990s. They produce Cabernet and Cabernet blends, some of which is exported with the rest being sold in a select number of Fremantle and Perth restaurants. Their premium wines are also available through their online cellar club.
The Peos family arrived in the region from Macedonia over eighty year ago. In 1996 the Peos brothers planted their first vineyard in memory of their father Jim and grandfather PY. Peos Estate has over the years won accolades for their Four Aces label.
Koolama Estate is a supplier vineyard that only started to produce wine under their own label since 2006, and it is a good thing that they did as the cool elevated slopes has consistently produced a Chardonnay recognised as one of the top drops in the state.
Expanse of forest and vines - aerial view
of Chestnut Grove Wines
Herriot Wines is the only certified biodynamic (organic) vineyard in the region. Established by John and Yvonne Herriot in 1999, Herriot Wines has focused on producing low sulphur wines in a range of styles. Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Merlot and Shiraz are their key varieties.
Some of the finest Merlot and Verdelho is produced from the oldest vines in the region planted at Chestnut Grove. Established in 1987 by the Kordic family, this beautiful property is indicative of the region were vineyards are grown amongst the expansive towering forests.
Food discoveries and truffle time
The region's name is derived from the aboriginal word 'Manjin', a special edible reed and 'up' meaning meeting place. The main town is also called Manjimup and it is here you will find restaurants and cafes showing off the region's produce including Marron and the famous Pink Lady apples. You will also find various accommodation services from self-contained chalets to B & Bs. Other smaller towns include Palgarup, Strachan and Quininup.
Kitted up for the truffle hunt at
The Wine and Truffle Company
Winter is truffle season in Manjimup and visitors have a rare opportunity to go out with the dogs sniffing out truffles from under the chestnut trees. This rare delicacy is served at the Wine and Truffle Company's café in Manjimup. They also have a range of truffle products such as truffle infused honey and truffle oil. See restaurant and event listings on right hand side for more information.
In warmer months don't miss the opportunity to take a dive into Fonty's Pool. The pool covers nearly an acre and is a great place to cool off and picnic. Officially opened in 1925 the pool is named after the man who built it, Archimedes Fontanini, an Italian immigrant who farmed the surrounding land and built the pool, which came to serve the community and visitors.
As always when travelling through this part of Western Australia you will always find the most stunning wildflowers and birds and of course the magnificent towering trees.
Harvest time: mid March to late April
Sites with more information:
