Wine Regions
View Map
Geographe is a compact region unified by its warm to hot and mostly maritime climate. In this region, what might in other more continental areas be considered excessively warm temperatures are modified by the prevailing south-west sea breezes coming off the Indian Ocean. Summers are dry but rainfall is generous during winter and relative humidity is quite high.
The Harvey River meanders through the northern boundary on its way to the coast. Bunbury, 140 kilometres (87 miles) south of Perth is the region's commercial centre with Busselton at its south-western corner. The region is watered by several rivers, chiefly the Capel, Ferguson, Collie and Brunswick rivers which, during their descent from the Darling Ranges in the east over millions of years, have created fertile valleys on their way to the coast.
While there are as yet no officially recognised subregions, there are three quite distinct areas. The first is the true coastal sector, stretching from the Harvey Shire just north of Bunbury to Busselton in the south, and with the lush peaceful Capel River and the town of Capel at its centre. Wholly maritime-influenced by the warm Indian Ocean, its climate is similar to that of the northern part of the Margaret River, although the soil types vary considerably.
The Donnybrook area is next and has a distinctly different climate, as it is cut off from the maritime influence of the Indian Ocean by the intervention of the Darling and Whicher Ranges. The net result is a continental climate, which Dr John Gladstones describes as closely resembling that of Bendigo and Rutherglen in Victoria, with considerable diurnal temperature fluctuations as a result of which spring frosts may present a problem in the locality.
The third area is the valley of the Ferguson River where early success with Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon has led to a rapid expansion in plantings. The largest venture is Willow Bridge Estate, with a 100 hectare (247 acre) vineyard and a 2000 tonne (1814 ton) capacity winery.
The coastal tuart sands have limestone as their parent material and overlie limestone; a permanent water table at a depth of between three and 15 metres (10 to 49 feet) is a further aid to viticulture. However, low natural fertility and ready leaching of nutrients mean that care has to be taken to achieve the best results. The soils of the traditional farming and orchard land at Donnybrook are richer, being either gravelly sandy loams or heavier soils derived from the gneissic country rock in the valleys.
Overall, this is an area of considerable beauty with a varied topography that results in an impressive landscape; one of the components of which is the Western Australian flora. The magnificence of the gum trees, ranging from the tuart forests of the coastal sands of the same name through to marri and karri eucalyptus further inland, is internationally renowned and combines with the spectacular native shrubs and flowers to make this region unique.
Wineries
Brookhampton Estate, Capel Vale Wines, Donnybrook Estate Wines, Ferguson Falls Estate, Harvey River Bridge Estate, Henty Brook Estate, Killerby Vineyards, Kingtree Wines, Oakway Estate Wines, Preston Vale
Thomson Brook Wines, Wansbrough Wines, Willow Bridge Estate and Wordsworth Wines.
If you would like to have your winery included in this list, please email awbc@awbc.com.au.
Wine Notes
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is propagated everywhere in the region, producing wines that reflect the varying site climates, and of course, the hand of the winemaker. The cooler sites produce wines with intense grapefruit characters, the warmer sites veer through melon to butter and cashews. All develop well in bottle over the medium term.
Semillon
It comes as no surprise to find that Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon tie as the second most widely planted varieties in this region, a tribute to the popularity of the crisp white which is a pleasing product of their union. As in nearby Margaret River, it produces a tangy wine with grassy, herbal overtones; a light touch of oak is an optional extra.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon, whether blended with Merlot or not, tends to be softer and more delicate than that of either the Margaret River or the Mount Barker regions, with lingering, fine-grained tannins. However, the spread of plantings inland from the coast will result in more diverse styles, particularly when the newer vineyards reach maturity.
Shiraz
The Shiraz is by far the most important grape, usually presented as a varietal wine but also used in complex multi-blends. The weight and extract varies substantially, from the more robust to softer and perhaps more elegant styles, but each with a core of cherry and mint fruit.
Vital Statistics
Five towns within the region record heat degree days between 1650 and 1700 and mean January temperatures vary from 21.25ºC (70°F) at Busselton on the coast to 23.25ºC (74°F) at Wokalup inland.
| Bunbury 1877-1985 |
| Map Coordinates | 33° 18'S 115°38'E |
| Altitude | 5-70 m (16 - 230 feet) |
| Heat degree days | 1700 (cut off at 19º C but otherwise not adjusted) |
| Sunshine hours, Oct-Apr | 1865 (Gladstones) |
| Annual rainfall | 871 mm (34.3 inches) |
| Growing season rainfall | 185 mm (7.3 inches) |
| Mean January temperature | 21.35°C (70.5°F) |
| Relative humidity, Oct-Apr, 3 pm | Average 60% |
| Harvest | Early Feb - Mid Mar |