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This is the least known and one of the newest of Western Australia’s wine regions. The first vineyard and winery, Blackwood Crest, was established in 1976 in the north-eastern corner of the region. Recent expansion has seen the establishment of many more vineyards in support of six wineries and cellar doors. In large part, the boundaries of the region are self-defining. In the south the boundary abuts Manjimup, to the west and north Geographe, and on the south-east it meets the northern limits of Great Southern.
There are no official subregions but wineries are located across the region at Boyup Brook, Bridgetown and Nannup.
The region is situated at the same latitude as Margaret River and shares many of the same basic climatic characteristics, most notably wet and relatively warm winters and proportionately cool, dry summers. Typically, the variation between summer and winter daytime temperatures is little more than 10°C (50°F). The points of difference stem from the more continental climate, with winter frosts sometimes extending into spring (with consequent crop losses) and a slightly higher summer temperature range than that of Margaret River.
The soils are part of the Darling Plateau system with moderately incised valleys providing gravel and gravelly soils on the divides, and yellow soils and red earths on valley slopes. Overall, the result is well-drained, gravelly loam soils that are perfectly suited to viticulture.
Wineries
Barwick Wines, Blackwood Crest, Blackwood Wines, Lauren Brook Winery, Scotts Brook, Wattle Ridge and Westlington Brook Winery.
If you would like to have your winery included in this list, please email awbc@awbc.com.au.
Wine Notes
Chardonnay
A considerable part of the production is sold to wineries outside the region. As in the Margaret River region, the style is generous and rich, with ripe melon and peach fruit flavours.
Riesling
While the relatively small plantings prove the suitability of the variety to the region, there is little prospect of increased production in the face of the strength of Great Southern Riesling.
Cabernet Sauvignon
This is the most widely planted red grape, and it regularly achieves full ripeness across the length and breadth of the region. Black currant and dark chocolate flavours are supported by long, fine tannins giving the wines excellent ageing potential.
Shiraz
Plantings here are increasing rapidly from a small base. The first few crops have produced wine with a mix of sweet, round fruit with touches of pepper and spice.
Vital Statistics
| Bridgetown Comparison 1887-2003 |
| Map Coordinates | 34° 00'S 116° 00'E |
| Altitude | 100-340 m (326 – 1115 feet) |
| Heat degree days, Oct-Apr | 1567 (cut off at 19ºC (66.2ºF) but otherwise not adjusted) |
| Sunshine hours, Oct-Apr | 1676 |
| Annual rainfall | 833 mm (32.8 inches) |
| Growing season rainfall | 216 mm (9.1 inches) |
| Mean January temperature | 20.9°C (70 °F) |
| Relative humidity, Oct-Apr, 3 pm | Average 45% |
| Harvest | Late Feb - Early Apr |