The Great Southern Winery Region
The Great Southern Winery Region is a large and diverse area, home to many of Western Australia's most successful and individual wineries. It is a large area running along the south coast of Western Australia. Lake Muir marks its western boundary and the Pallanup River marks the east. There are two other rivers the Frankland to the west and the Kalgan which enters the ocean near Albany.
The region has five distinct areas, Albany, Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker and Porongurup. The main town is Albany, followed by Denmark, Porongurup, Mount Barker and Rocky Gully. These are all great just to visit in their own right - let alone for the wine!
The area's viticultural history is entirely recent. John Gladstones and Harold Olmo gave the green light for development in the late 50's early 60's. WA's Department of Agriculture under Bill Jamison established trial plantings at Forest Hill in 1965. Further trials eschewed and by 1972 the first harvest was sent to Houghtons and Sandalford for winemaking by Jack Mann and his son Dorham. What transpired was development that gained momentum in the 70's and accelerated in the 80's.
The climate is maritime influenced Mediterranean, with significant differences reflected between them.
It is a spectacular place to visit with an unninglous coastline, rich, undulating country full of native floral treasures and a very interesting history.
Harvest time: mid February to early April.
Sites with more information:
* The Original Great Southern Portal
* Albany GateWay
* Denmark Where the forest meets the sea
* Mount Barker Tourist Bureau
Albany, Western Australia
This small wine region with a growing reputation. Pinot Noir is proving to be surprisingly successful.
One industry dies and another is born. So it was with it being the centre of whaling in Western Australia that closed operations in 1978. Fortunately the viticulture took root in 1974 producing very fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Suitable soil is somewhat patchy in this location and sites have to be chosen with care. The climate is Mediterranean with maritime influences from winds locally called the "Albany Doctor" and humidity levels.
Albany is a substantial city with a very interesting history. It makes a good base for the wine traveller checking out the Great Southern Winery Region.
Harvest time: early March to mid April
Denmark, Western Australia
Denmark lies west along the coast 59 kilometres from Albany. This established wine making is the latest to join the family of Great Southern Wineries. The area's reputation is forming around its distinct Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The climate is Mediterranean with wet winters and warm to hot summers. The sea tempers the heat and dryness in summer. The soils are a mix of marri loam and karri loam. There is a focus in the area on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, however, red varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz and white varieties Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are also grown.
The main town is Denmark named after an English naval surgeon Dr Alexander Denmark. The town is the centre of a thriving tourist industry which has been boosted in recent years by wine tourism.
Harvest time: early March to mid April
Frankland River, Western Australia
Wines of defined varietal character are the hallmark of this small region. Crisp intense Riesling and deeply coloured Cabernet Sauvignon are particularly appealing styles.
Wineries such as Alkoomi established in 1971 and Frankland Estate established in 1988 have given rise to its reputation as a fine producer of Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
Four rivers the Frankland, Gordon, Kent and Tone converge here. The soils are of the 'marri' type derived from granite. The climate is Mediterranean and unlike the other places has virtually no maritime influences.
Harvest time: mid March to mid April
Mount Barker, Western Australia
Home to many fine and stylish wines, Mount Barker is well worth discovering. Distinctive styles of Riesling and Shiraz can be found, along with world class Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Mount Barker area was the birthplace of the Great Southern winery area. It was this that was first recommended for table grapes by the American viticulturalist Harold Olmo.
Most wineries and vineyards Mount Barker are to be found west of the Albany Highway on gently undulating ground. This area is distinguished by its gravelly loams called "marri" that have good drainage qualities and low fertility. The climate is Mediterranean with lower levels of humidity and more sunshine than the coast.
Mount Barker is winning awards for Riesling, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Other varieties grown include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Malbec and Merlot.
Harvest time: mid March to late April
Porongurup, Western Australia
With sweeping views of the Porongurup Ranges, this picturesque place is well worth a visit.
The Kalgan River forms the eastern boundary of the Porongurup.
The regions' vineyards are grown on "karri" soil, loams which are formed from granite. Principle varieties are Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon, Verdelho, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Shiraz. The climate is Mediterranean. Events include the Porongurup Wine Festival in March.
Harvest time: mid March to late April
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