Margaret River, Western Australia

The Margaret River region is recognised as one of Australia's finest viticultural areas producing a wide range of premium and super premium varietal styles. It is probably best known for its outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon wines, however, the region also produces excellent white wines from Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Chardonnay.

The Margaret River region is centred around the town of Margaret River, south of Bunbury on a large peninsula bordered by oceans on three sides. This maritime influence creates long, dry summers and high rainfall, (a yearly average rainfall of more than 1,100 mm) to ensure that crops ripen well in soils ideally suited to viticulture - well drained sandy loams, over water retentive clay subsoils.

BANTRY BAY VINEYARD - WILLYABRUP

The Bantry Bay Vineyard at Willyabrup in the Margaret River region is now a 129 hectare vineyard managed by FABAL. A further 20 hectares was planted on vacant land in 2004. Bantry Bay is typical of the vineyards of the Margaret River region, sharing the landscape with majestic Jarrah and Redgum trees.

Water

Bantry Bay requires approximately 200 megalitres of water annually to irrigate its vines. Access to this water from the existing dam has been secured from the landlords of the Bantry Bay property. The water contained in the dam is sufficient to irrigate the whole of the Bantry Bay vineyard.

Climate and Soil

Bantry Bay Vineyard is situated about 350 kilometres south of Perth and 15 kilometres north of the Margaret River township. The vineyard is located in the highly regarded Wilyabrup region. The climate of the Margaret River region is subject to significant maritime influences, moderating both winter and summer conditions. It has a high average rainfall of in excess of 1,000mm per annum. The soils are gravelly sandy loams over clay subsoil.

Grape Varieties and Cropping Levels

Bantry Bay Vineyard is planted predominantly with Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, which are projected to be in high demand for the Australian, and international markets from the highly respected Margaret River region.

The development of this vineyard is underpinned by secure long term grape supply contracts with the Hardy Wine Company, one of Australia's major wine producers.