Tasting Notes 🍇

• Colour: Pale straw with a fine, persistent bead
• Aromatics: Honeysuckle, cream cheese, dry hay, red apple, citrus, and subtle brioche
• Palate: A tantalising balance of apple pie and lemon sherbet, underpinned by mid-palate richness and finishing with linear precision and freshness

Winemaker’s Note

“Our Sparkling Chardonnay is all about harmony—fruit vibrancy supported by traditional winemaking techniques that bring both texture and finesse. Year after year, it remains one of our most celebrated wines.”

Viticulture & Winemaking

• 🔹 Region: Ferguson Valley, WA
• 🔹 Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• 🔹 Harvest: Hand-picked for balance and freshness
• 🔹 Vinification:
  ✔ Traditional method (bottle fermentation)
  ✔ Lees contact for added creaminess and biscuity notes
  ✔ Carefully blended to highlight both fruit purity and textural depth

Sustainability & Vineyard Care 🌱

Saint Aidan practises responsible viticulture in the Ferguson Valley, focusing on careful hand-harvesting and minimal intervention to allow site character to shine. The emphasis is on quality over quantity, with fruit managed for balance and freshness.

Storage & Serving Tips ❄️

• Serving Temperature: 8°C – best for crispness and fine bubbles

• Glassware: Flute or tulip sparkling glass to highlight bead and aromatics

• Cellaring Potential: Drink now for freshness or cellar 3–5 years for added toastiness and depth

Food Pairing Suggestions 🍽️

• Freshly shucked oysters with lemon

• Tempura prawns or lightly battered seafood

• Creamy brie or goat’s cheese

• Lemon tart or citrus soufflé

FAQ Wine Terms 🧐

❓ What does “bottle fermented” mean?
It refers to the traditional method, where secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, creating natural bubbles and added texture.

❓ Why use 100% Chardonnay?
This style, known as Blanc de Blancs, produces sparkling wines with finesse, citrus drive, and ageing potential.

❓ What makes Ferguson Valley special for sparkling wine?
The region’s cooler climate at night retains natural acidity, essential for creating sparkling wines with freshness and precision.

Learn About St Aidan Wines

Welcome to St Aidan Wines, a boutique winery in the heart of Western Australia’s Ferguson Valley. For more than three decades, St Aidan has been celebrated for its warm hospitality, quality wines, and deep connection to the land. From the first vineyard plantings in the early 1990s to its present-day reputation as a must-visit destination, this winery has always stood for more than just wine. It represents family, community, and the beauty of the Geographe wine region. Today, a new chapter unfolds under the guidance of the owners of Henty View Wines, who bring passion and fresh vision to an already beloved brand.

The Origins of St Aidan

The story of St Aidan Wines began in 1991, when Phil and Mary Smith purchased a 10-hectare property in Ferguson Valley. Initially home to citrus and table grapes, the land was gradually replanted with wine grapes, beginning a journey that would shape the region’s wine identity. Their first releases, a Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 and Chardonnay 2001, signalled the start of a boutique winery dedicated to crafting small-batch wines. Over time, more varieties were planted, including Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Merlot, Malbec, and later Tempranillo and Fiano. The name “St Aidan” was chosen in honour of the historic church that borders the property, tying the winery’s identity to local heritage.

Growing Reputation

As the vineyard grew, so too did the opportunities to welcome visitors. A cellar door was established, followed by a café in 2009, which quickly became a gathering place for locals and travellers alike. In 2014, a dedicated functions centre was added, allowing the winery to host weddings, corporate events, concerts, and open-air cinema evenings. These facilities transformed St Aidan into a cultural hub for the Ferguson Valley, as well as a destination for fine wine. Throughout it all, the Smith family maintained a “bud to bottle” philosophy — ensuring that the same care devoted to the vines was reflected in every glass of wine poured.

The Wines of St Aidan

The wines of St Aidan reflect both the unique terroir of Ferguson Valley and the creativity of the winemaking team. Signature varieties include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blends, each capturing balance, elegance, and regional character. More adventurous plantings, such as Tempranillo and Fiano, showcase the winery’s willingness to experiment and adapt. The range also includes approachable styles like Moscato, Rosé, and fortified Muscat. Every bottle reflects the cool climate influence of the Ferguson Valley, where fertile soils and breezes from the Darling Scarp combine to produce wines of finesse.

Bright Future

Today, St Aidan enters an exciting new era under the ownership of the team behind Henty View Wines. Known for their hands-on approach and passion for boutique winemaking, the new custodians are committed to honouring St Aidan’s legacy while investing in its growth. Their focus will remain on sustainable vineyard care, authentic regional expression, and continuing the warm hospitality that visitors love. Customers can expect consistent quality, potential new plantings, and expanded distribution opportunities. Most importantly, the essence of St Aidan — community spirit, heritage, and heartfelt wines — will remain at the heart of its identity.