Wines
Geographe
The Ferguson Valley and surrounds (Geographe) sits about 15 to 30 mins East and Southwest of Bunbury and is home to a number of small boutique wineries. It’s majestic rolling hills, and the changes between the prevailing summer easterlies to the afternoon sea breeze makes for a diverse set of microclimates.
The Geographe region has a rich and vibrant history in grape cultivation, earning its esteemed wine appellation status in 1999. While relatively young, this appellation has increasingly attracted new winemakers since the 2000s. Named after Geographe Bay, initially explored by French navigator Baudin in 1801 aboard his ships, the Geographe and the Naturaliste, the region now hosts 57 winegrowers, 26 producers, and cultivates 36 different grape varieties.
The terroir of the Geographe Wine Region is influenced by its maritime climate, with warm summer temperatures moderated by Indian Ocean breezes year-round. With an average annual temperature of 22.4°C, supplemented by water from the Collie River, the region is ideal for viticulture. Winters bring heavy rainfall, varying from 500-800mm a year. Geographe contributes ten percent to Western Australia’s wine industry, with vineyards reaching a maximum altitude of 400 meters, situated on limestone soil that holds water well along the coast, promoting drainage and mineral-rich content. Coastal vineyards feature low soil fertility, extending ripening times for smaller berries with intense aromas and concentrated flavours, while inland vineyards benefit from higher fertility derived from sandy loam and gneissic rock.
To learn more about the Geographe wine region visit the official page HERE
Wine reviews from WA wine critic Ray Jordan are HERE