Shepherd’s Hut
Shepherd’s Hut Wines is named after a 1850s stone hut found in ruins on an adjacent property. Built of beautiful honey-coloured Mt Barker stone, the hut was used by local shepherds as shelter while grazing their flocks along the Kalgan River. As we planted our first vines on the north facing slopes of our sheep and cattle farm, we rebuilt the hut. It now overlooks the vineyard, with spectacular sweeping views to both the Porongurup and Stirling Ranges.
Shepherd’s Hut
Established in 1996, we are a family business that has always had a strong focus on quality over quantity. This philosophy applies to all facets of our business from growing the grapes through to marketing. We are proud of the wines we produce and the relationship we have with our customers. We hope you enjoy a Shepherd’s Hut Wine soon.
Known for their Magnificent Pinot Noir & Riesling.
Porongurup Wine Region
The Porongurup wine region, nestled in the heart of Western Australia, is celebrated not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its unique terroir, which contributes to the production of exceptional wines. The region’s picturesque setting is framed by the towering Stirling Ranges, offering breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility that attracts wine lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
One of the defining features of Porongurup is its cool climate, significantly influenced by its elevation and proximity to the Stirling Ranges. The combination of these factors creates a longer growing season that is particularly advantageous for grape cultivation. This extended ripening period allows grapes to develop the complex flavours and vibrant acidity that characterise high-quality wines. The cool nights help to retain freshness and acidity in the grapes, while warm, sunny days promote optimal maturation. This climate makes Porongurup an ideal environment for a diverse range of varietals, including both whites and reds.
In terms of wine styles, Porongurup excels in producing elegant and aromatic white wines, particularly Riesling and Chardonnay. The region’s Rieslings are renowned for their crisp acidity, floral aromas, and enticing notes of citrus and stone fruit. Often, these wines exhibit a distinct mineral edge, a reflection of the diverse soils, including granite and sandy loams that dominate the area. This mineral character adds depth and complexity to the wine, making it a favourite among connoisseurs. Chardonnay from Porongurup typically showcases vibrant fruit profiles balanced by refreshing acidity, often enhanced by subtle oak influences from careful barrel aging. The result is a rich, layered wine that appeals to a wide range of palates.
In recent years, Porongurup has also begun to gain recognition for its red wines, particularly Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. These varietals are known for their depth, structure, and rich fruit flavours. The cooler climate allows for a slow maturation process, enabling the grapes to retain their natural acidity while developing rich, complex profiles. The resulting wines are often celebrated for their balance and elegance, making them standouts in the increasingly competitive Australian wine market.
The terroir of Porongurup plays a crucial role in shaping the characteristics of its wines. The region’s diverse soils, combined with its unique microclimates, create ideal conditions for grape growing. The cool, moist environment supports healthy vine growth, while the elevation ensures good drainage and aeration, reducing disease pressure. This careful interplay of climate, soil, and viticulture practices contributes to the purity, finesse, and ability of Porongurup wines to express the distinct characteristics of the land.
Moreover, the commitment of local winemakers to sustainable practices and innovative viticulture techniques further enhances the quality of wines produced in the region. By prioritising environmental stewardship and focusing on low-intervention methods, these producers are able to craft wines that genuinely reflect their origins.
In summary, the Porongurup wine region stands out within Western Australia’s diverse wine landscape. Its combination of stunning scenery, ideal climate, and dedicated winemaking has established it as a destination for those seeking exceptional wines that embody the unique character of this remarkable region.
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Learn About Western Australian Wine Regions
Encompassing the The Swan Valley, Chittering & Surrounds the key varietals grown here include Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc & Verdelho.
What you might not know is it is Australia’s 2nd oldest wine region and has the hottest climate of any wine region in Australia. It is actually too hot here to produce certain varietals like Pinot. So, if you find one here, the fruit will probably be from down south.
Being on the doorstep of Perth we often forget it’s only a 25 minute drive from the city. We are so lucky to have a major wine region so close to the city.
An untapped resource that we are excited to showcase. We encourage you to take a drive up through the Bickley Valley. Not only are there some great wineries, but it’s a lovely drive with some fantastic views!
Most wineries here in the Bickley region are quiet young and a little different, with some varietals somewhat uncommon in WA. It has its own microclimate, producing differences in a Cabernet or Shiraz found down on the coastal plain. Up here you will find other varietals like Durif, Tempranillo, Mourvedre, and some Pinot Noir & Merlot.
The region stretches from Jarrahdale, through Bickley and the undulating landscapes of the Darling scarp.
The first commercial vineyard began operation in 1974 by Peel estate, which is still there today and producers some wonderful wines! Shiraz is the area’s strong suite.
The sea breeze comes much sooner than the swan valley keeping the temperatures a little cooler. Unfortunately, a region with few wineries that have a cellar door at present.
The Ferguson Valley and surrounds sits about 15 mins East 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 region also encompasses the coastal plain, and down to Donnybrook providing different styles. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon & Sauvignon Blanc are the kings of this area, but wineries are experimenting with new plantings.
World renowned Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay live here, but there is still diversity in the climate that creates different styles from a winery 30km North of Margaret River, to 15km’s south of Margaret River.
There are 70 wineries with a 5 star rated (James Halliday) Cabernet. Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon are also strong in the area. Margs wipes other Australian regions off the table when they blend a Sauvignon Blanc and a Semillon.
If you have not been a fan of Chardonnay in the past, I suggest you give it another go. Styles change, and the regions Chards is rated amongst the best in the country.
Situated to the East & West of Bridgetown the area is exposed to cooler temperatures and a higher elevation compared with Margaret River.
The Blackwood Valley mainly produces quality aromatic Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. You can expect to find a vivid shiraz full of black fruits, and a textured, medium-bodied cabernet sauvignon. There are much fewer wineries in the Blackwood Valley compared with Margaret River.
The first vineyards in the region were established in 1976 and the area is now home to several award-winning wine producers and grape growers who supply some of Australia’s finest restaurants.
This is Karri Forrest country, and the rich soil is loved by Vineyards and Avocado’s galore! Its cool and wet in Pemberton for about 6 months, receiving far more rainfall than most other wine regions in WA.
The area can receive over 1.2 meters of rain per year. It is not uncommon in summer for Perth to be Sunny and 33c, while Pemberton is partly cloudy with cool ocean breezes from the South East and only 24c.
This lush soil combined with cool weather helps Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay thrive here, and keep an eye out for a lovely floral Cabernet Franc as well.
Much debate has been had over splitting up the Manjimup and Pemberton regions. Manjimup has a warmer climate and less fertile soil whereas Pemberton’s soil is richer.
The Warren River runs through the middle to split up the regions. The area is reasonably young in plantings, dating back to the late 80’s. The wines produced in this area are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and a few Cabernet Franc’s. For me, the Manjimup and Pemberton regions produce the states best Merlot. If you haven’t been a Merlot fan, it could be you are yet to try one from these regions.
The biggest single wine region in Australia – I bet you did not know that! There is such diversity in terrain, climate and soil type that just about anything thrives down here.
Denmark, Mount Barker and the Porongurup’s are the key areas, Some of WA’s finest Shiraz comes from north of Denmark in the Frankland River area, while most of Australia’s best Rieslings come from the Porongurup’s. Just ask James Halliday who says it himself!
Due to the sheer size of The Great Southern and its varied terrain, it has the capacity to produce world-class wines from a range of classic varieties. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay. There are 5 star wineries littered throughout the region. I need no convincing in taking a trip to Denmark for their wineries.