Thompson Estate
Thompson Estate is in Wilyabrup, Margaret River. It is a James Halliday 5 red star winery with premium, gold medal winning wines.
If we don’t stock your favourite wine we can order it in, email us at info@partnersinwine.com.au
Thompson Winery
Nestled in the stunning Wilyabrup region of the Southwest Cape of Western Australia, Thompson Estate Winery is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the area’s unique climatic conditions. Surrounded by the ocean on three sides, our vineyard benefits from an ideal balance of sunlight exposure and maritime influence. The coastal breezes that sweep through our vines play a crucial role in maintaining optimal fruit ripening conditions, enhancing the flavour profile of our wines. This maritime climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, creates a growing environment that closely resembles that of the renowned Bordeaux region in France, making it an ideal location for producing exceptional wines.
The Margaret River region is celebrated for its unique microclimates and diverse soils, which contribute to the complexity and quality of its wines. With an average annual rainfall of around 1,000 millimetres, combined with well-draining soils, the area supports a variety of grape varieties. Thompson Estate consistently produces top-tier Chardonnays and Cabernets that have garnered recognition as icons within the Australian wine scene. Our commitment to quality and craftsmanship ensures that each bottle reflects the unique character of our vineyard and the exceptional terroir of Margaret River.
At Thompson Estate, we embrace sustainable and organic principles, understanding the importance of preserving the land we cherish. Our vineyard and winery are home to diverse native flora and fauna, creating a rich ecosystem that thrives in harmony with our winemaking practices. The tranquil flow of the Wilyabrup brook adds to the serene atmosphere, providing a perfect backdrop for our commitment to sustainability. We recognize that nurturing the environment is crucial for future generations, and we actively work to enhance the biodiversity and environmental integrity of our land.
To support our sustainability efforts, Thompson Estate has implemented a comprehensive management system with clear objectives and targets aimed at reducing our environmental footprint. We adhere to the Freshcare Environmental Codes of Practice, ensuring that we manage our environmental effects and waste responsibly and in accordance with all legal requirements. We are currently in the process of obtaining updated certification with the Australian Wine Research Institute’s Sustainable Winegrowing Australia program, which will further strengthen our commitment to responsible winemaking.
While we follow organic practices, we are yet to pursue formal certification. However, we continuously evaluate our methods to ensure that we align with best practices in sustainable viticulture. Additionally, we incorporate selective biodynamic techniques for soil enrichment, drawing from the foundational principles established by Rudolf Steiner in the 1920s. These methods, while awaiting further scientific validation, have shown promise in improving soil health and vine vitality, which are essential for producing high-quality fruit.
Our focus on quality extends beyond the vineyard. At Thompson Estate, we believe that great wines are made in the vineyard, but they are crafted in the winery. Our winemaking team is dedicated to producing wines that express the true essence of our fruit. Using traditional techniques combined with modern innovations, we ensure that each vintage is a true representation of our unique terroir and the exceptional grapes we cultivate.
As we look to the future, our commitment to sustainability, quality, and community remains steadfast. We are passionate about sharing the beauty of our wines and the story behind them with our guests. Whether through vineyard tours, tastings, or events, we invite you to experience the charm of Thompson Estate and the stunning Margaret River region. We believe that wine is not just a product; it’s a reflection of the land, the people, and the dedication that goes into every bottle. Join us in celebrating the art of winemaking and the exceptional qualities that make Thompson Estate a cornerstone of the Australian wine landscape.
Read Thompson Estate wine reviews HERE
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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.