Great Southern

The largest region in Western Australia and has four sub-regions, Albany, Frankland River, Mount Barker and Porongurup. As with Margaret River the suitability of this region for premium quality wines was as a result of two research reports from Californian viticulturalist Professor Harold Olmo and the Western Australian scientist Dr John Gladstone in the 50s and 60s and the ongoing enthusiasm of Bill Jamison, the Western Australia’s state viticulturaist at the time. In 1965 there were experimental plantings at Forest Hill. Further trials took place and by 1972 the first harvest was sent to Houghtons and Sandalford for winemaking by Jack Mann and his son Dorham. What transpired was development that gained momentum in the 70’s and accelerated in the 80’s. The climate is maritime influenced Mediterranean, with significant differences reflected between the sub-regions. The main wine styles: Red – Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir; White – Riesling, and Chardonnay.