Whimwood Estate

Whimwood Estate Wines is a boutique winery nestled in the picturesque Blackwood Valley wine region of Western Australia, approximately 3 hours south of Perth. This charming estate offers wine enthusiasts a unique and intimate experience in a stunning rural setting.

Location and History

Situated alongside the Blackwood River near the historic timber milling town of Nannup, Whimwood Estate derives its name from the region's logging past, where horse-drawn "whims" were used to haul logs from the forest. The property, which includes 2,000 vines, was purchased in 2011 by owners Maree Tinker and Steve Johnstone, who left their corporate city lives to pursue their passion for winemaking.

Vineyard and Winemaking

Whimwood Estate focuses on producing high-quality, low-yield wines with complex flavors. The vineyard primarily grows Chardonnay and Shiraz grapes, with some vines dating back to 2004. The owners have deliberately reduced the number of vines from 8,000 to 2,000 to concentrate on quality over quantity.

The winemaking process at Whimwood Estate is meticulous, involving:

• Hand-picking and careful selection of the best grapes

• Barrel fermentation in French oak from single forests

• 10-12 months of aging in new and seasoned French oak barrels

Wine Portfolio

Whimwood Estate produces a range of award-winning wines, including:

• Chardonnay: Known for its complex bouquet and intense flavors

• Shiraz: Offering rich, dark berry flavors with well-integrated oak

• Rosé: A refreshing option in their lineup

• Sparkling Chardonnay: A blanc de blanc with fine, persistent bubbles

Their wines have received accolades from James Halliday and various wine shows, demonstrating the estate's commitment to quality.

Cellar Door Experience

Wine lovers can visit the Whimwood Estate cellar door, which is open most weekends from 11am to 4pm. The cellar door offers:

• Wine tastings

• Wine sales

• Stunning views of the Blackwood Valley

Visitors are advised to call ahead to confirm opening hours, especially during May when the cellar door is typically closed.

Unique Selling Points

• Boutique winery experience with hands-on owners

• Focus on low-yield, high-quality wines

• Beautiful location in the lesser-known Blackwood Valley region

• Dog-friendly cellar door

• Opportunity to meet the passionate vignerons and learn about their journey

Whimwood Estate Wines offers wine enthusiasts a genuine, intimate winery experience in a beautiful part of Western Australia. With its focus on quality, passionate owners, and picturesque setting, it's a must-visit destination for those exploring the region's wine offerings.