Along Western Australia’s south coast where the Southern Ocean has sculpted a raw and dramatic coastline on the eastern edge of the Porongurup Range National Park, lies a tiny vineyard. A true hidden gem of the Great Southern wine region. This is Kalgan River vineyard, famously described by gentleman James Halliday as a 5 Star mighty mouse of a vineyard. Its proximity to the Southern Ocean brings cooling summer breezes, slowing the ripening of grapes and allowing for a long, cool and even ripening period. The vines are dry grown with root systems travelling deep into rocky soil beds, yielding harvests of the most complex fruit with a unique expression of place. Terroir, natural climatic advantage and sensitive viticulture come together to work their magic in this place of fortuitious beauty.
Originally planted in 2000, the vineyard was re established as Willoughby Park in 2010. Since then, the harvests have been fashioned to create expressive wines that are true representations of the Great Southern wine region. The premium fruit is treated with care throughout the winemaking process, each step focusing on allowing the inherit varietal and regional characteristics to shine through. Hand picked, estate grown fruit is the focus of Willoughby Park wines.
Alongside the highly regarded Kalgan River vineyard, fruit is sourced from dedicated wine growers in sub regions across the Great Southern for our Willoughby Park range. The Great Southern is the largest and most diverse wine region in Western Australia, the Willoughby Park winemaking team are able to identify the most ideal locations.
The varying soil types, altitudes and rainfalls of the region are all expertly taken advantage. The Great Southern Wine Region is made up of five sub regions, Denmark and Frankland River, Mount Barker, Porongurup and Albany. From sprawling agricultural lands, to unspoilt coastline, to towering forests and mountain ranges, Willoughby Park are incredibly lucky to call this spectacular corner of the world home.
