Established 2002 by John Streicker after his original purchase of Yallingup Protea vineyards and farm, Streicker Wines today also encompasses two other vineyards, Bridgeland and Ironstone, with a total of 153 hectares currently under vine. Since the first significant planting of vines in 1967, Margaret River has grown to be regarded as one of the great wine producing regions of the world. The Margaret River appellation extends approximately 100 km from north to south and is about 32 km at its widest point. The region is marked by the rolling hills of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge, between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. To the west, the Indian Ocean provides a dramatic boundary of cliffs, world renowned surf and some of Australia’s most pristine beaches.
Margaret River is a region of superior growing conditions and a Mediterranean style climate. The unique climate variations and soil conditions divide into a number of sub-regions each with their own micro climate well suited to the growing of specific grapes. Overall, the vineyards are not affected by extreme summer and winter temperatures, warmed by the Indian Ocean to the west and cooled by the Southern Ocean to the south. Humidity levels are ideal during the growing period, the combination of climate, soil and innovative viticulture practices leads to consistently high quality fruit of intense flavour. Hence Margaret River’s growing reputation as one of the world’s premier wine producing regions.
Streicker's Ironstone is one of the oldest vineyards in the Margaret River sub region of Wilyabrup. Its soils are exceptionally well suited for premium viticulture. West of the planted area toward Indian Ocean, a previous owner had created a pine plantation with disastrous results. As the pines grew, the water table at the vineyards dropped, stressing the vines. The pine plantation also became a haven for kangaroos whose nightly frolics damaged vines and trellises.
Streicker acquired the property in 2003 and implemented a rehabilitation plan that included building a dam to increase water capacity, removing the pine trees, pruning and reworking vines. The results were exciting. Not only are the vines robust and healthy, but roots have grown deeper into lower water tables, they now pass through a variety of soils that add complexity to the wines.
Yallingup Protea Farm & Vineyards is set on 120 hectares in the Yallingup sub region of Margaret River. The Yallingup property was the first to be acquired by Streicker. Besides wine grapes, table grapes and flowers are grown. The distinctive labels of Streicker Wines represent different pairings of grape varieties and flowers.
Yallingup enjoys similarly favourable climate and soil conditions to the other Streicker vineyards. Of the total of 42 hectares currently planted at Yallingup, approximately 30 are devoted to wine grapes and 12 to growing protea flowers which are in high demand overseas, particularly in Japan. One hectare is devoted to table grapes. Bridgeland Vineyard is one of the most picturesque properties in Margaret River. Originally developed from prime farming land in 1998/99 under its previous owner, the vineyard has shown clear signs that it has the potential to produce wines of exceptionally high quality.
The 207 hectare Bridgeland property has one of the largest dams in the region, approximately one kilometer in length and covering about 18 hectares. Bridgelands is the southernmost vineyard in the Streicker Wines portfolio, with a cooler climate and longer growing season than the estate's other vineyards.
