| Dr John Gladstones in 1965 concluded that the soils and climate of the South-West of Australia revealed several regions where natural conditions were highly favorable for viticulture. Margaret River in particular was less prone to extremes ideal for the production of quality grapes for wine production, better than the Bordeaux region. |
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| Surrounded by forest, farmland and sea, the region enjoys the attributes of a mild Mediterranean climate, rich soil and fresh winds from the vast, unpolluted Indian and Southern Oceans, creating a near-perfect milieu for vines and wines. The environment allows the grapes to grow relatively free from pests and diseases and viticulture can be practiced with minimum interference, distinguishing the wines as a natural product of exceptional purity. |
| The first vineyards in Margaret River were planted in 1967 by Dr. Tom Cullity. In the ensuing 30 years Margaret River has developed an international reputation as one of the premium wine growing regions of the world. The Bordeaux varieties of Cabernet, Merlot, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grow exceptionally well. Chardonnay also thrives. |
The area is characterised by small wineries, family owned and run, producing small parcels of world class wines. In recent times there has been a proliferation of planting in the region by some of the larger players in the Australian Wine Industry, which should see Margaret River wines more obviously marketed across international boundaries.
The region's natural beauty is complemented by the vineyards and wineries and there are many unique "cellar sales centres." These alone are worth a visit for their architecture, landscaping and a tasting of premium, world-class wines.
Fermoy Estate is situated on Metricup Road, in the heart of the Willyabrup vineyard area, north of Margaret River, Western Australia authoritatively described as one of the greatest viticultural areas of the New World.