Spring at Fermoy, 2026

Spring has arrived in Wilyabrup. The winter storms are beginning to ease and black cockatoos have been flying overhead.

Winter pruning is complete and the vineyard is moving naturally into its next phase. After more than 20 years tending the Fermoy vineyard, Andy reads these seasonal shifts almost instinctively. His attention now turns to tractor work, mowing between the rows and seasonal maintenance across the vineyard, including tending the trellises that support the vines as new growth gathers pace.

The change is already visible. Rows that rested through winter are becoming softly tipped with green. Outside, the first Chardonnay buds of the new season are beginning to move. Inside, the 2026 Chardonnay rests in barrel, receiving a gentle stir on lees.

The winery has settled into a steadier rhythm after vintage. One member of the team has headed to France for another vintage, another is travelling further north and Hal, our assistant winemaker, is spending a few weeks studying on the east coast before returning to Fermoy.

The dam is full and the Wilyabrup Brook is running full after the winter rain. From the crest of the Chardonnay block, among some of Fermoy’s original plantings, you can look out across the neighbouring vineyards of Wilyabrup and see the whole region beginning to shift with the season.

Another growing season is underway.