Great Southern Wineries
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The first vines in the Great Southern were planted in 1859 in Mt Barker, the first wine subregion declared in Australia. Though largely open grazing country, there is a feeling of ‘oneness’ here, similar to a micro-terroir of France (1/100th of the size of Mt Barker).
Two hectares of cabernet sauvignon were planted at the Boyanup Vineyard in the neighbouring Porongurups in 1974, while the first vineyard in the Frankland River region was planted in 1968. Originally owned by the wealthy Roche family of Perth, it is an important vineyard now owned by Houghton and known as Netley Brook Vineyard, producing ultra-premium grapes. In 1971, Merv and Judy Lange began the highly rated Alkoomi vineyard and winery.
Great Southern Riesling
While, historically, Clare Valley in South Australia has always been regarded as the Australian region for riesling, the Great Southern, headed by the subregions of Frankland River and Mt Barker, is challenging this notion. With more top-end riesling than Clare and even Eden Valley, the Great Southern is becoming the major player in Australia for this increasingly popular variety.
Fast Facts
Wineries: 68
Latitude: 34°08’S
Altitude: 50-300m
Season Rainfall: 313mm
Harvest: Early March to early May
Check out the listings below for Great Southern wineries, wines, tours, cellar doors and more.