Western Australia's Albany Wine Region
The city of Albany is the oldest European settlement in Western Australia. It is the major centre of the region, with a population of 42,000.
In addition to its stunning scenery, the Albany area is renowned for its production of the classic grape varieties. Ideal humidity and the moderating influence of a pristine ocean helps to produce superb examples of cool climate varieties, including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Six cellar doors offer tastings.
Kalgan River Winery
A mighty mouse of a vineyard… Kalgan River Wines is located 40kms from Albany on the eastern banks of the Kalgan River. With 16ha, all north facing, largely surrounded by natural bush and the river, the peaceful seclusion provides an abundance of clean air and soils identified as some of the best around. Our grapes are dry grown, at Mother Nature’s discretion, to produce minimal quantities with intensity of flavour. Currently we grow Riesling, Chardonnay, Viognier, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. And the mouse has roared! Finally after a long labour, our first vintage of Riesling was born in 2005. This wine achieved immediate acclaim at THE SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL WINE SHOW 2006 with blue-gold medal AND TOP 100 wine.
 In the Sunday Times STM magazine on February 26 2006, well known wine writer Peter Forrestal wrote of the Sydney International Top 100, “The Sydney International Top 100 is the most interesting wine show in the country and one of the most important.” Judge Adrian Atkinson from the UK commented upon the Kalgan River Riesling, “Some signs of botrytis on the nose but it had very pungent, floral notes on the palate. The palate was in harmony with everything else. It was balanced and it had just the right amount of fruit and acidity for a lovely, lively finish with food. OVERALL THIS WAS MY TOP WINE”. Forrestal included our 2005 Riesling in his publication “QUAFF 2007” in the section GREAT VALUE WINES OVER $15.00. How exciting and gratifying to achieve that accolade for a first vintage! But there’s always more to do.
The 2006 Riesling is released and very drinkable indeed. Peter Forrestal in the Sunday Time’s STMof 21 January 2007 included Kalgan River Riesling amongst the finest Rieslings in WA in his article “Great Australian White”.
He wrote, “…one of the local Rieslings to come up trumps in my recent tastings has been the 2006 Kalgan River. It’s sourced from improbably young (six-year-old) un-irrigated vines in the Albany sub-region and has a beautifully floral bouquet of lavender, juicy lemon citrus flavours and gentle lingering acidity. A fine wine of some delicacy.”
Our hand picked, basket pressed and lightly oaked Chardonnay is due for release in March 2007. In “Ray Jordan’s Guide to Wine 2006/07”, he wrote of our Chardonnay, “It’s worth checking the lightly oaked first vintage Chardonnay. Tasted as a tank sample and not rated. LOOKS VERY PROMISING. A LIGHT LEANER CHARDONNAY SHOWING REAL INTENSITY AND LENGTH.”
Wignalls Winery
Established in 1982, Wignalls Winery is located in the heart of the Great Southern winery region, only a five minute drive from the centre of Albany. The winery boasts manicured and sheltered gardens and a rustic stone cellar door. Enjoy the tranquil rural setting while tasting a superb selection of wines. Wines produced include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Port, Shiraz, and late harvest Frontignon. These wines have been described as 'exciting, exceedingly complex and with a richness seldom experienced'. Coffee and cake is also available. The Vintage Blues Festival is held here annually, along with a few outdoor concerts throughout summer.
Montgomery Hill Winery
Open every day, 10 am - 5 pm
Oranje Tractor Winery
Open Sundays. 12 noon -5 pm
Phillips Estate Winery
Juniper Estate Winery
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