Western Australia's Denmark Wine Region
Denmark is an old timber/dairy/fruit growing town, known for its charm. All around are sweeping beaches and formidable coastline, leading into tall timbers teeming with bird life and wildflowers. Close by is the fantastic Tree Top Walk in the Valley of the Giants, offering a bird’s eye view of the Tingle forest (the only forest of its kind in the world) from 40 metres up.
Cellar doors are set amongst the area's charms and natural attractions. The Mediterranean temperatures and higher than average winter rainfall are particularly suited to Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir varieties.
Denmark boasts four state-of the-art wineries and more are due for commissioning. Howard Park Wines (founders of Madfish Wines) was established in 1997 in the scenic Scotsdale Valley. West Coast Howe Wines is the fastest growing winery, Harewood Estate after producing its first vintage in 2005 took the award of the best small vineyard at the prestigious Mt Barker Wine Show. Forest Hill has produced their second vintage in their new Denmark facility. John Wade also produces his own distinctive, highly sought after wines from the Scotsdale Valley and many vineyards, undertaking contract winemaking.
Denmark has become the fastest and most exciting wine growing area in Western Australia, with many new cellars and wine lovers are discovering the excellence of Denmark labels.
Matilda's Estate
During the year 2001, an intersection of destinies occurred in the lives of the Turnbulls with geologist Steve Hall from the UK. Steve, an intrepid and maverick traveller, became enamoured with the idea of owning a vineyard whilst visiting vineyards that clung precariously to the limestone hills, overlooking the azure sea, in Western Greece. Scouring the globe from California to Chile, France to South Australia, Italy to Texas, and every obscure and remote place in between, Steve was finally captivated by the halcyon vision of staggering beauty, Matilda’s Meadow, that lay before him in the sleepy town of Denmark. He sought immediate purchase. The Turnbulls named their price and, in stunned disbelief, retired to Tasmania. After the acquisition of Matilda’s Meadow in 2001, the adjacent property across the road, Nelson’s Touch, was bought in 2003. The irrigated vines at Nelson’s include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Nelson’s acquisition took the total area under vine to 27 acres. At this time Matilda’s Meadow was renamed Matilda’s Estate. As a geologist obsessed with terroir, and realizing that high quality wine can only be made through high standards of viticulture, Steve rolled up his sleeves and flung himself into the enhancement of the vineyard with single minded intensity, starting from below ground up. Some of his cutting edge techniques include better fertilizing and the use of oats between the rows. The vines' response is resounding vigour to his inspired vision and loving attention. Matilda's Estate has now become the heart and soul of wine in Western Australia.
Due South
Due South was established as a producer-owned and controlled enterprise, to provide growers with the opportunity to be involved in value adding to their viticultural product. Due South takes in an area from 30 kilometres east of Denmark to the base of the Porongurups. Shareholders include the viticultural properties of Dukes Vineyard, Mariners Rest, Silverstream, Somerset Hill and Yilgarnia Wines. Wines produced are Unwooded Chardonnay, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Merlot and Shiraz. Due South wines are available locally from Denmark Liquor Store and by mail order direct (PO Box 72, Denmark, WA 6333).
No cellar door - enquire at Denmark Liquor Store
Somerset Hill Winery
Our desire to produce estate grown wines of world class led us to plant classic varieties like Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Pinot Meuniere in the Denmark region. Somerset Hill is the highest elevated vineyard in Denmark. We look to the Stirling Ranges and over William Bay. Experience and taste our award winning wines in our limestone cellars with a European ambience. Somerset Hill is the first Denmark vineyard to produce a sparkling wine. Winemaker is James Kellie.
Cellar door open daily 11 am - 5 pm(summer) 11.00 am - 4pm (winter)
Howard Park and Madfish Wines
Howard Park and Madfish Wines Denmark cellar is a place which welcomes wine lovers and appreciators of natural beauty. Our stylish cellar door is situated on the historic 100 acre 'Parkland’ property bounded by native forest and abundant kangaroos. Both Howard Park and Madfish Wines are achieving national and international success, with a range of excellent wine styles produced from the very best fruit sourced in Western Australia. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide visitors through a tasting of the wines and answer any questions. Winemakers are Michael Kerrigan and Andy Browning.
Cellar door open daily 10.00 am - 4 pm. Buses & groups by appointment.
Latitude 35 South
Situated 200m above sea level, in the pristine surroundings of the Great Southern, lies Latitude 35 deg South Estate. We are a family owned and run vineyard who pride themselves on creating wines true to the cool climates of this beautiful area. Planted in 1998 to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Merlot, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. We strive to produce wines that will keep you coming back for more!!
Harewood Estate Winery
The pursuit of excellence in both viticulture and winemaking is establishing Harewood Estate as a premium producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. First plantings in 1988 have been increased to nine hectares, from which the fruit is specially selected for the Harewood label. Winemaker is James Kellie.
West Cape Howe Wines
The West Cape Howe grapes are sourced from vineyards in Mt Barker and Denmark, producing the best possible varietal characters for our wines. Over the few short years since our inception, we have strived to achieve quality and value. The cellar door experience is relaxed and stylish, with views over the estate vines to Mt Lindesay. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the verandah and BBQ lawn area. We are situated on South Coast Highway, 3 KM east of Denmark … look for the flag! Winemakers are Gavin Berry, Dave Cleary and Coby Ladwig.
Cellar door open daily 10.00 am - 5.00 pm. Buses by appointment.
Forest Hill Vineyard
Forest Hill, established in 1965, is the oldest vineyard in the Great Southern and has achieved Australia-wide recognition for its exceptional quality grapes and award winning wines. Complementing the historic vineyard is a new facility, leading the way in technology and winery design, on a magnificent site just out of Denmark. Forest Hill produces Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Cabernet Merlot wine styles. Our wines are stocked by Samuel Smith & Son Pty Ltd and are available by mail order. Recent award highlights include 2000 Chardonnay Best WA Wine and Best White Wine, 2001 Royal Perth Wine Show, and gold medals at the 2002 Sydney Royal Show and 2001 Royal Adelaide Show. Winemaker is Shane.
Cellar door
open daily 10 am - 5 pm.
Yilgarnia Wines
Yilgarnia is the ancient geological name for this area, formed a billion years ago. Our 19 hectare vineyard is established on the old coastal laterite soils of this ancient land. The varieties planted include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. We are also growers of over 50 varieties of wildflowers for domestic and export markets.
No cellar door. Tastings by appointment are welcome. Bus groups by appointment only – nominal service fee may apply.
Mariners Rest Winery
The Cocking Family welcomes you to their picturesque farm. When they first moved to Denmark, they ran a number of small enterprises from the property but as their wine became more popular they could not meet demand and brought in fruit, while waiting for their own vines to come into production. You can purchase a lightly oaked Chardonnay, a Chardonnay-Sauvignon Blanc blend and a sweetish Autumn Red (which is their best seller). They also sell a dessert wine, aptly named Nelson’s Blood.
Cellar door open daily 11.00 am – 5.00 pm.
Edengate Blueberry Farm
Greg and Susan Luke purchased the land for the Edengate Blueberry Farm in 1983. The site was selected for its unique characteristics, which made it ideal for growing blueberries. The farm is now owned and operated by Andre and Amanda who purchased the property in November 2004. Blueberry wine is a delicious, refreshing alternative to grape wines. It has a beautiful berry characters and is ideal to serve with most meals. A major attraction of blueberry wine is that blueberries do not contain histamines, the natural chemicals in grape wines which cause so many people to suffer from hay fever, headaches and rosy red faces. It is, however, alcoholic, so will still cause a hangover if you over indulge!
Open Thurs - Mon 10.30 am - 4 pm. Closed 30th April through until December, and Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day.
Ducketts Mill Wines
Ducketts Mill offers two medal-winning varieties of Riesling and a Merlot. Denmark Farmhouse Cheeses are also made on site and cheese platters are available all day.
Cellar door open 7 days, 11 am - 5 pm.
Rickety Gate Wines
Russell and Linda Hubbard planted their vineyard in 2000 after moving to Denmark from Perth. Cellar door open Friday to Monday, 11.00 am to 4.00 pm (including public holidays) and offers Merlot, Riesling, Shiraz, Classic Red, Unwooded Chardonnay, Late Picked Riesling and a lovely old Muscat. Rickety Gate was awarded a Gold Medal and a trophy at the Qantas Mt Barker Wine Show for their 2005 Dry Riesling. Other accolades include Silver and Bronze Medals for the 2004 Riesling and a bronze medal for their 2003 Merlot. In 2004 an Estate Winery was constructed, where resident winemaker John Wade is responsible for all the Rickety Gate winemaking. A 'no compromises' ethos is employed in the vineyard and the winery as Russell and Linda believe this is the only way to produce premium wines.
Cellar door open Friday to Monday, 11.00 am to 4.00 pm (including public holidays).
John Wade Wines
John Wade is celebrated as being one of Australia’s best winemakers, having produced vintages all over the world. John started his latest venture in Redman Road, Denmark, after leaving Howard Park, which he started in the 90s. John offers Riesling, Merlot Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc.
Cellar door opening soon.
Hamlet Wines
Monkey Rock Winery
Situated 20 km west of the township of Denmark, Monkey Rock vineyard was planted in 2000, with the first vintage in 2004. The wine produced is a range of high quality and delicate wines which are handpicked and preservative-free. Wine styles include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet/Merlot, Cabernet/Shiraz, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Merlot.
Cellar door open weekends, school holidays and public holidays.
Tinglewood Wines
Tinglewood Wines, in the picturesque Denmark viticultural region, was the first commercial vineyard to be planted in the area, in 1976. Against all advice, Bob and Judy Wood planted Rhine Riesling (as it was called then), Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz cuttings taken from the Mount Barker area.
Although a very small vineyard, Tinglewood has produced some very fine Rieslings, notably in the early 1990s with gold and silver medals gained, and latterly in 2001, with silver and bronze medals.
Open Thursday - Sunday, 9 am - 5 pm. Daily during school & public holidays.
Old Kent River Winery
Old Kent River Winery offers Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz from their charming cellar door, situated on South Coast Highway east of Denmark. The reputation of their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is growing. They also offer cheese platters and local marron to enjoy while tasting their wines.
Cellar door open 9.00 am – 5.30 pm every day for most of the year. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter months.
Karriview Winery
Originally started in 1986, producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this little vineyard operates from Scotsdale Road in Denmark. The Chardonnay is aged in new and old French oak for up to 9 months an is an enjoyable wine. Their Pinot is a medium to light bodied wine and is great with spicy foods.
A small, closely planted vineyard, Karriview was the first in the region to produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with their 1989 vintage. Production is limited, with the emphasis on premium wines of high quality. Visitors are invited to come and appreciate the tranquil verandah setting, whilst enjoying elegant wines with woodfired pizzas and vineyard platters.
Cellar door open Thursday - Sunday, 11 am - 4 pm, cellar door.
The Lake House
Enjoy a vineyard platter or coffee overlooking the spring-fed lake and majestic karri trees in our tranquil valley setting. Winemaker James Kellie.
Silverstream Wines
Silverstream Wines are located 23 km from the small country town of Denmark, where the Indian and Southern Cceans meet, in Western Australia's Great Southern Wine Region.The climate is Mediterranean, with wet winters and warm to hot summers. With a total area of 42 ha, Silverstream is a serene, picturesque property with expansive ocean views from one direction and the majestic Mt Franklin the other. The sea tempers the heat and dryness in summer, conditions well suited to premium wine growing. The grapes are sourced from the well drained, north-facing undulating hillsides. A brook runs through the property feeding into the dam at its centre.
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