GALAFREY WINES

The Great Southern region is the largest, in area, of all wine regions in Australia and produces 37% of wine grapes produced in Western Australia.
The five sub-regions of Albany, Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker and the Porongorups have vastly different climatic conditions which means a visit to the Great Southern can be an exciting experience as the visitor moves about our diverse region.

WA's coolest wine-growing region, the Great Southern boasts the warm days and cool nights that are so beneficial for premium wine-grape growing. The regional rainfall average is a relatively low 600-750mm per annum,helping promote more intense fruit flavours.

Denmark and Albany exhibit strong maritime influences but continental influences, particularly temperature variability, increase significantly in the imland sub-regions.

Soil type varies from gravelly sandy loams with good drainage to granite and gneissic sandy loams, to the highly fertile rich karri loams around Denmark that require careful vine management. Fertility and typical yields are moderate to low in most other areas, encouraging excellent fruit intensity.

One of the things to note is that many wine companies situated in other wine regions of W.A source grapes from this region because of our unique ability to produce a wide range of varieties of exceptional quality.Prime examples amongst others are Shiraz, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Chardonnay.

History of wine region

In the late 1950s the Western Australian Government of the time was concerned that the failing apple industry in the Great Southern would create a huge problem for the farming industry in the Great Southern. They invited Professor Olmo a world class Viticulturist from California and Dr Penfold Hyland from NSW, to visit WA to investigate the Southern Regions to see whether there was a possibility of starting a grape growing industry.

The results were highly positive, so the State Viticulturist Mr Bill Jamieson was instructed in 1964 to find a suitable site for an experimental Vineyard. After 2 or 3 visits Bill settled on Pardelup as the most suitable as this was owned by the State and the soil types were ideal.However this site was felt not to suit Goverment. purposes as it was used as a prison farm. After further investigation, Bill called on the Pearse family at Forest Hill and after some discussion was able to enter into a 10 year lease arrangment with them for 5 acres of land. This was prepared and planted in 1965, but a very wet spring and early summer waterlogged the vines and resulted in a very poor take. The site was replanted in 1966 and was a great success.

The varieties planted were Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon(2.5 acres of each). Bill's assistant in the project was Dorham Mann,whilst Ian Cameron who worked at the Swan Research Station, organised the cuttings both for this vineyard and for those that started over the following 10 years.

The first vintage from these vines was harvested in 1972,and the Riesling in particular was startlingly good.The subsequent vintage 1973 is still the States most awarded wine and was still winning Gold Medals and trophies 10 years later. This vineyard reverted to the Pearse family in 1976 and further plantings were made from 1980.

Meanwhile others in the district were watching progress and in 1967 John Roche of the Frankland River Grazing Co planted 5 acres on his property on the banks of the Frankland River. These were cared for by the property's overseer at the time Ted Holland. In 1968 Shire Councillor Ernie Mead planted 5 acres at Denbarker and persuaded a near neighbour Tony Smith to also plant 5 acres.Ernie died in 1976 and his vineyard died with him, however Tony's vineyard thrives and has grown. It remains part of the portfolio of vineyards run or owned by Plantagenet Wines.

In 1974 Tony's vineyard Bouverie, produced its first crop. This was the first crop produced privately arround Mount Barker and was processed at Sandalford Wines in the Swan Valley. In 1965 Plantagenet Wines , a partnership was formed and an Apple packing shed in Mount Barker was purchased and converted into a Winery. That year 10 tonnes were processed, the first Wine ever to be made commercially at Mount Barker. In 1976, 25 tonnes were processed some of which came from 'Alkoomi' at Frankland where Merve Lange had planted his first vines in 1970, and from Mike Goundrey who had planted at St Werburghs also in 1970.Shiraz from that vintage won Plantagenet's first Gold at Perth Royal Show. In 1977 Cabernets from Plantagenet and Alkoomi won 3 Golds each in Perth. The Region was now well on the way to success.

In 1973, it became obvious that the Region would need a lobbying body, so 'The Mount Barker Frankland Wine Producers Association' was formed. First Office Bearers were Tony Smith - President and Betty Pearse - Secretary.This Association became the present 'Great Southern Wine Producers Association'. In 1978 Betty Pearse and Tony Smith were also the initiators of the 'WA Grape Growers and Winemakers Association' - WA's first truly state wine organisation.
Tony went on to serve as a board member of the 'Wine Makers Forum of Australia', the 'Winemakers Federation of Australia' and 'The Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation'. He also served on the Geographical Indications Committee of the latter and oversaw the first Geographical Boundaries in WA, that of Great Southern and the 5 sub-regions.

Five Sub Regions

Albany

This sub-region took off viticulturally after the whaling industry came to an end in the late 1970's. Soil conditions in this sub-region are not preferred so sites for vineyards have to be selected carefully. The climate is Mediterranean/maritime with the winds and humidity levels. The leading style coming from this region is Pinot Noir.
The city of Albany is a perfect place to stay for the wine enthusiast, as it is the main centre for the whole of the Great Southern wine region.

Denmark

The town of Denmark was named after an English Naval  surgeon, Dr Alexander Denmark. In recent years, tourism around Denmark has been accentuated by the growing interest in wine tourism. Denmark is located 59 km from Albany and is the most recent sub-region within the Great Southern region.The town is close to the sea and has a typical Mediterranean climate with long dry summers and rainy winters. The soils are comprised of the "marri"and "karri" loams that are very well suited to vine growth.

The sub-region is mainly devoted to the production of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. However, there are also many other styles grown including: CabernetFranc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon.

Frankland River

The establishment of Frankland River for wine production marked the very beginning of the Great Southern Wine region as a whole. The soils are the granite influenced "marri" type that is highly productive. It is the furthest inland of the sub-regions, and the climate is Mediterranean. The styles that are grown in this sub-region are very diverse and of premium quality.

Grape varieties of this region include: Chardonnay,Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc &Malbec.

Mount Barker
Mount Barker is also located inland, is a little higher and experiences different climatic conditions. It is the coolest sub-region in Western Australia. Though still Mediterranean, there are lower humidity levels and more sunshine. The "marri" soils are perfect for drainage.

This sub-region is producing world-class quality wines winning many awards, which are showcased at the annual Grapes and Gallops Wine Festival held in January. The most sought after wines produced in this area are Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Other varieties produced include: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot.

Porongurup
This quaint sub-region lies just east of Mount Barker has fantastic views of the Stirling Ranges. Vines are grown in the "karri" soils.The climate is Mediterranean, and the higher elevation of the area gives rise to distinctive wine character. This sub-region also has its own event, the Porongurup Wine Festival, held in March each year.

Wine varieties include:

Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon,Verdelho, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot & Shiraz.