The Big Picture

In the 1970s, the Department of Agriculture (AGWA) investigated whether the Blackwood Valley near the towns of Boyup Brook and Bridgetown would be suitable for growing premium wine grapes. The subsequent report was very positive about the potential, saying the major risk would be to know where their frost line was, and plant above it. In the mid '70s, Max and Ros Fairbrass started planting at Blackwood Crest, in the north-west of the Shire of Boyup Brook, becoming the first commercial producers in the region.

The Blackwood Valley Wine Industry Association was formed in 1996 and the area was gazetted as a new Australian wine region in 1998. It is named after the Blackwood River which flows through the historic towns of Boyup Brook, Bridgetown, Greenbushes, Balingup and Nannup.

In large part, the region's boundaries are self-defining. In the south the boundary abuts Manjimup, to the west and north Geographe, and on the south-east it meets the northern limits of Great Southern. Wineries are located across the region at Boyup Brook, Bridgetown and Nannup.

Blackwood Valley Wine Region

Climate

The region is situated on the same latitude as Margaret River and shares many of the same basic climatic characteristics, most notably wet and relatively cool winters and proportionately warm, dry summers. Typically the variation between summer and winter daytime temperatures is little more than 10°C. The points of difference stem from the more Continental climate, with winter frosts sometimes extending into spring (with consequent crop losses) and a slightly higher summer temperature range than that of Margaret River.

The Blackwood Valley has an elevation of 100 metres in the west, rising to 340 metres in the east. The annual rainfall ranges from 600-900mm.

Soil

The soils are part of the Darling Plateau system, with moderately incised valleys providing gravel and gravelly soils on the divides and yellow soils and red earths on valley slopes. Overall, the result is well-drained, gravelly loam soils perfectly suited to viticulture.

Wines

Chardonnay: A considerable part of the production is sold to wineries outside the region. As in the Margaret River region, the style is generous and rich, with ripe melon and peach fruit flavours.

Sauvignon Blanc: The cooler climate suits this varietal well, and resulting wines present grassy vegetable flavours that are typical of the variety.

Cabernet Sauvignon: This is the most widely planted red grape and it regularly achieves full ripeness across the length and breadth of the region. Black currant and dark chocolate flavours are supported by long, fine tannins, giving the wines excellent aging potential.

Shiraz: Plantings here are increasing rapidly from a small base and crops have produced wine with a mix of sweet, round fruit with touches of pepper and spice.

Vital Statistics