Manjimup, Pemberton and Blackwood Valley Wine Regions
Based in the South West, I offer private wine tours for locals, Perth travellers, and interstate visitors flying in from Sydney, Melbourne and beyond. Whether you are seeking a focused introduction to the Southern Forests or Blackwood Valley, or a multi-day journey across both, each itinerary is thoughtfully planned to include premium tastings, distinctive cellar doors, and the people who bring the wines to life – all in the quiet luxury of my Lexus ES300h.
Southern Forests and Valleys
Southern Forests and Valleys is the tourism identity that spans the tall-forest country from Pemberton and Manjimup through to Bridgetown, Nannup and the Blackwood River towns. It is a region of striking natural beauty, defined by towering karri, jarrah, marri and tingle trees, fertile valleys, and a coastline where tall timber meets rugged headlands and sweeping beaches. Each township carries its own identity, from antique stores and markets to small country pubs and roadside stalls.
The area is often described as the food bowl of Western Australia, producing cherries, chestnuts, avocados, truffles, dairy, lamb, finger limes and specialist crops. Fertile soils and reliable rainfall support year-round production, while rivers and streams are stocked with trout, perch and marron, adding further richness to the agricultural landscape.
Within this broader visitor identity lie three recognised Geographical Indications (GIs). Under Australia’s wine law, the Southern Forests GI is defined specifically as the combination of Manjimup and Pemberton, both situated within the South West Australia Zone. Alongside them, the Blackwood Valley GI is also part of the South West Australia Zone, distinct in its own right but frequently grouped with the Southern Forests under the shared tourism brand of Southern Forests and Valleys.
Manjimup GI
Manjimup lies inland and has a slightly more continental climate than its southern neighbour, moderated by altitude of 200–300 metres. Gravelly loams and granite-derived soils slow ripening and help retain natural acidity. These conditions favour wines of structure and longevity.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends excel here, offering depth, firm tannins and cellaring potential. Chardonnay and Verdelho also perform strongly in the district’s soils.
Notable producers include:
Chestnut Grove
Pioneers of Merlot in Manjimup, also producing Verdelho and Pinot Noir under the Peppermint Creek and Tall Timber labels.
Peos Estate
A fourth-generation family estate producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz of concentration and finesse.
Pemberton GI
South of Manjimup and closer to the Southern Ocean, Pemberton is defined by karri loam soils, higher rainfall and cooler nights. These conditions favour Burgundian styles, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as the region’s flagships. Wines are noted for lifted aromatics, fine structure and bright acidity. Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and sparkling wines add further dimension.
Notable producers include:
Bellarmine
Acclaimed internationally for Riesling and Pinot Noir, with Rieslings celebrated for longevity.
Picardy
One of Western Australia’s most respected estates, producing Burgundian Pinot Noir and Chardonnay alongside Bordeaux-inspired Merlot blends.
Ampersand Estate
A riverside property with luxury accommodation, producing small-batch Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Lost Lake
Boutique producer crafting Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz.
Hidden River Estate
Vineyard and restaurant in forest surrounds, producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Silkwood Wines
Portfolio spanning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, aromatic whites and structured reds.
Smithbrook Wines
A Pemberton mainstay since 1988, noted for refined Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet that showcase cool-climate clarity and consistency.
Pemberley of Pemberton
Recognised for sparkling wines, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.
Mountford Wines
Noted for aromatic whites and lighter reds.
Chateau June-Jerome
Boutique producer focused on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Salitage Wines
An iconic estate in Pemberton, Salitage crafts expressive Chardonnay, Shiraz and Pinot Noir from its elevated soils, delivering elegance, precision and a strong regional signature.
Below & Above
Premium label dedicated to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
10 Chains
Approachable Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with plantings of alternative varieties.
DeiTos Vineyard Wines
Small-scale, handcrafted Pinot Noir and aromatic whites.
Together, Manjimup and Pemberton showcase the diversity of the Southern Forests: from structured, age-worthy reds to finely etched aromatic whites.
Blackwood Valley GI
The Blackwood Valley is a recognised GI within the South West Australia Zone, lying north of Manjimup and stretching between Margaret River to the west and the Great Southern to the east. Vineyards were first established in 1976 and today the GI covers just over 300 hectares, making it one of Western Australia’s smaller appellations. Its continental climate, marked by cool wet winters and warm dry summers moderated by elevation, produces wines of balance and clarity, distinct from both Margaret River and the Great Southern.
Blackwood Valley specialises in medium-bodied Shiraz with dark fruit, spice and supple tannins; Cabernet Sauvignon with chocolate and blackcurrant notes built for ageing; fresh and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc; and Chardonnay that ranges from generous and fruit-driven to finely structured styles shaped by cool nights. Emerging varieties such as Tempranillo and Fiano add further diversity.
Notable Producers in the Blackwood Valley
Whimwood Estate
Family-run vineyard in Nannup producing Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, noted for varietal precision and expressive fruit.
Sunnyhurst Winery
Historic Bridgetown property with heritage gardens, producing Shiraz and fortified wines, complemented by small-batch releases of other varieties.
Beulah Wines
Boutique Nannup label creating Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon with a modern, fruit-focused style.
Dunmovin Estate
Family-run producer making approachable, fruit-driven wines that reflect the Blackwood Valley’s regional style.
Nannup Estate
Vineyard producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz supported by crisp whites that capture the cool-climate character of the area.
Shedley Wines
Producer of traditional regional varieties, crafting wines shaped for straightforward drinkability and authenticity.
St Johns Wine
Premium label based in the Blackwood Valley, focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, noted for balance and definition.
Red Gully Wines
Small-scale producer offering fruit-forward Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon with regional character.
Nannup Ridge Estate
Elevated vineyard recognised for consistently strong Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, delivering concentration and cellaring potential.
Karafilis Organics
Organic producer crafting small-batch Shiraz and Chardonnay, with a focus on sustainability, purity and minimal intervention.
Visiting the Southern Forests and Blackwood Valley
For travellers looking beyond Margaret River, the Southern Forests (Manjimup and Pemberton) and Blackwood Valley offer quieter, more personal wine experiences. Tastings are often hosted by the people who planted the vines and made the wines, giving every visit authenticity and intimacy.
From structured Cabernet to fragrant Pinot Noir, and from forest-lined vineyards to family-run cellar doors, these cool-climate GIs reveal another dimension of Western Australia’s wine story.
My service includes personalised pick-up and return, with one, two or three-day itineraries designed to feature premium tastings, vineyard lunches and introductions to the people behind these distinctive wines.