The Thompson Estate vineyard gains unique advantages from its Wilyabrup location. John Gladstones’ seminal work in the 1960’s showed that Margaret River had climatic features similar to the great years of Bordeaux. His predictions have been vouched for, and the Margaret River region is now recognised as one of the premium wine grape growing areas in the world. Wilyabrup has been identified on detailed meteorological studies to be an ideal location for the production of high quality wine.
Markus Hofer (Austria), ‘The Elements of Time’ at Thompson Estate Margaret River Vineyard – Sculpture By the Sea. Photo by Martine Perret
Wilyabrup has the ideal number of sun exposure days per year for optimal ripening and is surrounded by sea on three sides on the South West cape of Western Australia, allowing the cooling maritime breezes to keep the fruit cool and add intensity of flavours similar to the great years of the Bordeaux region of France. Thompson Estate and its immediate neighbours in Wilyabrup produce some of Australia’s “icon status” chardonnays and cabernets.
It is with some pride and fascination for Peter Thompson, a cardiologist, that Vasse Felix, the first vineyard in Margaret River, and Thompson Estate’s next-door neighbour, was planted in Wilyabrup by Dr Tom Cullity, a cardiologist who was a mentor for Peter.
Meander amongst the Thompson Estate Sculpture Collection whilst you enjoy Thompson Estate award-winning wines at this five star James Halliday winery.