THE WILYABRUP VINEYARD

Home is where the hive is.

The Jilyara vineyard is tucked away in a pristine corner of Wilyabrup in the Margaret River Wine region, tended to everyday by Craig and Maria, and a small band of loyal workers during busier periods.

Rows of Cabernet (Houghton and 337), Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay (Gingin) and Sauvignon Blanc line the slopes of the vineyard, nestled within the undulating valleys of Wilyabrup and protected from the elements behind the Wilyabrup Reserve.

Proximity to the Indian Ocean keeps rainfall consistent and temperatures moderate. One can even hear the soothing pounds of the surf from the vines.

While the site is pristine and typical of the region, the exceptional quality of the vines – airflow, sunshine, and growth – comes down to the keen eye and attention to detail of the vineyard management.

The serenity, the symmetry and the status of this north-south aspect site can be equally attributed to the magnificent growing conditions, and the love and care of its custodians.

A regenerative approach to farming at Jilyara means the wellbeing of the ground is paramount. Rotating livestock, cover crops, low inputs and very little irrigation are considerately applied to foster and further a healthy growing environment for the vines.

Embracing entomology is also at the forefront of Jilyara’s vineyard management. Bugs are good, and the bees reign supreme.

The natural defenders when it comes to diseases and building vineyard health – little critters are widely embraced in the Jilyara ecosystem (except for the snails, Craig takes great pride in hunting them down).