Western Australia

Woodlands

Margaret River

Another young man with a real zest and passion for his job, Stuart Watson began making the wine at his parents’ vineyard in Wilyabrup in 1999, following a period when the fruit had been sold to other producers in the region while the kids went to school in Perth.

Woodlands is not a new name, as this was one of the first five vineyards to be planted in Margaret River in 1973, and during the 80`s had been a regular medal winner, including a National Trophy for their 1981 Andrew Cabernet. But it is since brothers Stuart and Andrew took over in 1999 that the name has again come to the fore.

The whole family share a passion for the wines of Bordeaux and it is this that inspires the focus here on Cabernet Sauvignon and Woodlands is now firmly back on the competitive radar with trophies in 2005 and 2006 at the Margaret River Wine Show, the Winewise Australian Small Vignerons Awards, and the Boutique Wine Awards.

Winemaking is minimalist with an emphasis on small open fermentation and excellent barrel selection, resulting in wines of Bordeaux Left Bank style and quality.

"These days Woodlands is producing some spectacular wine in small quantities. The larger volume Cabernet Sauvignon is of very high quality, and Woodlands is now a major player in the top echelon of Margaret River producers."   James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2009

5 red stars James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 - "an outstanding winery, regularly producing wines of exemplary quality and typicity."  

In 2011 Halliday has included Woodlands in his list of the Best of the Best.

Woodlands feature in The Wine Advocate - May 2010

Visit: www.woodlandswines.com