By Fergal Gleeson

Tucked deep within the towering forests of Western Australia’s Pemberton region, Ampersand Estates has quickly become one of the most compelling new luxury wine destinations in WA.

What makes the story particularly interesting is not just the wines, but the founders behind it — two former management consultants who traded boardrooms for vineyards and built an ambitious hospitality destination in the process.

Ampersand Estates was founded in 2020 by Melissa Bell, originally from Mississippi, and Corrie Scheepers, who was born in South Africa. Both previously worked as Partners at Deloitte in management consulting before deciding to pursue a shared vision: to reimagine one of Western Australia’s oldest winery sites and transform it into a modern wine and tourism destination.

The estate sits on the banks of the Donnelly River in Pemberton, about four hours’ drive south of Perth. While Margaret River tends to dominate conversations about Western Australian wine, Pemberton offers something quite different.

The region has a cooler climate, surrounded by dense and lush karri forests that create a unique microclimate for viticulture.

Pemberton’s first plantings date back to 1977, making it one of Western Australia’s earlier cool-climate wine frontiers. It’s home to highly regarded wineries like Picardy Wines, Bellarmine Wines and Silkwood Estate.

When Bell and Scheepers acquired the property, they recognised both the heritage of the site and its untapped potential. Their approach was not simply to revive an old winery, but to build a destination around it.

Today, Ampersand Estates combines a working winery, a distillery, and a luxury farm-stay retreat.

The vision is holistic: guests can stay on the estate, explore the surrounding forests, taste wines made from Pemberton fruit, and experience the region in a way that feels both premium and relaxed.

The founders have also brought a distinctly modern ethos to the brand. Ampersand Estates is proudly 100% LGBTQIA+ owned and operated, and the estate has built strong connections with community organisations and hospitality partners who share similar values of inclusivity and openness.

In just a few years, Ampersand Estates has become an example of how a old winery can be reimagined for a new generation of wine drinkers and travellers.

It blends heritage, hospitality, and contemporary values in a setting that is uniquely Western Australian: cool climate vineyards framed by towering forest and the quiet rhythm of the Southern Forests.

The Wines

Ampersand’s Sauvignon Blanc 2024 will tick the boxes for Sauvvy drinkers—tropical fruit on the nose, crunchy red apple and citrus flavours, zingy acid and a creamy texture that makes it very moreish.

RRP $36
Rating 3.5 stars

Ampersand Estates Chardonnay 2024 is a cracking white with white peach, lime, chalk and subtle oak on show. It’s a little softer than the Chardonnays from nearby Margaret River and a little less intense. The balance is undeniable—an excellent wine.

RRP $60
Rating 4 stars

The Pinot Noir 2024 was crowned West Australia’s Favourite Wine at the Top Up Wine Awards. It’s a charismatic, red-fruited easy drinker. Strawberry, pomegranate and cranberry are all on show.

This Pinot is bright and balanced, simple and fresh. What I like to call a “breakfast wine”!

RRP $60
Rating 4.5 stars

Ampersand’s Syrah 2024 comes from Frankland River. It’s true to its Syrah name with fresh, crunchy acid, potting soil, dust and capsicum spice.

It’s medium-bodied in weight and webbed tannins show that it will age nicely over the next five years. One to sip by a log fire on a dark evening.

RRP $50
Rating 4 stars