By Fergal Gleeson

Augusta in Margaret River is the most south-western town in Australia. The nearby Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is the place where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet.

The climate is cooler than more northerly parts of Margaret River making for distinctive wines which are attracting considerable critical success.

Hamilyn Bay Wines

The restaurant at Hamilyn Bay Wines is a nice place to wile away a few hours. It’s sits on a valley slope overlooking the well-manicured rows of vines flowing down to the lake. Across the water forests of Karri and Marri trees scale the hill on the opposite side of the valley.

Hamilyn Bay Wines was founded by Richard Drake Brockman in 1992. Richard describes the Restaurant as being a key factor in the winery’s success.

They’ve just released a new menu with a focus on share plates such as a cheese and ploughman’s platters of local produce, local fish & chips, strip loin steak kebabs and house special ice cream sandwiches and a kid’s menu.

The emphasis is on creating a welcoming environment. You can now also get a beer at the restaurant if wine is not your tipple.

“It’s a relaxed venue where you can sit out on the deck and enjoy sweeping views of the vineyard and the valley below.”

“I always liked drinking the stuff,” says Richard on why he opened a winery. “My wife was brought up on the land. She was looking for a rural pursuit. The only thing that interested me to do in the country was to make wine!”

“You have to be completely mad to do what we did because wine making is a pretty ordinary business!” jokes Richard reflecting on the fact that running a small winery is not for the faint hearted.

However they have also had considerable wine show success over the years. The modestly priced 2017 Rampant Red RRP $18.70 was a trophy winner at the Royal Melbourne Wine Show.

Their Cabernets, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines have attracted high points and medals from Australia’s leading wine critics and shows.

The Cellar Door is open daily as is the Restaurant which is available for lunches or dinner. Booking is advisable.

For more visit www.hbwines.com.au

 

Originally from the spring issue of Your Margaret River Region Magazine