The Pemberton wine region is located in the South West corner of Western Australia, about 350km southeast of Perth, covering 466ha of vineyards, making it the fourth largest wine region in the state. The area features expansive forests with tall trees, creating a scenic backdrop for wine tourism.
Pemberton experiences a temperate climate with relatively high annual rainfall. Summers are warm and dry, while winters are cool and wet. The region receives an average growing season rainfall of 276mm and maintains a mean temperature of 20.3°C. The topography consists of undulating terrain with altitudes ranging from 6 to 317 meters, featuring primarily red loam and gravel soils that offer good drainage and moderate water retention.
Chardonnay is the predominant grape variety in Pemberton, known for producing richly flavored wines with a creamy texture. Merlot is also popular either as a varietal or blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, displaying good varietal character and mouthfeel. Pinot Noir is widely planted for both single varietals and sparkling wines, alongside other notable varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Verdelho, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz.
The history of the Pemberton wine region dates back to the late 1970s when the first vines were planted experimentally, leading to commercial vineyards in 1982. Identified for viticulture in the 1970s due to its cool and wet climate, the region's vineyards are relatively young. Pemberton's climate supports the production of both red and white wines, with an approximately equal split in production between the two categories.
In addition to its wines, Pemberton is renowned for its towering karri tree forests and lush national parks, offering various nature trails, camping sites, and opportunities to climb karri tree towers for panoramic views. The scenic bushland overlooking the national park and Warren River provides an ideal setting for visitors to enjoy a relaxed afternoon with a glass of wine.
Pemberton has gained acclaim for its outstanding wines, notably sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and riesling varietals. The region also shows promise in the production of sparkling wines, particularly derived from pinot noir plantings.