Established in 1998 in Mt Barker by husband and wife Joanne and John, 3 Drops 15ha of vineyards is planted mostly with riesling, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, cabernet, pinot and shiraz.  In 2002, Rob Diletti joined as winemaker and brought great acclaim, awards and trophies to the winery. 

The olive grove has some 2000 olive trees planted, including (Italian, Greek and Spanish varieties. and is a significant part of the property.  The olives, like the grapes, take on cool-climate characteristics and the extra virgin olive oil is well-known for its complex, balanced, spicy flavours. 

The winery exports to China, Hong Kong and South Korea.

The Wines
The range of wines at 3 Drops is concise and play to the strengths of the region, in particular, the highly regarded and age-worthy riesling and elegant pinot noir. Winemaker Rob Diletti, who was awarded James Halliday’s Winemaker of the Year in 2014, has produced some of the region’s best examples. The sauvignon blanc and cabernets, a blend of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, were the first wines to be produced. The range has since expanded to eight wines including shiraz, merlot, chardonnay, a rose, riesling and pinot noir.

Wine Tasting
There is no cellar door open to the public.

Unique Highlights
The pinot noir, the riesling, and the extra-virgin olive oil, which is available for purchase in good food merchants in Mt Barker town, and surrounding towns.

Halliday Rating
5 Black Stars

Express Winemakers is Ryan O'Meara's pint-sized wine operation from the great south of Western Australia. Established in 2011, Ryan has assembled a group of top-flight vineyards from the Great Southern region that supply him with quality fruit to make his contemporary and creative range of wines. Express Winemakers aim for minimal intervention at every level, avoiding additives and emphasising single-vineyard sites.

Varieties include a Tempranillo Garnacha blend, Riesling, Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Syrah and Rose. Wines are available online and through selected retailers.

A true family affair. Galafrey was founded by respected pioneer of Western Australian wine, the late Ian Tyrer in Mount Barker in 1977. His wife Linda, daughter Kim (and her husband Nigel) keep the family winery flourishing.

The dry grown vines include varieties Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and blending varieties. There’s also the rarely-seen Muller Thurgau, a unique white variety planted too.

Wine Tasting

Most wine tastings at the impressive Galafrey cellar door are hosted by Linda, Kim or Nigel, who love chatting about their wines and sharing the story of their vineyard. Look out for Bruce, a Jack Russell (the winery dog) who enjoys meeting visitors at the carpark. The view is spectacular, with the Porongurups, Stirling Ranges and Mount Barker Hill all in visible from the high-altitude property. Visitors are invited to visit any time between 10am – 5pm daily.

Halliday Rating

4.5 Stars

A regional pioneer, Plantagenet Wines was planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz vines in 1968 by founder Tony Smith. The first wines were made in 1974 and showed great potential, encouraging Tony to convert a local apple packing shed into a winery and keep making what are now regarded amongst Australia’s most respected examples of Cabernet and Shiraz. Subsequent vineyards were planted, and fruit now comes from five estate-owned properties around the Mount Barker area.

Western Australia’s oldest family business Lionel Samson & Son acquired Plantagenet in 1999 and the estate continues to grow from strength to strength, with an international reputation for its Rieslings, Chardonnays, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine Tasting

The mudbrick and timber cellar door, surrounded by stunning garden and historic vines make a beautiful setting in which to explore the Plantagenet wine range. Wines can be tasted daily between 10.30am – 4pm.

The Food

Alongside the cellar door is ‘The Shed’, Plantagenet’s café, serving lunch daily. The menu is a unique blend of contemporary and casual, with hearty dishes that pair with the wines. Dining can be enjoyed from the alfresco deck, or beside the fireplace in winter.

Halliday Rating

5 Red Stars

Alex and Janet Taylor purchased the Poacher's Ridge property in 1999. The couple hand-tend the estate's twenty acres under vine to grow cool climate wines that truly reflect the seasons and the land's character.  The vineyard is located at the back of Narrikup, receiving a strong influence from the Southern Ocean and the wines are known for their elegance and medium bodied style.

The Wine

Poacher's Ridge makes a range of wines, with a focus on Riesling, Marsanne, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cellar Door

Bask in the panoramic beauty of the Porongurups, vineyards and olive groves at the estate's rustic, stone and timber cellar door. The complete range of wines, including a selection of exclusive museum wines, are available for tasting throughout the year alongside platters of locally sourced cheeses and meats. Tours and group bookings can be arranged in advance. Open Friday to Sunday, 10am – 4pm.

Halliday Rating

5 Red Stars

Unique Highlights

The estate's Gameskeeper's Cottage sleeps up to four guests and is located beside the cellar door, set among beautiful gum trees olive trees and vineyards. It features sweeping views of the Porongurup Ranges, full amenities and breakfast hampers of fresh local produce.

Bordered by the breathtaking Porongurup Ranges and the historic St Werburgh's Chapel, John and Jan Fletcher’s friendly winery and cafe grows a range of regional, dry to sweet table wines. The varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Rose and sweet and dry Chardonnays. Visitors are welcome to wander in the estate's garden, view the old farm implements and discover the range of unique gifts and artisan offerings at the cosy cellar door.

Cellar Door

The cellar door is homely and sweet, offering wine tastings or wines by the glass or bottle to be enjoyed within the  stunning grounds.

The Food

There’s also a cosy cafe overlooking beautiful established gardens, vines and the rolling hills of Mount Barker. The menu features gluten free gourmet lunches, sweet treats and delicious coffees alongside tipples of premium Windrush wines on the deck, gazebo or spacious grass areas. Open Friday to Sunday and Monday public holidays from 10am - 4pm.

The Xabregas story begins with one man, Terry Hogan, who scoured the Great Southern, deciding upon land in Mount Barker to establish his vineyard in 1996. Currently run by son Paul (the fifth generation of this Western Australian farming family) who has refined the focus to Shiraz (Syrah) and Riesling. Talented winemaker Andrew Hoadley, provides a hands-on approach within this sustainable vineyard. The wines are highly-acclaimed by the critics.

Halliday Rating

4/5 Stars