Grapes & wine

Western Australia is a notable fine wine producer. Grapes grow in diverse areas of the South West including Margaret River, the Swan Valley, Great Southern, Pemberton, Manjimup, Geographe, Blackwood Valley, Peel and Perth Hills.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development works closely to support industry and sponsors a trophy for the best regional wine at the prestigious Qantas Wine Show.

WA represents just 5% of Australian production but more than 20% of national fine wines. Exports are growing and China is an important market. 

Table grapes are grown from Carnarvon to the south-west and seedless varieties are most popular.

Articles

  • Although originating in Burgundy, the Gamay wine grape variety is best known from the Beaujolais region in France.

  • Lagrein originates from Italy and is known for its production of medium-bodied table wines that show intense colour, good body with rich berry characters.

  • There is a general perception that pre-fermentative cold maceration or ‘cold soak’ improves colour, enhances fruit characters and provides complexity to red wines.

  • The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has developed resources on the availability and characteristics of clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz and

  • Since 1981 the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has been distributing a quarterly newsletter for the Western Australian wine industry.

  • The performance of alternative variety wine grapes is continuing to be evaluated with a new trial block established near Wokalup within the Geographe wine region.

  • Barbera is an old Italian wine variety that has consistently performed well in trials in Manjimup, Western Australia with wines viewed favourably by wine judges and consumers.

  • The Viticulture spray guide provides information for the management of pests and diseases applicable for both wine and table grape vineyards within Western Australia.  The bulletin lists over 500 a

  • Durif grapevines were evaluated for fruit and wine production in Manjimup from 2007 to 2010. Ripening conditions were challenging with bunches displaying diseases.

  • Irrigating crops with saline water can result in yield loss and decreased quality.

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