Known as the Apple Capital of the South West, is fast becoming recognised for its hidden depths of taste, texture & visual splendours.
Set in a backdrop of seasonal displays such as spectacular spring blossoms, splendid displays of wildflowers, lush native forests & extraordinary autumn overtures, Donnybrook hosts a smorgasbord of colours, flavours and textures
A sample of the culinary delights offered would include farm fresh marron, organic beef, rich olive oil, local fruit & vegetable produce, nuts and the sweet taste of sun dried fruits.
Donnybrook is also becoming renowned for the fantastic wines which are being produced by small but dedicated producers in the hills and valleys around the town, and along the Preston Valley.
Donnybrook now boasts the “Biggest Free Entry Fun Park” in Australia, which is the perfect family picnic area to wind down after a busy day out sight seeing and tasting.
Balingup is surrounded by many wonderful natural attractions, and it is well worth the effort to explore them. Some of the most popular activities include walks through the Golden Valley Arboretum and along the Bibbulmun Track , shopping in the many boutiques and antique shops, and enjoying some of the local culinary delights at the french patisserie and local restaurants.
Explore. Taste. Enjoy. Spoil yourself. Exploit your senses & feel very much invited.
Growing Conditions
| Topography | Hilly and coastal plain |
| Soil | Gravelly sandy loams. Loams |
| Water | Surface Water |
| Climate | Whilst slightly warmer than other areas within the Geographe Wine Region, the conditions are still favourable for the production of good quality table wines. |
|
Varietals |
Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec, Grenache and Zinfandel |
Climate
| Heat Degree days | 1700 |
| Sunshine hours per day | 8.5 |
| Annual Rainfall | 700-900 |
| Growing season rainfall | 185 |
| Mean Jan temp | 22 |
| Harvest | Early Feb to Early April |
Thompson Brook Estate
Thomson Brook Estate established in 1993, is located 7km east of Donnybrook, in the Preston Valley, part of the Western Australia’s Geographe wine region. Traditionally, Donnybrook has been renowned as Western Australia’s premier apple growing region, but in recent years, the region has established a steady reputation as a new and vibrant viticultural area. Thomson Brook Wines is a small, family owned and managed operation. They produce a range of fine quality wines, from hand picked grapes, which are grown in the rich loam...
read moreSmallwater Estate
In this little known corner of Western Australia’s south west, which is proving to be one of Australia’s most reliable wine growing areas, this boutique vineyard evolved from a dream to grow and market marron into a contract wine growing yard which then saw the potential of its superior Zinfandel grape as its premium flagship wine. Against all knowledgeable advice John believed that this variety had enormous potential in the Geographe region and sourced the wood to begin this journey. Along with his trademark “Zin”,...
read moreByramgou Park
Situated off Wade Road only six kilometres South of Donnybrook in the rolling hills of Brookhampton, the 45 hectares of Byramgou Park and boutique winery straddle a North-South ridge, overlooking the Minninup Creek and Thomson Brook valleys.Not only does the park enjoy spectacular views but also, the combination of sandy gravel running into loam clays and the cool, winters and long hot summers are ideal for growing premium wine grapes with which we produce delightful wines with great fruit and character.
read moreBarrecas Winery
Located a few minutes south of Donnybrook, Barrecas Winery is the perfect place to enjoy coffee and taste wines with its view of sweetwater lake and nearby olive grove. Iolanda Radcliffe makes the wine for Antonio and Fillipo Barreca on the picturesque site.
read morePreston Vale
Preston Vale Vineyard’s now 252 hectares of premium wine grapes was Western Australia’s largest single planting at its establishment in 1999. Nestled in the Geographe Wine Region’s Preston Valley,
read moreBakkheia
[Gallery not found] Michael and Ilonka purchased the property in 2005 and now pursue small batch wines focusing on red varieties with high potential for great wines. Michael & & Ilonka Edwards Wine/Product/Service Profile Winemaker Michael Edwards Varietals / Blends Made Red: Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre Tempranillo Graciano Awards Silver Medal – Mediterranean Challenge Royal Agricultural Show Queensland for Tripartite 2011...
read moreOakway Estate
Three generations of the one family have toiled together to create the vineyards of Oakway Estate. Today the property supports the vineyard, a plantation of sustainable blue gum trees, and beef cattle. Our vines were planted in 1997 on mostly...
read moreBarton Jones Wines
Who’d have thought it! Two former international medal winning rowers from the UK team up to invigorate an ancient vineyard and create boutique wines. Logical really…… both require passion, energy, commitment and stamina. Barton Jones Wines produce small quantities of premium wines under two labels, namely Blackboy Ridge and...
read moreMandalay Estate
Tony a physicist and Bernice a Tafe lecturer bought their property in the lovely Preston Valley “on spec” with no idea what they would do with it. They thought a ‘few grapes’ might be an interesting thing to do as both showed more than a passing interest in wine. Mandalay is situated in a valley with its own microclimate. Cooler than Donnybrook at night...
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