Established in 1979, as an 11.8 hectare property, the vineyard is one of the earliest to be planted for grapes in the Margaret River region. This beautiful property was originally part of the group settlements established up by the then Premier of WA, Jimmy Mitchell’s government, at the end of the First World War, and was to be a “Gelignite Block”. Here explosives were to be stored for use by the pioneer soldier settlers to clear the massive Karri and Jarrah stumps.
The area is ideal for growing wine grapes – protection from strong winds by the surrounding Boranup State Forest, a climate mildly cooler than vineyards north of Witchcliffe, and terrain which steers autumn storms away from the vineyard. North/south slopes, gravelly Karri loam soil and a good water supply (McLeod’s creek runs through the property), combine to ensure gentle, even ripening of the fruit.
The first vines, comprising two hectares, were planted in 1980. Vines were planted every two or three years with the final two hectares being planted in 1995. There are now nine hectares of bearing grapevines.
Our wines were first made at Vasse Felix from 1985 – 1999 and then from 2000 to 2006 under contract at Moss Wood. The first Mugford made wines, the 2000 Riesling and the 2000 Premium Dry White, were released in December 2000. Since 2007 our red wines have been made exclusively by Ian at his Glenmore winery and vineyard in Yallingup.
Our goal at Green Valley Vineyard is to continuously improve the quality of our fruit and make world class boutique wines with all the characteristics of the Margaret River ‘terroir’.
We are also committed to ensuring that visitors to our tasting facility have an enjoyable and memorable time (you may have to call to see if we are open). We hope that you can visit us at Green Valley when you are next in the South-West.
The Russian River Valley and its sub AVA, the Green Valley, are widely recognized as a premiere growing area for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Foggy mornings, warm afternoons, and a cool evening breeze from the Pacific Ocean make the ideal climate for these grapes in this area. Although among the Green Valley wineries you will find Pinot Noir and Chardonnay the focus, the Green Valley wineries produce other fine wines such as Syrah, Zinfandel and Gewürztraminer.