Island Brook Estate: Margaret River’s hidden gem

For those venturing to this stunning Western Australian wine region for the first time, this iconic landmark is a memorable sight as you head south from Vasse towards Margaret River town.

The charming red truck signals your arrival at Island Brook Estate Vineyard and Chalets, a family-owned haven where Jill and Paul O’Callaghan warmly invite you to experience the best of Margaret River with their boutique cellar door and charming accommodation.

In 2023, Jill and Paul O’Callaghan fell in love with Island Brook Estate and became its proud new owners, bringing with them a passion for the Margaret River wine region and a respect for the Estate’s rich history. Together, they have set about reinvigorating the property, from restoring the cellar door and renovating the charming chalets to reinvesting in the heritage vineyard.

“The property was in good shape when we arrived but there’s always room for improvement,” says Paul. “We’ve engaged a great team – James Harris our viticulturist and Simon Ding our winemaker are producing some very good wines. Jill works the hardest; she’s transformed the accommodation, and supervises grounds maintenance.”

Island Brook Estate Vineyard is home to some of the oldest, dry-grown Semillon in the Metricup subregion of Margaret River. Recognising the quality of their vineyards, Jill and Paul knew it was time to showcase what the Estate vines could truly produce.

In fact, 2023 marked the first release of Island Brook Estate wines since 2012, following over a decade where the Estate’s fruit was sold to nearby wineries.

The wines are produced in small batches, with the vast majority of fruit handpicked to ensure the highest quality. Jill is often found in the vineyard herself, secateurs in hand during harvest. “Hand harvesting is labour-intensive, but it’s essential for producing wines that reflect the true character of the site,” she says.

Their hard work has paid off too – the Island Brook Estate 2024 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc was recently awarded a gold medal and the Trophy for Best White Blend at the Wine Show of Western Australia. This recognition showcases the immense quality of the Island Brook Vineyard and the passion their team has for this heritage site in Margaret River.

For a friendly, personalised wine tasting in Margaret River, look no further than the recently renovated cellar door. This warm, intimate space offers a bespoke tasting experience where visitors can sample the Estate’s incredible range of wines, including the award-winning Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, an aromatic Verdelho blend, a barrel-fermented Chardonnay, a rich Cabernet Sauvignon and a soft, juicy Merlot.

After more than a decade of not producing wine, Island Brook Estate is back – and the wait has been worth it. “We’re thrilled to have our cellar door open to the public again,” says Jill. “We can’t wait to share this special place and our passion for Margaret River wines with everyone who visits.”

The Island Brook Estate Cellar Door is now open Friday through Sunday, from 12-5pm.

While many visit Island Brook Estate for the wines, guests can also enjoy an overnight stay in one of the Estate’s charming and secluded chalets, nestled among towering jarrah trees and just a short walk from the picturesque vineyards.

“When we took over the property in 2023, one of our first priorities was to renovate the charming chalets,” Jill explains. “We wanted to create a blend of modern comfort and rustic charm, providing the ultimate retreat for wine lovers seeking peace and tranquillity.”

The three chalets – aptly named Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Semillon – are perfect for couples or small groups, while a larger three-bedroom residence can accommodate up to eight guests.

Despite being just a 20-minute drive from both Margaret River and Dunsborough, the chalets offer a secluded, off-the-grid experience. Guests can explore the Estate’s bushwalking trails, surrounded by natural flora, fauna, and abundant wildlife.

For the lucky few, a walk through the forest might even reveal a glimpse of the rare phascogale, a vulnerable marsupial native to the South West and found at Island Brook Estate.

The O’Callaghan family is dedicated to preserving this unique environment and has pledged to donate $1 for every bottle of wine sold to support the conservation of this near-threatened species.

Whether you’re visiting to enjoy a tasting of the Estate’s delicious wines or seeking a peaceful escape in the forest, Island Brook Estate offers an unforgettable experience.

“I think our family’s very lucky to have acquired Island Brook,” said Paul. “It’s a beautiful combination of bush tranquillity and manicured vineyard in the heart of the Margaret River wine region. As the current custodians, we look forward to sharing the property with visitors and friends, and enjoying the wine that’s grown here.”

Visit Island Brook Estate to book a tasting or reserve accommodation, and discover more about their beautiful winery and cellar door.