Spotlight on: Fermoy Estate

Founded in 1985, Fermoy’s first vintage was a resounding success, confirming Wilyabrup as the ‘sweet spot’ of Margaret River. Grown in an enviable location by the Wilyabrup Brook, Fermoy’s fruit ripens in conditions beautifully moderated by the nearby Indian Ocean. A mild, Mediterranean climate, afternoon sea breeze and ancient gravel soils make it perfect for growing Bordeaux and Burgundy grape varieties.

The winery experienced a revival under new ownership and the stewardship of senior winemaker Jeremy Hodgson. Jeremy’s expertise brought a renewed focus on sustainability, small-batch winemaking and crafting site-expressive wines, positioning Fermoy for its rise to global recognition. This rise was marked by two major Decanter World Wine Awards wins. Fermoy’s Reserve Chardonnay earned Best in Show in 2019, followed by the same prestigious title in 2024 for its Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

Senior Winemaker Jeremy Hodgson said,

Crafting exceptional wine starts in the ground. Andy Keig has been the vineyard manager for almost 25 years, starting at Fermoy in March 2000, when the team was much smaller, the vineyard was heavily focused on Cabernet and there was no irrigation.

Over time, Jeremy and Andy have worked side by side, redeveloping 70% of the vineyard, installing irrigation and working toward equilibrium in the vineyard. Andy Keig knows that balance is the best approach for Fermoy: “Balance is key when it comes to our vine and fruit management. This is achieved by a ‘less is more’ approach – giving the fruit space to grow. The more balanced we can make the fruit on the vine, the better it is when we get it into the winery.”

This ‘less is more’ approach is a natural segue toward sustainability. Fermoy is now a member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. In recent years, there has been a conscious effort to minimise herbicides and pesticides, limit tractor usage and implement a water management schedule. The use of oats as a mid-row cover crop will improve soil structure, increase biodiversity and act as a natural weed preventative. All these small steps add up to the bigger picture: making winegrowing and winemaking sustainable for the future.

Fermoy has changed. There has been growth, enviable accomplishments and global accolades. Even so, at its heart, the team remains tight-knit, low-key – happy to gently simmer away in their success. This is evident upon a visit to their iconic cellar door, a wonderful salmon-coloured building sitting pretty alongside their vines; if you’ve driven down Metricup Road, you’ll know the one. The staff have passion without fuss; they are storytellers, blending knowledge with joyful banter. This is largely why they excelled in the recent Halliday’s People’s Choice Award, coming in second – voted by the public.

Dave, Assistant General Manager, puts it simply, “Yes, our wine is great, but it’s more than that – it’s the place and the people.” So, if you’re in the area, be sure to stop by for a tasting, a good dose of laughter and the likely chance that a winemaker will stroll in from the winery with something new to try. 

The original homestead has recently been renovated and is now available for short stays. Sleeping 8 comfortably, offering views of Fermoy’s founding Cabernet vines, the homestead is for those seeking a private escape while still being in the heart of  Wilyabrup wine country. Think Cabernet in winter by the fire and Chardonnay in summer under the trees, all while looking out over the vines.

A small team with a big dream – crafting remarkable wine reminiscent of Fermoy’s special patch of land.