Just a short drive south of Busselton, at Chapman Hill. The easiest route is taking Chapman Hill Road off the Busselton Bypass. Google Maps knows where they are!
Whicher Ridge is a small family owned winery close to Busselton, specialising in growing and making small batch wines. The couple behind Whicher Ridge, Cathy and Neil Howard, have created a range of bespoke and immersive wine experiences centred around their wine sensory garden, which demystify the world of wine for visitors.
Located south of Busselton in a quiet rural setting, the wine tasting experience at Whicher Ridge Wines is truly unique - it is the only cellar door and winery in Australia with a specially themed and planted Wine Sensory Garden. The large garden is beautifully laid out and planted with fruit trees, herbs, flowers and seasonal vegetables which describe and match the flavours, textures and styles of the small batch wines made at Whicher Ridge.
Being off the beaten wine tourist track definitely has its advantages for visitors as there will be no 45 seater buses in the carpark when you arrive. Instead, you will be greeted by the friendly wine dog, Polly, and receive a personalised wine tasting experience with the winemaker, Cathy.
If you want to learn more about wine, and how it’s grown and made, then a visit to Whicher Ridge is a must!
The Whicher Ridge winery is small. It is owned and operated by a dynamic team of two, Cathy and Neil Howard. The winemaker and vigneron couple have a combined 50 years of experience between them. They take a ‘hands-on’ approach to the growing of their grapes and the making of their wines, and have a ‘tread lightly on the earth’ philosophy with their sustainable farming practices.
Whicher Ridge specialises in making small-batch wines made from vines growing in the ancient soils of three of Australia’s most isolated wine regions, Margaret River, Geographe and the Great Southern. Each of the wines are made in styles that celebrate their provenance and pair well with food.
Visitors can have a traditional wine tasting in the cellar door, or book into the Pick and Sip for a guided tasting in the Garden, join a Wander in the Garden experience in the morning, or relax in the evening at the Soirée in the Garden.
The Pick and Sip experience is a memorable, unique and one-of-a-kind wine tasting journey in the sensory garden. Discover where wine flavours come from, how the flavours develop in different wine varietals, find out how different wine styles are made, learn how to describe what you’re smelling and tasting in a wine, and find out how simple it is to pair wine with food.
Dogs are very welcome to visit too as long as they are kept on a lead as Whicher Ridge is a working farm.
Amenities
Location
Whicher Ridge Wines
200 Chapman Hill E Rd, Chapman Hill WA 6280, Australia
"*" indicates required fields
Reviews
5.0 (22 Google reviews)
Gabriela Safrankova28 October 2024
What a special experience. We have spent the weekend at one of the cabins and got to try some delightful wines Cathy and her husband make. Loved the environment and energy in this place. Absolutely loved the sensory garden tour, Cathy was making us think about wine and what we were tasting in such a fun and interesting way. I have learned a lot about herbs I didn't know even existed. I am definitely coming back and bringing few friends or family as this is a unique experience. Thank you so much and will be back soon.
Peter Puchner20 June 2024
We had a Pick, Sip and SupTaste experience with Cathy at Whicher Ridge and it was a truly memorable morning. We learnt a huge amount about how and why wines are made and crafted to taste as they do, and what differences go in to the crafting of the particular taste and texture the winemaker wants. Cathy was a gracious and memorable host, their wines are delicious and I recommend anyone to spend the time at the winery, getting to know the environment.
Suzanne Harrison22 November 2023
Following a wonderful “Pick and Sip”morning sampling the wines at Whicher Ridge with vigneron and owner Cathy Howard, on a very informative and educational tour of her beautiful sensory garden, we have just enjoyed a glass of her delicious Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 all the more ! Highly recommended.
Mick Wco13 August 2023
It's a lovely cellar door on the farm, next to their wine making facility. Great discussion of the farm and wines. It's an authentic experience with a great view of the vineyard. The wines were quality, and we ended up leaving with a dozen!
Explore accommodation, dining, experiences & events curated by local experts with insider advice and tips along every step of your holiday planning journey.
Free Concierge Support
Available 7 days a week, 9 - 5. Our local experts can provide a full consultation and booking service free of charge.
Book Direct
We're a not-for-profit local tourism association that helps you book direct with local businesses.
5.0 (22 Google reviews) 
