Pemberton – click to enlarge
Pemberton – click to enlarge
The Pemberton wine region is in the southwestern corner of Western Australia, 325km south of Perth. It forms part of the South West Australia wine zone, which it shares with Margaret River, Geographe, Manjimup, Blackwood Valley, and Great Southern. The region centres around the town of Pemberton. It is nestled in a forested area with a cool climate, ideal for grape growing.
The region was planted experimentally in 1977, with commercial vineyards following the early success in 1982.
Pemberton’s temperate climate is cooler than some of the surrounding regions, thanks partly to its altitude. It has fewer sunshine hours, more rainfall (except in January and February), and greater relative humidity than its closest neighbour, Manjimup. The high annual rainfall keeps things lush.
The soils here vary between gravelly loams and the fertile red karri loam, promoting vigorous vine growth. Pemberton’s cooler conditions and fertile soils create wines with concentrated flavours and complex profiles.
In addition to the stunning wine, Pemberton is known for its towering karri forests and abundant natural beauty. The region is affectionately called “karri tree country” due to these stunning forests of tall karri trees (Eucalyptus diversicolor). These trees are some of the tallest in the world, reaching heights of up to 90 meters and can live for over 300 years. These forests support a rich biodiversity, providing habitat for various bird species, marsupials, and unique flora. The karri forests hold cultural significance for the Indigenous Noongar people, who have long valued these trees for their resources and the ecosystems they support. Efforts are ongoing to preserve these majestic forests and their unique ecosystems, balancing tourism and conservation.
