Nannup Ridge Wines – National Award Winning Western Australian Wines

The History

In the early 1900’s, the coastal plains near Busselton were home to free-roaming cattle that searched for food in the higher forest country during the dry summer months. These cattle were known to favour the sweet grasses of the granite country of the escarpment inland to the Blackwood River. As a result, the region was one of the first to be developed for agriculture by the early 20th century settlers. Today, the original dirt floor cottage still stands on the property as a reminder of its history and has been lovingly restored by the Fitzgerald family.

The property was owned by one of the descendants of the original settling families when it was purchased by Ray and Barry Fitzgerald in 1998. They intended to establish a production vineyard to supply premium grapes to Houghton Wine Company, one of the oldest and largest wine producers in Western Australia. However, when Houghton’s was taken over by the American conglomerate Constellation Brands in 2008, the grape supply was rationalized, and many smaller producers were left to secure new buyers. To prove the quality of their fruit, the Fitzgeralds engaged a master winemaker to produce wines and started showcasing them at numerous Local and National Wine Shows. This initiative proved successful, with 4 gold, 10 minor medals and 2 trophies awarded in the first year, leading to new supply contracts with other major WA wineries. Today, 70% of their harvest is purchased by these wineries, while the balance is processed as premium wine under the Nannup Ridge label.

The Vineyard

Nannup Ridge Estate sits high on the granite ridges of the Blackwood River Escarpment inland from the Margaret River Township.

During the growing season, the vines enjoy long hours of sunshine followed by cool evenings and moderate coastal breezes in the afternoon, idyllic growing conditions. Abundant water, granite loam soils and low frost and disease pressure all contribute to reliable quality and consistent vintages. The first  vines were planted in 1998, with subsequent plantings taking place in 2000, and 2006. The vineyard now comprises 16 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Nannup Ridge Wine Awards

Since first showing the wines in 2008, they have achieved over 200 Awards. These include 10 Trophies, 5 Top of Class, 27 Gold, 71 Silver and 160 Bronze medals.

The Winemaker – Bruce Dukes

As long term winemaker to Nannup Ridge Wines, Bruce has had a decade of experience with the vineyard and has been an integral part of the creation of unique wine style, his international and local winemaking experience along with his passionate pursuit of excellence and ready adoption of the latest methods and techniques has driven award success.

In 2011, Bruce was awarded “Best W.A. Winemaker” by Wines of Western Australia. He has also taken out “Winemaker of the Year 2020” for Halliday Wine Companion.