Vineyard
Menzies Vineyard is a family vineyard owned and run by Robert and Emma Menzies. It is one of a very few high-density vineyards in Australia situated in the Wilyabrup area of the Margaret River Wine Region. The high-density vineyard is planted 1mtr apart and the rows are 1mtr wide. High density vines are planted at over four times the density of a standard vineyard. Most standard vineyards have 3-metre-wide rows with a vine planted every 2 metres.
High density planting promotes competition, driving root systems deeper into the soil. Our soil is gravelly, granite, loam with clay at 1-1.5 meters, a very free draining site. High density planting promotes smaller bunches, berries, and quality. The close plantings encourage the roots to find their own water producing intense flavours of the terroir.
Grape varieties planted are Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec. These have been grown from cuttings taken from quality vines from Margaret River vineyards. The cuttings have been calloused, planted in our nursery and then the following year planted out into the vineyard.
Menzies fruit is grown using organic principles, hand-picked, hand sorted and produced.
Emma’s Block
Gingin clone Chardonnay with 1,972 vines grown in 58 rows east west on the bottom of a west facing slope with Marri,
Jarrah and Black Butt trees protecting vines from the wind.
Rob’s Block
Jack Mann Houghton clone Cabernet Sauvignon with 2,480 vines grown in 37 rows north south facing. Rob’s block sits proudly sits on top of the hill.
Mopsy’s Block
Jack Mann Houghton clone Cabernet Sauvignon with 1,110 vines are grown in 37 north south facing rows closest to our Cellar Door.
Tom’s Block
1,500 Merlot 181 clone, 1,500 Malbec and 500 Cabernet
Franc are grown on east west facing rows on a west
facing slope.
Izzy’s Block
Jack Mann Houghton clone Cabernet Sauvignon with
2,016 vines grown in 63 rows northwest southeast on a
northwest slope.
Diana’s Block
Gingin clone Chardonnay with 2,556 vines are grown in
71 rows in northwest to southeast facing in 71 rows
facing northwest.
Menzies Family History
The Menzies (pronounced Ming-iss) Family hails from Northern Scotland, near Craigellachie village on the Spey River. Our crest, bearing the motto "Fortem Fors Juvet," symbolizes our belief that fortune favours the brave, a value deeply ingrained in our family as we ventured into establishing a high-density vineyard in Wilyabrup.
Rob, born in Aberdeen, Scotland, embodies a positive and down-to-earth personality. His adventurous spirit led him from the Scottish Highlands to England and eventually to Western Australia. He's fueled by curiosity and a thirst for exploration, having journeyed across the globe, from the stunning landscapes of Great Britain to the vibrant vineyards
of France, the jungles of Borneo Indonesia, and the untamed Islands of New
Britian Provence Papua New Guinea. Eventually, his journey brought him back to
the welcoming shores of Western Australia.
Emma, a local West Australian from the great southern wheatbelt, shares Rob's positive outlook and down-to-earth nature. Her own adventurous pursuits have taken her to far-flung corners of the world, enriching her perspectives both globally and locally.
In 1999, Rob and Emma returned to Western Australia, where their shared love for wine and agriculture blossomed into the dream of establishing their own vineyard. In 2015, they made this dream a reality. Today, with two grown children and a steadfast commitment to hard work and family values, they continue their journey in grape cultivation and winemaking, deeply rooted in their beloved Western Australia.