Blackwood Valley

Blackwood Valley is a small wine region spread along the banks of the Blackwood River and containing such towns as Bridgetown, Boyup Brook, Greenbushes, Balingup and Nannup. Bridgetown is about 270 kms, or a 3 hour drive, south of Perth.

Like all of the south-western corner of Western Australia, the Blackwood Valley region was occupied by the Noongar people. The Blackwood Valley region was also known as Geegelup for many years, which can be interpreted as "place of gilgies" (a kind of yabbie). Early European settlers in the area were Edward Hester and John Blechynden, who were followed by many more once convicts finished the road from Donnybrook in 1861.

The obvious origin of Bridgetown’s name is that it is located near where a bridge crosses a river, and this is true. But this name was reinforced by the fact a ship named Bridgetown was the first to arrive to collect the wool that the early settlers were soon producing. The town continued as an agricultural centre until the gold rush of the 1890s saw a sudden increase in both population and income.

Another town of the Blackwood Valley region is Greenbushes, the origins of which had more to do with timber and mining than sheep and farming. The mining in this case was not gold but tin, discovered in 1888. With declining tin prices after the 1890’s depression, timber became the main source of local income. The name of this town is reportedly based on the fact that the surveyor felt the green of the bushes stood out against the usual dull green and gray of the local eucalyptus. When the railway arrived it did not quite make it to the town and so North Greenbushes came into existence around the train station.

A third town of the Blackwood Valley region, one which contains the ubiquitous ‘up’, signifying ‘place’ in the local Noongar language, is Nannup. Nannup means ‘stopping place’ or perhaps ‘place of parrots’, and is an improvement on the name, ‘Lower Blackwood’ it was first given. Like Greenbushes, timber was the main source of income, along with cattle.

Wine was not a significant part of the history of the Blackwood region before the 1970s; the first planting of vines being done by Max Fairbrass when he established Blackwood Crest in 1976. This was followed by many more vineyards in the 1980s and 1990s and today there are 600 hectares of vines planted by some 50 vineyards and wineries, many with cellar doors.

The Blackwood River dominates the geography and climate of the Blackwood Valley region, passing as it does through the centre of the district and many of the major towns, including Boyup Brook, Bridgetown and Nannup. The climate is generally one of dry summers and wet winters with most land at the 100m to 340m level, going from west to east. Frosts in winter are common and their occasional occurrence in spring can cause wine growers problems.

In general, white grape varieties dominate the Blackwood Valley wine region, especially Chardonnay and Riesling. However other varieties are grown, including Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Much of the product of the region, in particular its Chardonnay, is sold to wineries outside the region.

There are over 50 vineyards in the Blackwood Valley region and some 15 wineries, many with cellar doors. One example of the hard work that is making the reputation of the Blackwood Valley region is Scotts Brook. Set up by Brian & Kerry Walker in 1987, the pair began by careful experiment with several grape varieties to determine which best fit the area. As expected, white varieties such as Chardonnay and Riesling did very well, but it was a number of red varieties that impressed them most. As a result the Scotts Brook 1993 Cabernet Sauvignon won big at the 1995 Perth Royal Show.

Another winery of interest, found between Nannup and Balingup, is the Hillbillé Winery. The winery is a family run affair and part of the Blackwood Valley Estate, with beautiful views of the Blackwood River. Here you can find not only a wonderful range of wines but also hand pressed olive oils from olives grown on the estate. A boutique vineyard, Hillbillé has about 20 hectares planted with Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon and Viognier, among other varieties.

There are many festivals and wine events in the Blackwood Valley that will give you the opportunity to sample the excellent produce of this region. Bridgetown is host to the Blackwood Valley Wine Show in October, as well as the Blues at Bridgetown music festival in November. At nearby Nannup you can also enjoy the Nannup Music Festival held during the Labour Day long weekend each year.

Bridgetown is an historic town that has preserved many of its older buildings. Also to be found here is a Jigsaw Gallery, which claims to have the best jigsaw collection in the Southern Hemisphere, including a massive 5000 piece jigsaw of Rembrandt's The Night Watch donated from Holland.

The Blackwood Valley wine region can claim to have a range of uniquely flavoured wines, beginning with its light, fresh whites and continuing through to its earthy reds. Despite this, strong competition from the Great Southern region is likely to keep the production of Riesling low. However, the strength of the Blackwood Valley region’s Cabernet Sauvignon more than makes up for this, while the full potential of the Shiraz of this region has yet to be realised.