St Aidan Wines is a boutique family owned and operated Vineyard, Cellar Door Restaurant and Events Centre established in 1991 by Phil and Mary Smith. Situated in the picturesque Ferguson Valley right in the heart of Geographe Wine Region, it is an ideal destination for corporate functions, weddings and other special occasions. A variety of events are held throughout the year including popular outdoor cinema, music & theatre evenings. Open 7 days a week from 11am.
The name derives from the districts historic community church that sits on its boundary. the-church
The property was purchased in 1991 by Phil and Mary Smith who wanted a small farm for horticulture within 20 minutes’ drive of the two Bunbury Hospitals where Phil worked as an Anaesthetist. They had dreams to bring their love of the land to life, escape the noise of the city and embrace the nature they found before them.
“With no knowledge of the wine industry and no idea of our future in it, we ventured into table grapes and citrus trees planting a hectare of each between 1994 and 1996”
As the dream expanded, Mary completed a viticulture course and they broadened their horizons, planting a hectare of Chardonnay and a hectare of Cabernet Sauvignon in 1997. Over the next 6 years the vineyard continued to grow with the addition of more Chardonnay, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, Merlot and Malbec vines. As they continued to grow and learn, and to make the most of the Mediterranean climate an alternative variety, Tempranillo was planted in 2010. This variety is impressing the growers and drinkers alike. Following the Tempranillo’s success, Fiano will be planted this year 2020.
Phil and Mary are very conscious of maintaining the vineyard in an environmentally friendly manner using integrated pest management systems, natural fertilizers and energy efficient applications.
The wine is made on two locations the Cassie Moscato and Sparkling base under contract by Mark Messenger at Juniper Estate Winery in Cowaramup and all other wines, also under contract, by Damien Hutton and Adair Davies at Millbrook Wines in Jarrahdale.
After a Bronze medal for the 2001 Chardonnay, and Silver Medal for the 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon in the Geographe Wine Show, they have not looked back. Award highlights include Trophies for Best White wine, and Best Wine at Geographe Wine Show 2006, Best West Australian White wine at the Blackwood valley Wine show 2006, Best White wine and Best Small Producer at the Geographe Wine show 2009, and Mark Messenger winning the Nicholas Baudin Trophy for Most Successful Winemaker in 2008 and 2009 in the same show.
Soon after the first wines were released the old Cellar Door was opened, the original building was a concrete bunker like ‘cave’ dug into the hill below the Cabernet Sauvignon vines.
In the following years with increasing tourism demands, the ‘quaint’ tasting area was soon outgrown and in August 2009 the rammed earth Cellar Door was opened. This housed a Cafe, nestled between the Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon vines and the Ferguson River. The building was sympathetically designed to blend in with the surroundings and reflect the design of the neighbouring Church from where they take the name. The result has been the creation of an ideal place for friends and clients of St Aidan Wines to enjoy a meal, while savouring exquisite wines in a relaxed timeless atmosphere.
In October 2015 a 150 seat Function Centre was opened adjacent to our Cellar Door Restaurant. This is equipped with Audio and visual equipment.
In the past 12 months they have made further improvement tohave been made to St Aidan Wines Cellar Door providing year-round indoor seating in climate-controlled comfort for up to 60 guests.
“Over 25 years we have transformed “our dreams to reality” in our own patch of heaven in the Ferguson Valley”.
