A bold pioneer in fine Australian wine, the Cape Mentelle estate is an icon in the Margaret River region, a remote, unspoiled costal area of Western Australia.
One of Margaret River’s five founding wineries, Cape Mentelle was established with just 16 hectares of vines by David Hohnen and his brothers in 1970. Today the vineyards cover more than 130 hectares, and the estate has won two of the most celebrated winemaking awards in Australia.
Heritage
Humble beginnings
The Hohnen brothers undertook what many thought was an impossible task – to transform a rugged and remote area hardly known for its wine production into a shining star of the Australian wine scene. Their achievement has inspired a whole generation of new winemakers in the country.
Winemaking
Pioneering techniques
Cape Mentelle takes a holistic approach to winemaking – from hand pruning and harvesting to environmental practices that shun insecticides. The estate ensures that every effort is made to preserve the naturally intense flavour of the grapes grown in this area.
Perfect provisions
The Margaret River region provides ideal growing conditions for Cape Mentelle’s wines. The Wallcliffe vineyard is cooled by gentle maritime winds and has deep gravel-based soils – perfect for cabernet sauvignon – while Chapman Brook has heavy clay subsoil that suits white grapes.
