A good vineyard has all the attributes of regional climate; in this case the kind maritime conditions of the South West Cape of Western Australia with its mild temperatures and dry summers – remarkably similar to the conditions of Bordeaux. Good soil; well drained gravelly loams. But most important are the individual site characteristics which have a major influence on the weather and local climate experienced by the vines. The Hay Shed Hill site is hilly with wonderful north facing slopes giving maximum sun light to the Cabernet Sauvignon and south facing slopes reducing the heat load on the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Winemaker

The new owner/winemaker of Hay Shed Hill has come with a long history of making some of the most respected wines in Australia. Twelve years as the Winemaker of Howard Park and Madfish Wines has put Michael Kerrigan in the company of the most respected winemakers in the country. During his time at Howard Park Michael received numerous accolades for the wines including nomination for Qantas Winemaker of the Year in 2003.

The opportunity to get involved with Hay Shed Hill was one that Michael could not let pass. “I knew the vineyard and always coveted the fruit, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to take ownership in a really classic old Margaret River vineyard in the elite of Margaret River vineyards …look out we are going to make some top class wines!”