A Special Place
High on the ridge above Dunsborough and Geographe Bay stands a vineyard, a complex of mud
brick buildings, a winery, a pottery and the home of the Happ family. The theme of our
endeavour is creation, work, experiment, innovation, teamwork and play.
The aspect is north easterly which gives the vines sunlight from sunrise in the coolest
part of the day. The ridge behind provides shelter from westerly gales. In the summer the
sea to the north, the west and the south provides gentle breezes which moderate the heat
of the day. This is a recipe for flavoursome grapes.
Adventurous Winemaker
Erl Happ began planting the vineyard in 1978. Dry reds were the initial focus with the
production of varietal Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Early and repeated success
with the latter led to the title "Merlot Man." Chardonnay, Verdelho and Semillon
are used to produce both dry and sweet table wine styles.
Wide Range of Styles
The enormously successful "Fuchsia", a free run red blend made with white wine
techniques, "Pale Gold" a fortified white, "Garnet" a Muscat based
dessert style, and "Fortis" a delectable port style, indicate a restless spirit
of creation and an impatience with the derivative pretentiousness sometimes encountered in
~he wine world. Several other wines are only available from the cellar. A substantial
vineyard is being planted near Karridale where greater cloud cover and cooler ripening
conditions are expected....another adventure.
The Pottery
The Pottery was purpose built in 1977 around a large oil fired trolley kiln. Today the
emphasis is on firing with gas and wood. The wood kiln is dedicated to salt glaze while
the other kilns employ feldspathic, iron and clay based glazes. a The em- phasis in the
pottery is on the creation of traditional pots which give pleasure in everyday use.
Music
Music is a particular interest of the Happ family. Venues include the garden courtyard, a
rustic amphitheatre adjacent to the winery and "the shed" our bottled wine
storage area.
Visit & Play
While at Happs have a game of "Cods". We'll tell you all about it when you get
here. You are welcome to visit us 10am to 5pm daily. We are closed on Good Friday,
Christmas Day, Boxing Day and until midday on Anzac Day. |
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