Sip of Success
Island Brook Estate Vineyard and Chalets has achieved remarkable recognition with its 2024 semillon sauvignon blanc, winning a gold medal and the prestigious MCC Label trophy for the Best White Blend at the 2024 Sanector Wine Show of Western Australia. This year, fifty-three wines from across the state competed for this esteemed accolade. The award presentation took place in Albany on October 11, where, in addition to the gold medal, the vineyard celebrated six bronze medals for its varietals from the 2023 and 2024 vintages. This marks a significant milestone as the 2023 release is the first under the vineyard’s name since 2011.
Acquired by local WA residents Jill and Paul O’Callaghan in 2022, the estate has undergone revitalisation efforts, including restoring the cellar door and renovating forest chalets. “The property was in good shape when we arrived, but there is always room for improvement,” Paul O’Callaghan notes. With a talented team led by viticulturist James Harris and winemaker, Simon Ding, the vineyard is producing exceptional wines that are gaining statewide recognition.
Nestled in the heart of the Margaret River wine region, Island Brook Estate is home to some of the oldest dry-grown semillon vines, alongside rare marsupials and cedar wood forest spa chalets. “We look forward to having visitors and friends visit us, share the amenity of the property, and enjoy the wine that is grown here,” Paul O’Callaghan adds. The recently opened cellar door welcomes guests Friday through Sunday, from 12pm to 5pm, with wines available for purchase on their website.