Millbrook is a boutique winery and restaurant in the historic town of Jarrahdale in Western Australia, 50 minutes south-east of Perth. The winery is located at the picturesque Chestnut Farm, a property that backs on to the Serpentine River and is nestled among jarrah forests, with stunning vistas of the rolling landscape.
In 1996, Chestnut Farm and Millbrook Winery were bought by Peter and Lee Fogarty, marking the family’s first entry into the wine business.
The origins of Chestnut Farm date back to the 19th century, when the original owner, Joseph Batt, planted an orchard and the first grapevines in 1865, providing fruit to the local timber-millers in Jarrahdale.
The name Millbrook was derived from the timber-milling history of Jarrahdale and the Gooralong Brook which is a feature of the town.
The Fogartys, together with their children John, Mark and Anna, planted the first vines, making the vineyard a true labour of love.
In 2001, the construction of the state-of-the-art winery was completed. It is now a stunning home to a modern winemaking facility, barrel halls, a tasting room and a restaurant. Incorporating both local stone and timbers, Millbrook showcases the natural beauty and products of the Perth Hills region.
Image credit – Millbrook Wines
With a diverse art collection on display, as well as picturesque views over the lake and gardens, the Millbrook tasting room is the perfect place to spend a relaxing hour or two before or after lunch.
The Millbrook range comprises individually styled, premium quality wines which are only available in limited quantities through our cellar door and at selected restaurants and specialist wine retailers.
Only the finest parcels of fruit are selected to produce these wines of power, finesse and longevity. The Millbrook wines display intense varietal fruit flavours, balance, wonderful fruit persistence and complexity.
Millbrook is now one of the largest vineyards established in the recently recognised wine-growing region known as the Perth Hills.
Currently under vine are 8 hectares (20 acres) comprising Chardonnay, Viognier, Petit Verdot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Image credit – Millbrook Wines
Estate-grown fruit is supplemented with premium varieties sourced from select vineyards in the Perth Hills region and the south-west of Western Australia (Geographe, Great Southern and Margaret River regions).
Geologically, the Perth Hills area is quite distinct from other WA regions with soils of ancient gravel and clay over extensive granite. Like most of the south-west of WA, the climate is typically Mediterranean with cool to cold, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
To protect Millbrook’s pristine environment, they utilise modern viticultural practices including integrated pest management, organic mulching, and minimal irrigation. Vines are planted on undulating slopes to optimise drainage and control growth, with the emphasis being on fruit quality, rather than yield. All pruning and picking are undertaken by hand.
The Millbrook label depicts the natural elements of the winery’s spectacular setting including abundant jarrah and marri trees, rich red soils and sparkling brooks and lakes.
Millbrook Winery offers a unique “from the property” menu to complement its award-winning wines. Our menu changes with the seasons to utilise over 100 varieties of heirloom vegetables grown and handpicked daily from their one-acre garden. Stone fruit, citrus, figs, apples, herbs, free-range eggs, olives, and honey are also sourced from the estate.
The restaurant, which is located on the upper level of the winery with sweeping views, is also a superb function room ideal for special occasions or corporate events.
Image credit – Millbrook Wines
