Viticulture
Raise a Glass.
With more than nine vineyards, the Harvey Region (within the Geographe Wine Region) has an increasing reputation for producing award-winning wines. Ongoing development and increasing demand promise further growth within the viticulture industry.
The Harvey Region’s ideal climate, diverse soil types, and passionate winegrowers make it an attractive destination for investors looking to tap into the lucrative wine industry.
The Geographe Wine Region is renowned for its diversity, boasting 57 growers, 26 producers, and 36 grape varieties. With a total vineyard area of 790 hectares, the region produces some of the finest wines in Western Australia, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, and Shiraz being the top varieties grown.
The Harvey Region benefits from a refreshing afternoon sea breeze that cools the area, creating a long and stable growing season that’s perfect for crafting award-winning wines. The prevailing south west sea breezes from the Indian Ocean moderate the warm temperatures, while a permanent water table at a depth of between three and 15 metres further aids the art of viticulture. Coastal tuart sands, with limestone as their parent material, along with the traditional farming and orchard land around Harvey boasting richer soils, make it perfect for growing a variety of grapes.
The harvest period runs from early February to early April, with an average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius and an average rainfall of 354 millimetres between October and April.
In many cases, visitors to the Harvey Region can meet the passionate families who own and operate the vineyards, taste their finest wines at the cellar door, and learn about the rich viticulture history that gives the wine such a unique flavour.
The Bottom Line
- Wine grapes are ranked as the second highest valued sector of WA’s fruit production industry in 2020, producing over 41,000 tonnes resulting in a value of over $75 million.
- In 2018/19, Western Australia’s wine industry was valued at $684 million.
Opportunities on Offer
- Acquiring vineyards or partnering with existing vineyard owners to expand production and improve vineyard management.
- Investing in technology and equipment to improve wine production efficiency and quality, such as irrigation systems, fermentation tanks, and bottling equipment.
- Establishing new wineries or expanding existing ones to increase production capacity and broaden the range of wines offered.
- Developing and promoting agritourism by investing in infrastructure, such as accommodation, restaurants, and cellar doors, to attract visitors to the Harvey Region and increase wine sales.
- Collaborating with other businesses in the area to create wine and food tourism packages, such as wine and cheese tastings or vineyard tours combined with accommodation and meals.
- Partnering with research institutions to develop new grape varieties, improve vineyard management practices, and explore new winemaking techniques.
- Exporting Harvey Region wines to international markets by developing partnerships with overseas distributors and participating in trade fairs and expos.
- Investing in marketing and branding efforts to increase the visibility and recognition of Harvey Region wines in both domestic and international markets.
- Exploring sustainable and organic viticulture practices to meet growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products.
- Supporting the development of local talent in viticulture and winemaking by providing scholarships, internships, and training opportunities.
- Increase value-add through the application of R&D.
