
The 5.3 hectare vineyard was planted in 1996 by Robert and Karen Karri-Davies, who still own it today. Their family have been in the Margaret River Region since 1875.
“The wines show true terroir from a vineyard nestled amongst the forest,” Conrad says of their handcrafted drops.
“I have never worked [in a wine region], that year after year, makes such consistently high-quality wines, especially Chardonnay. Even late ripening Cabernet is incredibly consistent here. The vintages that we may see as tricky are still very good compared to most regions. We are very lucky to work in such a pristine environment with great growing conditions.”

Conrad hails from New Zealand. He came to Margaret River in 2007 for a three-month vintage position and ended up staying. He was particularly motivated by the opportunity to work in a hands-on role with a boutique winery. At Cape Grace wines he is responsible for all aspects of production from the vineyard to the winery, to the bottle.
“This gives me an intimate knowledge of the vineyard and fruit to best express this vineyard site in the wines.”
He says the lifestyle of Margaret River is also a major attraction.
“As a keen surfer there aren’t many places where the wine is great and the surf amazing Margaret River ticks all the boxes.”
As for his favourite variety, Conrad says Chardonnay takes the prize.
“Having such intensely flavoured Chardonnay leads to an array of different styles that can be created from wild fermentation to high solid and generous amounts of oak. Even with all these external factors the fruit still shines through making some of the best Chardonnays in the world.”

Cape Grace Wines also make a selection of classical Margaret River styles, including four different expressions of Chenin Blanc, and a Shiraz that is made with a Beaujolais approach, and can be chilled over the summer. All red wines are hand plunged, and basket pressed, like the region's faithful red, Cabernet Sauvignon.
“With a lot of alternative varieties taking centre stage and new wave “funky” wines becoming more available sometimes we forget how unique and great Cabernet Sauvignon is in the region, so pour yourself a glass of Margaret Rivers finest red,” he exclaims.
The quaint Cape Grace Wines cellar door is located in Wilyabrup and opens daily, 10am to 5pm.
