Willow Bridge Estate
Geographe, Western Australia
Set in the heart of Geographe, Western Australia, Willow Bridge Estate opens its doors to visitors with a spirit of family, quality and passion running through everything on offer.
Why sustainability matters to Willow Bridge Estate comes down to a simple belief: great wine begins with healthy vineyards and a healthy environment. As a family-owned winery, pursuing Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification was a natural next step, allowing the team to formalise the sustainable practices already embedded throughout their vineyard and winery while ensuring they continue to improve and measure their impact. Ultimately, it’s about protecting the land that has supported their family for generations and producing premium wines for generations to come.
That belief carries through to their sustainability superpower, biodiversity and the land. Willow Bridge Estate believes healthy vineyards start with a healthy ecosystem, working closely with nature by focusing on soil health, encouraging biodiversity throughout the vineyard, and carefully managing the land to support the long-term health of the environment. Surrounded by native bushland in the Ferguson Valley, the vineyard is home to a diverse range of birds, insects and wildlife. By maintaining native vegetation corridors around the property and minimising unnecessary chemical use where possible, the team helps create habitats for beneficial insects and local species that contribute to the natural balance of the vineyard. Healthy soils, thriving biodiversity and a connected landscape all play an important role in producing quality fruit and ensuring the vineyard remains productive and resilient for future generations.
Behind the scenes is a hidden story: one of the most important things the team does is focus on building and protecting healthy soils. Through careful nutrient management, monitoring soil health, and minimising unnecessary chemical use where possible, they create an environment where the vines can thrive naturally. It’s not something visitors see when they walk through the vineyard or enjoy a glass of wine, but healthy soils support stronger vines, improve water retention, encourage beneficial soil biology, and help reduce their environmental footprint. It’s a long-term investment in both the quality of the wines and the health of the land for future generations.
Beyond the cellar door is a local gem worth exploring: the wider Ferguson Valley and Bunbury Geographe region. The magnificent Wellington Dam Mural, Reflections, by internationally acclaimed Australian artist Guido van Helten, is a must-see, combining art, history and nature on an extraordinary scale. For something a little more whimsical, Gnomesville remains one of Western Australia’s most iconic and unexpected attractions. To finish the day, finding a quiet spot in the Ferguson Valley to watch the sun set across the rolling hills and vineyards is one of the team’s favourite ways to experience the region.
For those visiting, the experience is a warm and personalised one. The Willow Bridge Estate team are very much part of the family and genuinely enjoy sharing the story behind the winery, from vineyard and winemaking philosophy through to the wines in your glass. Guests are invited to explore a diverse portfolio of estate-grown wines, including some of the Ferguson Valley’s most awarded and highly regarded wines, with everything from crisp whites and vibrant rosé through to complex, cellar-worthy reds. Each tasting offers an opportunity to discover the unique character of the vineyard and region. Bookings can be made via the website, or visitors are welcome to call in and enjoy a tasting with the team.
Out among the vines, wildlife sightings are a common part of the experience. Kangaroos and emus are often seen moving through the vineyard and surrounding bushland, and the abundance of local wildlife has become such a defining part of the property that one of the wines, Coat of Arms Cabernet, was named in honour of the kangaroos and emus frequently spotted amongst the Cabernet vines. These regular encounters are a reminder that the vineyard is part of a much larger ecosystem, and the team is proud to share the land with the native wildlife that calls the Ferguson Valley home.
Among their wins, sustainability at Willow Bridge Estate is about taking practical steps that make a real difference. The installation of 100kW of solar panels has significantly reduced their reliance on grid power, while the recent addition of an electric forklift has helped lower fuel consumption and emissions across their operations. While these changes may happen behind the scenes, they play an important role in reducing the winery’s environmental footprint and supporting a more sustainable future for the vineyard and winery.
