The History of Silkwood Wines
The selection process for establishing Silkwood Wines, was based on finding both an ideal climate and soil to produce quality wines.
As early as 1967, Professor Gladstone, a renowned authority on the wine industry, recommended Pemberton as Western Australia’s most suitable wine region. However it was not until 1982 that the first vineyard appeared.
Silkwood was established In 1998. The prevailing temperate climate, gently undulating landscape and the rich gravelly loam soils that overlay the clay base, were all strong deciding features of the selection—quite possibly the same factors that influenced Professor Gladstone’s recommendations.
The vineyard is set amongst magnificent and picturesque Karri and Jarrah forests for which Pemberton is famous.
The Plantings
In 1999 the first vines were planted after a year of soil preparation and building the necessary vineyard infrastructure. Three hectares of Shiraz and two hectares of Sauvignon Blanc were planted.
In 2000 a further five and a half hectares of Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon were planted.
Grafted rootstocks were selected for plantings to ensure protection against fungal diseases such as phylloxera, which can destroy entire vineyards. Grafted rootstock also reduces excessive vigour in the vines, which focuses the plants energy to producing grapes.
The 2007 vintage saw the addition of a further 6 hectares of vines together with the purchase of the adjoining property.
The Winery
Silkwood Wines were previously made under contract, however 2007 saw the installation of a state of the art winery facility.
The winery uses both the latest technology in filtration and handling equipment as well as traditional methods such as maturation in French and American oak casks.
The philosophy in the winery and in the vineyard are the same—to produce the finest fruit possible from strong healthy vines and allow that fruit character to carry through to the finished wine.
The Lakeside Cellar Sales
The Lakeside Cellar Sales is situated on the site of the former Phillips Estate Wines. After the joining of the two vineyards the Philips Lakeside Café became the Cellar Door for Silkwood Wines.
Sitting on the deck overlooking a big lake, an original old growth forest on the opposite side of the lake and surrounded by lawns and forest, is a most peaceful experience.
Because of Silkwood’s Specialist Chefs, the Cellar Sales offers light meals and coffee designed to accompany the wine tasting experience. Wine is designed to be enjoyed with food. Tastes from around the world make the food tasting experience as unique as the wine tasting from this delightful vineyard.