Just a few hours south of Perth lies Pemberton and the Southern Forests—a heavenly slice of WA’s famous South West overflowing with great food, even better wine and endless outdoor adventures. From truffles and pinot to waterfalls and towering karri forests, there’s already a lot to love here, but with a gorgeous new winery and distillery that you can actually stay on, you’ll wanna put it straight to the top of your must-visit list.
Say hello to Ampersand Estates winery, distillery and accommodation. The luxe Pemberton property is home to the region’s oldest vineyards and blessed with picturesque rolling hillsides dotted with grapevines and fruit trees—with the Donnely River running down one side and ancient karri trees of the Easter National Park towering around you. It’s basically like stepping into some sort of cottagecore wonderland, where the only thing you really have to worry about is what time to walk down to the cellar door for a drink and when to run your evening bath.
The Accommodation
The estate currently has three premium stays to choose from depending on your group size: the Settlers Cottage, a two bedroom stay that sleeps four, and the Homestead and Vintner’s Residence, which both sleep up to ten across five king-sized bedrooms. Each one is incredibly secluded and surrounded by expansive wraparound decks that look out onto forests, gardens and orchards, so you’ll feel like you have the winery completely to yourself no matter where you lay your head.
Inside, each is equipped with five-star finishes that truly set this place apart from your go-to Airbnb stay. From farmhouse kitchens decked out with local food supplies and lavish lounge areas with roaring fireplaces to big, beautiful bathtubs and the comfiest beds you could imagine, it’s impossible not to fall in love with these elegant heritage-style cottages.
The Winery And Distillery
After you’ve settled into your new home, your first port of call will be Ampersand’s cellar door. With a beautiful deck perched on the edge of a picturesque lake complete with its own ducks, the gorgeous setting is basically begging for a tasting or two. Considering the calibre of wines and spirits produced here, that shouldn’t be too hard. Ampersand is big on showcasing local flavours, ingredients and producers throughout their goods, so whether you opt for a wine tasting or give some of their Rainfall Distillery gins and vodkas a go, you’ll be sipping your way through the region’s best.
If the sun is shining, you can also choose to buy a bottle or two and take a gourmet picnic basket full of artisanal cheeses, bread, charcuterie, chocolate and more down onto the grass to enjoy. Remember, it’s just a short stroll back to your cottage so if the question of whether to get one more bottle is raised, just say yes.
Things To Do In Pemberton
The team will give you plenty of ideas on things to do in Pemberton, but we’d definitely suggest kicking off your day with a coffee at Wild At Heart. From there you can choose to spend the day exploring other local wineries like Picardy, Lost Lake and Hidden River Estate (just be sure to call ahead, as some only open on weekends) or you could head outdoors and go for a waterfall walk at Beedelup Falls or Cascades, muster some courage and climb the massive Gloucester Tree or lay down a picnic rug at Big Brook Dam.
There’s also the Lavender & Berry Farm, which we’re told does the best hot chocolate in the region, and eateries like Jaspers and Treehouse Tapas & Winebar if you’re chasing a feed. You’re also not far from charming towns like Nannup and Bridgetown if you feel like venturing a little further.
Ready to pack your bags? Head to Ampersand Estates to book your stay now.
Image credit: supplied
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