The Beginnings
Once a quiet rural community dominated by dairy farms and timber production, with striking natural beauty and endless rolling surf, Margaret River Wine Region has grown over the last 30 years to become Western Australia’s most renowned wine region.
This incredible transformation was the result of a recommendation in 1965 by agronomist Dr John Gladstone and Californian viticulturalist Professor Harold Olmo, citing that the region compared in terrain and climate to that of Bordeaux. This was all the inspiration needed to develop Clairault Winery in 1976.
Clairaults' Margaret River winery and vineyard was the sixth property to be planted to grapes in the Wilyabrup sub-region of Margaret River. Situated less than four kilometres inland from the Indian Ocean and 120 metres above sea level with an average of 300 sunshine days per year, Clairault soon established itself as a serious player in Margaret River. Its proximity to the cooling ocean influences ensures little vintage variation.
Clairault was named after the nearby Cape that bears its name from the French Mathematician Alexis Clairault (1713-1765). Among his many famous achievements, Alexis was responsible for calculating the perihelion of Hailey’s Comet.
Family owned, distinctly Margaret River
Now owned by the Martin family a new era has begun. Bill and Ena along with their three sons Shane, Conor and Brian bought the property in 1999 because of its vast viticultural and tourism potential. They immediately set about turning the winery into a “no compromise” operation, making substantial changes and investments to improve the property and operation of the business.
In the Vineyard, this has involved a selective expansion programme and investment into mature vine management. The existing vineyard has been reworked and vine plantings have increased from 30 to 120 acres. In addition, the crushing capacity of the winery has tripled to accommodate the ever growing demand for Clairault’s wine domestically and overseas.
Passionate about the environment and consumer health, Clairault is leading the way in the implementation of an environmentally responsible approach to vineyard management. Clairault uses The ERA (Environmentally Responsible Agriculture) Farming Company as consultants to assist in the implementation of this low intervention approach to the growing of wine grapes. The ERA Farming Company is a Western Australian based agribusiness company advising and educating farmers on growing vines through the elimination of chemical use and the introduction of biological farming. Clairault's low intervention approach to farming in conjunction with the ERA Farming Company aims to establish practices with a goal of the Estate using minimal chemicals that will ensure the purest of fruit is produced achieving optimum flavours.
The once small café serving light lunches has been transformed into one of the regions most popular cellar door restaurants offering an up-market, yet relaxed dining experience to accompany its internationally acclaimed wines. Surrounded by majestic forest and looking out across the lush Clairault vineyard, the Restaurant and Cellar Door oozes style. The executive chef produces seasonal menus that delight the senses, created from fresh locally sourced ingredients, perfectly matched with award winning wines. The Restaurant has received a Gourmet Traveller Black Star for two consecutive years, one of only five awarded in country Western Australia.
A natural extension to the existing wine tourism experience will be the future development of a European styled five star vineyard spa resort. This is expected to be developed over the next 5 years.
A Dedication to Producing Exceptional Wine
No winery would be complete without a star winemaker. Will Shields joined Clairault as Chief Winemaker from Vasse Felix in 2003. Will’s sole focus is the Clairault Estate and Clairault ranges, dedicated to producing exceptional wines through Estate grown grapes to ensure total quality control.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are the dominant varietals and have proved worthy time and again. In 2004, both Clairault’s Reserve Cabernet and Clairault Cabernet Sauvignon won Gold at the London International Wine Challenge.
In 2005, the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 was awarded one of the TOP 100 WINES for 2005 at the Sydney International Wine Show and one of the TOP 5 Cabernet Sauvignon’s produced in Australia in 2005 by Winestate. Following the success of the Cabernet Sauvignon the Clairault Chardonnay 2004 received Best in Class at the 2005 International Wine and Spirit Competition in London.
Our Philosophy
To producing inspiring wines
Work with inspiring people
Achieve inspiring results.
