VINEYARD

Rockfield is located in the scenic Rosa Glen sub-region of Margaret River. Warm days, and cooler nights than most of the Margaret River region combine with ancient alluvial and gravelly soils to create a unique and exceptionally long ripening period for our fruit. The result is unique wines displaying distinctive fruit-driven expression of varietal and regional characters.

The 11 hectare (28 acre) vineyard was planted by the family in 1997 with classic cultivars semillon, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and shiraz.

Supporting the natural ecosystem, Rockfield employs a sustainable and environmentally friendly biological approach to vineyard management. A large area of our 89 acre property is maintained as natural regrowth marri and jarrah forest, and creek frontage, which along with minimal water usage reduces our environmental footprint.

Soil structure plays a crucial role in the development of fruit intensity. Building on the already rich gravelly and ancient river loams, we are continually focussed on maintaining and improving soil balance and natural organic content.

Rockfield vines are trained on a single fruiting wire with vertical shoot positioning, which encourages a tall thin canopy. This reduces disease pressure, allows controlled fruit exposure to sunlight, and minimises chemical spray requirements.

Vineyard activity is directly dependent on the seasons. During Winter (June-August) the vineyard team is busy pruning and preparing the vines and soil for the next growing season; Spring (September-November) heralds bud burst, and rigorous control of vine growth; Summer (December-February) is vintage time and a busy period in the vineyard with hedging, leaf plucking, fruit thinning, netting and careful monitoring of fruit to maximise fruit colour and flavour and minimise pests and disease. From mid-February harvesting begins and around the clock work is required to deliver the fruit to the winery in pristine condition. Harvest ends by around mid-April, and Autumn (May-June) marks a quieter time in the vineyard, before the cycle begins again.