Vasse Felix buys new Wilyabrup property

The Arlewood estate property and vineyard in Margaret River, Australia, has been acquired by Vasse Felix from the Gosatti family.

The move forms part of a greater focus on premium wine on Vasse Felix’s part, whose operations are next door to Arlewood in the Wilyabrup sub-region.

The Arlewood vineyards have been established for almost twenty years, known for production of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, among other varietals. Vasse Felix managing director, Paul Holmes à Court, explained that the purchase is “also part of our push to own and manage vineyards where our best fruit comes from. This is the only way to guarantee the quality of our wines is never compromised.”

The Arlewood wine business is not included in the sale. It will continue to be run by Garry Gosatti, and the company will continue to source grapes from the vineyard for a minimum of two years.

Vasse Felix’s purchase coincides with its 40th anniversary this year, as well as 20 years of ownership by the Holmes à Court family. The company, set up by Tom Cullity, was the first vineyard and winery in the Margaret River region.

© Clinton Cawood, db 17 October 2007