Perfectly positioned between Margaret River and Pemberton, Ampersand Estates provides a luxurious base for exploring the best of two wine regions.
When it rains in Western Australia’s South West it pours, and in Ampersand Estates’ case, that’s a good thing.
The boutique winery and distillery that’s set among old growth forest and located within an hour’s drive of Margaret River and Pemberton has received a steady flow of accolades since opening in 2021, but it’s the estate’s unique position within this pristine pocket that co-owner and sommelier Melissa Bell believes to be the secret behind their success.
“Not only are we a winery within a national park, privy to this incredibly wild spot where there’s such biodiversity and preservation of native species, but the area’s ancient soils, botanicals and micro-climate mean we’re able to produce virtually everything we need," says Melissa.
The boutique winery sits along the forested banks of Donnelly River.
With water an essential ingredient for viticulture and spirit production, Melissa says abundance and purity of rainfall is one of their greatest assets. “Our proximity to the Southern Ocean means rain falling on the estate is some of the purest in the world – and when it rains here, it does so in biblical levels," she says.
Ampersand Estates
founders Melissa Bell and Corrie Scheeper.
Enjoy lakeside pinot at the estate.
Sample the estate’s award-winning pinot noir.
Recently inducted into Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia (UWEA)’s collection, Ampersand Estates, on the banks of the Donnelly River, is where I’m gathered in the cellar door with a crisp glass of sparkling and small group of others to be the first to experience two new behind-the-scenes offerings.
Melissa guides us around the grounds, originally founded by Scottish settlers in the 1870s, before housing one of the region’s first wineries, Donnelly River Wines, in 1985.
She explains how she and business partner Corrie Scheepers have transformed the once-vacant estate with the inclusion of a new distillery, renovated cellar door, wellness Summit Studio and meticulous restoration of historic dwellings into luxury accommodation.
The most recent addition, however, is the Rainfall Distillery Gardens and we explore them via Ampersand’s new Terroir Tasting Experience. It’s an immersive journey to original chardonnay vines and the gardens themselves where we sight, smell and sample various fruits, spices, herbs, and botanicals used in Rainfall Distillery’s single-estate vodkas and gins.
Reaching the greenhouse at the top of the hill, we are seated for a private tasting of Ampersand’s award-winning wines before trickling down terraces to the distillery. After an informative session here where we taste a selection of spirits including Karri Honey Roasted Macadamias vodka, and Australian Rain and Scarlet Bottlebrush gin, we relax at The Homestead and freshen up for dinner.
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AI Prompt
Spending a night among the vines
Take in scenic surrounds from The Homestead.
Part of UWEA’s second new offering, Ampersand Estates’ signature experience, A Marriage of Luxury & Nature, gives guests exclusive overnight access to architecturally designed accommodation.
The Homestead, Vintner’s Residence and Settlers’ Cottage provide luxurious bases, with the addition of a five-course degustation dinner prepared by a private chef, gourmet breakfast and complimentary wines, spirits and tasting experiences included throughout a stay.
Indulge in a
feast cooked over open flames.
Cosy up by the fire.
The luxury
accommodation has a residential feel.
From the balcony of my upstairs bedroom, I watch as fairywrens flit in the light of late afternoon and kangaroos bound from karri forest. At dusk we gather in the elegant events space converted from the estate’s old barn and, taking our seats under the stars, we watch in wonderment as Argentinian fire chef Facundo Salas prepares a feast over the flames.
Basking in the glow of good company, food and wine, just like the pinot noir in hand, Ampersand Estates proves a delightful drop between regions.
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Turn your stay into a regional road trip
Single-estate vodkas and gins are infused with fruits and botanicals.
Ampersand Estates is 300 kilometres (three-hour drive) south of Perth, or 100 kilometres from Busselton Margaret River Airport (45-minute drive). Luxury transfers via Rolls Royce or helicopter can also be arranged.
Accommodation at Ampersand Estates starts at $995 per night, while the all-inclusive Marriage of Luxury & Nature package for one to four people starts at $3145. The Tasting terroir experience (for up to 10 guests) costs $180 per person.
With WA’s premier wine region under an hour’s drive away, start your day in Margaret River with artisanal pastries from Egberts, followed by breakfast bubbles at the region’s first sparkling salon, Idée Fixe.
After a swim at Gnarabup Beach, enjoy the Art, Wine & Ultimate Lunch experience at Leeuwin Estate, or the Cellar Experience at Vasse Felix, with both wineries also part of UWEA’s collection.
Exploring the smaller cool-climate wine region of Pemberton, 30 minutes from Ampersand Estates, grab coffee at Wild at Heart cafe before a guided Beach & Forest Eco Adventure with Pemberton Discovery Tours.
Spend the rest of the afternoon tasting wine at Pemberley of Pemberton or Below and Above (appointment only) before viewing (or climbing) the famous Gloucester Tree. Or soaking in the serenity at Pemberton Pool – with a new floating sauna set to open later this year.
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Bonita Grima is a freelance travel writer with a background in television and radio production. With a passion for immersive storytelling, Bonita believes travel has the power to challenge, inspire and educate us, and encourage empathy by providing a window into the worlds of others. Based in Margaret River, when not working on a story, you’ll find her at the beach, on a trail, drinking great coffee, discovering what’s new around town, or simply dreaming up the next adventure!
Blend the addictive energy of dance, creative cinematic movies, captivating theatre, and energising music during Perth Festival.
Perth Festival has extraordinary roots. Born as a summer community experiment back in 1953, the brainchild of Professor Fred Alexander, it’s now Australia’s longest-running international art-based festival. From its first event at University of Western Australia, it now spans across Noongar Boodjar country (Perth City) bringing worldclass performances into the hearts of ardent festivalgoers. Hundreds of curtain calls, including numerous free events, are set to linger and leave a lasting impression on those who seek thrills that fill life’s in-between spaces. Featuring unmissable highlights from 6th February to 1st March, we’ve done the legwork for you – here’s what’s on, and where:
1. East Perth Power Station
See East Perth Power Station come alive. (Image: Jessica Wyld Photography)
Abandoned, run-down and shutdown in 1981, East Perth Power Station, located on the banks of the stunning Swan River, was reinvented in 2025 as an entertainment venue for the Perth Festival. Pack a picnic, bring the family and kick back under paperbark trees at Casa Musica – a free event featuring a melting pot of world-class musicians from Australian shores and around the globe. The diversity will have you bopping until the final encore.
A decade after David Bowie’s passing, his powerful music lives on in the electrifying show, Rebel Rebel. Powerhouse vocalists join Perth Symphony Orchestra for one incredible night showcasing the singer-songwriter’s iconic hits. Illuminate your world through the eyes of First Nation Noongar artist, Lance Chadd Tjyllyungoo in a free event. His distinctive paintings and Dreamtime stories decorate the Power Station’s walls depicting spiritual beliefs. Or settle in to watch British indie pop singer-songwriter, Nilüfer Yanya.
2. St Mary’s Cathedral
Take in Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth. (Image: Anja Schutz)
Step into the lofty ceilings of Perth’s grandest cathedral, St Mary’s, and soak up choral harmonies. Dating back to 1865, the stained-glass reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper are a talking point, add talented maestros, and the stage is set to enthral.
The international line-up is impressive. Master Irish fiddler, Martin Hayes takes to the stage with exquisite lyrical compositions from his native land. Åkervinda, an award winning Swedish quartet, weave stories of love, loss, and resilience into harmonious Nordic folk songs. The USA Grammy Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth, break all the rules. Hear their voices echo through the arched vaulted ceilings.
3. Lotterywest Films
Discover the Lotterywest Films program. (Credit: Jessia Wyld Photograpghy)
One of the festivals longest-running favourites, Lotterywest Films run a rich tapestry of cinematic features showing until 29th of March. Pack a picnic, cushions, popcorn and pop a cork under a Somerville Pine Tree as the sun sets and screenings begin. Cinema lovers, choose your poison from thrillers, deep-dive documentaries, tearjerkers, raunchy rom-coms and side-splitting comedies. The program is fantastically full, the filmmakers the best in the business, and the outdoor setting, unequalled.
4. The Embassy
Step into the old world glitz of The Embassy. (Image: Franz Bato)
Modelled on Perth’s historic Embassy Ballroom, a devilish dance venue that operated in the 1900s, The Embassy in Perth Town Hall, serves sophistication in its A-list shows. Set your sequins a’sparkle at the, What’s TINA Got to Do With It extravaganza where guest artists play tribute as they belt out the glitzy star’s hits. The returning act, Ali Bodycoat & The Embassy Big Band, will have you jiving as you take to the dance floor reimagining a bygone era. Who doesn’t like chocolate? Black-bearded drag sensation, La Gateau Chocolat puts the raw in cacao. World-renowned for his feisty range of storied songs, he reveals the inner-man come artist through his deliciously sweet and intimate act.
5. Unusual locations
Watch a star-studded cast in The Trial. (Image: Cole Baxter)
We’ve all heard of the hit show, The Office, but a spinetingling operatic thriller acted out in disused office space? Philip Glass’ nail-biter, The Trial, has a star-studded line-up. Together they deliver a dramatic ordeal showcasing Oscar-winner Christopher Hampton’s libretto; the suspense lingers after the final bow.
Sit back under starry skies and soak up dynamic dance at Ballet at the Quarry: Incandescence. Four exclusive classical and contemporary acts illuminate the amphitheatre’s stage as Perth City twinkles at nightfall. Mystery excites the mind. West Australian Opera returns again with another ‘secret opera’. Be led from an undisclosed meeting point and let the music lead to the secret.
6. A View From A Bridge
Share your innermost thoughts at A View From A Bridge.
Free, connecting strangers, and inclusive to everyone, artist, Joe Bloom’s collaborative project, A View From A Bridge has one prop – an old red telephone. Talk into the receiver, share thoughts, innermost feelings, memories, hopes and dreams as Bloom captures you from afar. The freedom to speak through the telephone movement has a worldwide following. A range of clips will be shown online.
What else to do in Perth
Taste the best of Perth at eateries like Shadow Wine Bar.
Endless blue skies crown Perth during February, making it the perfect time to explore Australia’s most western capital city. The city might be compact, but it packs a punch when it comes to what’s on. Perth Cultural Centre houses the city’s art-scene venues: Western Australian Art Gallery, WA Museum Boola Bardip and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).
After exploring the city’s alleyways, hidden corners, and main hub, savour worldclass food in Perth’s vibrant eateries. Award-winning restaurants, rooftop bars, and cafes can be found throughout; the leisurely eat-and-drink scene is literally mouthwatering, so book extra nights.
