Ferguson Valley, located two hours south of Perth in Western Australia, is a picturesque wine region characterized by rolling hills, grazing cattle, meandering streams, and vibrant autumn colors. The climate here is well-suited for medium to full-bodied wines, particularly Shiraz, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, and Chardonnay. Additionally, there are lighter aromatic fortified wines that are perfect for cooler evenings. The Ferguson Valley shares similarities with the broader Geographe Wine Region, which extends from the coastline near Busselton to the forested hills of the Ferguson Valley, incorporating the rural areas of Harvey and Donnybrook. This region benefits from diverse microclimates resulting from elevated rolling hills, cool sheltered valleys, and mild ocean breezes off Geographe Bay. The soil types range from sandy coastal soils to rich loams, providing excellent conditions for various grapevine varieties.
In terms of topographical features, the Ferguson Valley is hilly, with gravelly sandy loams being the primary soil type. The water supply mainly comes from surface water sources, contributing to the region's agricultural productivity. The harvest season in the Ferguson Valley generally occurs early in the year, with Capel's harvest taking place from early February to early April, while Chapman Hill's harvest happens from late February to late April. During the growing season, the average daily sunshine hours are 8.5, and the annual rainfall ranges from 790 to 900 millimeters. Some notable wineries in the Ferguson Valley include Aylesbury Estate, Ferguson Falls Estate, Ferguson Hart, Green Door Wines, and Willow Bridge Estate. These wineries offer a variety of wines made from grapes grown in the region, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Malbec, and Tempranillo. These wineries often have cellar doors where visitors can taste and purchase their wines, and some also offer guided tours and scenic views of the valley.