Leeuwin Estate

Denis and Tricia Horgan purchased what was then a cattle station in 1969, and by 1973 had established Leeuwin Estate as a winery. The pivotal moment came in 1972, when Robert Mondavi visited the property and recognized the site's exceptional potential, providing mentorship that shaped the estate's direction toward premium wine production. The first commercial vintage followed in 1979, and by 1982 the 1980 Art Series Chardonnay had already earned Decanter Magazine's highest recommendation, announcing Leeuwin Estate to the international wine world. Three generations of the founding family continue to steward the estate today.

• Property purchased as a cattle station in 1969, converted to vineyard starting 1973
• Robert Mondavi's 1972 visit and mentorship was instrumental in shaping the estate's vision
• First commercial vintage: 1979
• Decanter Magazine awarded its highest recommendation to the 1980 Art Series Chardonnay in 1982

Leeuwin Estate sits in Margaret River, Western Australia, covering 121 acres (50 hectares). The estate's maritime climate delivers warm days and cool evenings, a combination that preserves natural acidity in the grapes while allowing full phenolic ripeness. Beneath the vines, laterite gravel soils rest over an ancient granitic base, providing excellent drainage and imparting the mineral tension that defines the estate's top wines. Block 20 vineyard is the specific source of fruit for the iconic Art Series Chardonnay.

• 121 acres (50 hectares) in Margaret River, Western Australia
• Maritime climate: warm days, cool evenings
• Laterite gravel soils over ancient granitic base
• Block 20 vineyard produces the Art Series Chardonnay fruit

Leeuwin Estate produces wines across three tiers. The Art Series represents the flagship range, designed for age-worthiness, with Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon at its core. Prelude Vineyards wines are fruit-forward and approachable at a younger stage, while the Siblings range offers approachable blends for everyday drinking. Grapes grown on the estate include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Semillon, Malbec, and Merlot. The estate produces approximately 60,000 cases annually and exports to 30 international markets.

• Art Series: flagship, age-worthy wines including the benchmark Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon
• Prelude Vineyards: fruit-forward mid-tier expressions
• Siblings: approachable blended wines for everyday drinking
• Nine grape varieties grown across the 121-acre estate

Leeuwin Estate is one of five founding wineries of Margaret River, a distinction that underscores its role in establishing the region's international reputation. In Langton's Classification of Australian Wine, the Art Series Chardonnay achieves the top tier of 'Exceptional' with '1st Classified' status, placing it among the most collectible whites in the country. The Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon holds 'Outstanding' status in the same classification. James Halliday has named Leeuwin Estate among the Top 100 Australian Wineries, and the estate exports to 30 international markets.

• One of five founding wineries of Margaret River
• Art Series Chardonnay: Langton's 'Exceptional' and '1st Classified'
• Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon: Langton's 'Outstanding'
• Named in James Halliday's Top 100 Australian Wineries

Leeuwin Estate has been a pioneer in wine tourism in Australia, combining world-class wine production with an award-winning restaurant, art gallery, and cellar door experience. Each vintage of the Art Series carries a label commissioned from a leading Australian artist, creating a collectible series that bridges fine wine and visual art. The estate hosts an annual concert series featuring international performers, adding a cultural dimension that extends well beyond the cellar. Sustainable viticulture practices with minimal intervention guide work in the vineyard.

• Art Series labels commissioned from leading Australian artists each vintage
• Features an award-winning restaurant, art gallery, and cellar door
• Hosts an annual concert series with international performers
• Pioneer of wine tourism in Australia; sustainable, minimal-intervention viticulture