Vasse Felix
| Vasse Felix | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Location |
Caves Road, Margaret River WA 6284, Australia |
| Coordinates | 33°49′21″S 115°02′15″E / 33.82250°S 115.03750°ECoordinates: 33°49′21″S 115°02′15″E / 33.82250°S 115.03750°E |
| Wine region | Margaret River |
| Founded | 1967 |
| First vintage | 1971 |
| Varietals | Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon blanc, Semillon, Shiraz |
| Distribution | International |
| Tasting | Open to public |
| Website | Vasse Felix |
Vasse Felix was the first vineyard and winery to be established in the Margaret River wine region of Western Australia. Founded in Cowaramup in 1967 by Dr Tom Cullity, it is recognised as a pioneer of the region, and also features an acclaimed restaurant. Vasse Felix is situated in the Wilyabrup sub-region of Margaret River, with vineyards also located at northern and southern sites of the wine appellation. The first vineyard blocks were planted in August, 1967.Margaret River experiences the unique combination of a Mediterranean climate, maritime influence and perfect soils for viticulture. Together, these conditions are ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.The estate is recognised as one of Australia's drawcard winery destinations and includes a Cellar Door, Restaurant and Art Gallery.
‘Naturaliste’ and ‘Geographe’ were the maiden ships in the ‘Baudin expedition’ which was undertaken by the French to map the coast of Australia (New Holland) from 1800-1803. The expedition was the first to discover the south-west coast of Australia, arriving from Mauritius in the peak of winter to storms and monstrous 8 foot swells.
Disaster struck on 8 June 1801 when the Naturaliste’s Assistant Helmsman was swept up by the waves and thrown into the vast and treacherous ocean. This was the disappearance of Thomas Timothèe Vasse. While originally thought to have drowned, rumours of Vasse’s circumstances emerged in the following years. His became one of the most curious nautical stories in French and Australian history.
Was he lost to the wild ocean, or did he wash ashore and live with the local Aborigines? Did he grow old in Australia or was he picked up by an American crew, taken to England and subsequently imprisoned? It became a much-publicised story in the French Journals. The public was divided. What happened to the unlucky and unfortunate Vasse?
An avid historian, and hopeful that his vineyard would enjoy a happier fate, Dr Tom Cullity named it Vasse Felix, meaning ‘lucky/happy’ Vasse.
Peregrine Falcon
The first Vasse Felix vintage in 1971 from four year old vines was disheartening, with most of the fruit either destroyed by rot or eaten by native birds. To protect the grapes from bird damage during harvest, falconry was attempted. The exercise, however, proved unsuccessful, as the first time the falcon was released to circle the vineyard it flew straight into the surrounding forest.
History
In 1966 following the Professor Harold Holmo (University of California Davis) report recommending Australia's south-west to plant wine grapes, Dr John Gladstones (University of Western Australia) publishes a report isolating the Margaret River cape for its climatic similarities to Bordeaux. His report was published in the local Margaret River newspaper. In 1967 Dr Thomas Cullity had been trial planting vines in the South-West since 1965. Upon learning of this report, he spent around a year searching for the perfect site of “red gravel in redgum country, with clay about 18 inches below the surface.” Finally locating the ideal site, he planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec and Riesling to establish the Vasse Felix vineyard; Margaret River's first and oldest vines. By 1971 "The first vintage, off 4 year-old vines, was in 1971. The winery vats and machinery were built and purchased in the preceding months. The harvest was a disaster due to bunch-rot and silver-eyes. I will not forget the exhaustion and disappointment." Dr Thomas Cullity. The first Vasse Felix - and Margaret River - wines are made in 1972 including Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon."In 1972, off a small crop, we produced a Riesling wine that created quite a stir at the Perth Show [it won a gold medal]... It was this wine and the subsequent publicity that brought Margaret River wines to the attention of the Australian public. We had similar success with the Cabernet Sauvignon in 1973." Dr Thomas Cullity. Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon wins a Gold Medal in 1973 at the Perth Royal Show. David Gregg is appointed winemaker of Vasse Felix. (Pictured centre, newspaper article, 1973). The Gregg family purchase Vasse Felix in 1984 from Dr Thomas Cullity. This vintage Vasse Felix turned global, with headlines reading 'Vasse Felix hits the big apple'. After noticing the estate listed for sale in the classified section of The West Australian newspaper, The Holmes a Court Family acquires Vasse Felix in 1987 and have remained owners of Vasse Felix since. The first vintage of Vasse Felix Classic Dry White is made.
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