Wine & good times & stunning nature & artisan spirits & dreamy stays! Ampersand Estates in Pemberton adds up to an escape that’s all about connection, crafted with a dash of fun and a whole lot of soul.
Monica Tindall
Ampersand Estates in Western Australia’s Pemberton region isn’t in the business of grand pronouncements or glossy hyperbole. Instead, it offers something altogether rarer: a deeply personal connection to land, craft, and community. What was once the Donnelly River Winery has been thoughtfully reimagined into a contemporary estate with a cellar door, refined accommodation, a celebrated distillery, and an events space that feels both expansive and intimate. But more than its impressive features, it’s the spirit of the place—rooted in authenticity, sustainability, and inclusivity—that leaves a lasting impression.
Ampersand Estates – Pemberton, WA
The name “Ampersand” speaks volumes. It’s a symbol of inclusion, of adding rather than excluding, of making space for connection. Wine and spirits. Nature and design. Rest and revelry. That ethos of openness extends to people, too—the estate welcomes guests from all walks of life, proudly embracing diversity, including the LGBTQIA+ community, with warmth that’s genuine, not performative.
For the thoughtful traveller, Ampersand Estates offers a sense of belonging that is both rare and real—an invitation to slow down, tune in, and savour not just the wine, but the way it makes you feel.
A Location Defined by Pemberton’s Embrace
Pemberton is surrounded by towering karri forests and rolling green hills—an ancient landscape of striking beauty and quiet abundance. Nature takes the lead, unfolding in a patchwork of fertile valleys, pristine rivers, and rich, loamy soils. Anchored within this corner of the Southern Forests, Ampersand Estates benefits from the convergence of elevation, rainfall, and mineral-rich earth—conditions that lend themselves to some of the state’s most expressive produce.
The air here is crisp and clean, carrying with it the faint perfume of eucalyptus and damp earth. Dappled light filters through the forest canopy, casting shifting patterns across the ground as we pause to take in the richness beneath our feet. The climate, too, plays its part—cool evenings and the occasional winter frost provide a natural balance to sunlit days, shaping not just the character of the fruit, but the very mood of the place. It’s a constant, gentle reminder of the pristine terroir that underpins everything the estate grows, crafts, and pours.
Ampersand Estates Accommodation Overview
The estate offers three distinct accommodation options, each with its own personality – think of them as siblings raised on good wine and fresh country air. The Settlers’ Cottage is the oldest of the trio, an 1870s heritage building that’s been thoroughly modernised without losing its country soul. It’s ideal for couples or small families who want history with their holiday. The Vintner’s Residence, perched high above the vines, is the estate’s grande dame – five bedrooms, sweeping decks, plenty of space for celebratory dinners or spirited debates over Pinot versus Chardonnay.
But for a truly grand stay, with a touch of old-world charm and all the modern trimmings, The Homestead is the crown jewel.
The Homestead – A Stay Worth Settling Into
If you’ve ever fancied a country manor all to yourself – preferably one with a roaring fireplace, wrap-around deck and a generous helping of understated style – then The Homestead will feel like a dream come to life. It sits peacefully beside the Donnelly River, hidden among native trees, yet wide open to nature’s gentle rhythms.
With five king-sized bedrooms, each with its own ensuite, The Homestead comfortably accommodates ten guests without ever feeling crowded. This is luxury scaled for togetherness: space to gather for late-night stories and open-bottle revelations, and plenty of room to retreat when I need a moment to myself (or a nap after one too many tastings at the cellar door). The furnishings strike just the right balance between comfort and class — I could just as easily curl up with a book as host a black-tie dinner.
Each morning begins with a generous breakfast hamper brimming with fresh local produce — strips of local bacon, just-laid eggs, plump avocados (when in season), thick creamy yoghurt, seasonal fruit, fresh bread and small-batch granola. We make good use of the semi-automatic espresso machine with built-in grinder. The locally-roasted beans and barista milk options (dairy, almond and oat) speak to the quality boutique feel of the property. It’s a spread designed for leisurely mornings on the verandah shared with the mob of kangaroos that graze between the Homestead and the river. On wetter winter mornings, it’s equally as pleasant to curl up beside the fire, admiring the sleek, fully equipped kitchen. The kitchen is perfect for preparing a rustic feast, whether simply pretending to do so or as an invitation to Ampersand Estates’ private chef, Facundo Salas, to cook up an Argentine feast – which we highly recommend you do!
During our winter stay, we had the pleasure of a three-course meal by Chef Facundo. While his signature style leans towards flame and smoke, the wetter months see his creativity shift indoors—no less impressive for the change of setting. We began with smoky beef empanadas, their pastry perfect and filling deeply savoury, followed by a vibrant green risotto that balanced freshness with comfort. The main event—a tender, richly flavoured WA beef tenderloin—was divine, and the sweet finale of caramel crepes brought a nostalgic, indulgent close. Paired with a bottle of the estate’s own 2024 Homestead Syrah (if you can get your hands on a bottle of this, do!), a superbly structured wine that spoke of place and precision with the elegance of a ballerina, the meal was an unforgettable display of craftsmanship.
We keep returning outdoors to the wide timber deck, drink of choice in hand. It changes throughout the day from coffee to gin cocktails to wine – all local, all enhanced by the hush of the river, the movement of the breeze through the forest canopy, and the occasional bird lifting from the banks. And in the evenings, the fire crackles, the red flows, and suddenly, we understand the true meaning of escape.
There’s thoughtful detail at every turn – high-end amenities, luxury Somic toiletries (also proudly homegrown), and access to curated experiences such as picnic hampers, a wander through the vineyards, or on-site gin tastings if you prefer uplifting your spirit in a different form. And yes, the Wi-Fi is strong enough to post a smug sunset photo (and take care of pending work or stream our fave shows), though I have the urge to go off-grid entirely.
The Homestead is a natural choice for extended families, groups of friends celebrating something (or absolutely nothing), or couples who believe five bedrooms and a private library are the bare minimum for a romantic weekend away. It’s the kind of place where designer linen and muddy boots cohabit with quiet ease—and where a perimenopausal body can politely excuse itself from a partner’s snoring and claim an entire suite to herself in the noble pursuit of sleep.
While the accommodation invites us to linger in laidback luxury, it’s the estate’s winery that adds depth to the experience—where the romance of the region is poured, swirled, and savoured in every glass.
The Winery – Terroir, Talent & Taste in Every Bottle
At the heart of Ampersand Estates lies a vineyard shaped by its environment—misty mornings, nutrient-rich loam, and the Southern Ocean’s cooling influence drifting across Pemberton. This cool-climate region, defined by its elevation, rainfall, and gravelly soils, lends itself to producing wines of elegance, finesse, and regional character.
Ampersand’s vines—meticulously tended under sustainable viticulture—include classic varietals such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Riesling. These blocks are curated to reflect both vintage and terroir, ensuring each grape sings of its place and season.
Behind the wines is Rob Mann, one of Western Australia’s most respected winemakers. With a pedigree that includes Cape Mentelle, Newton Vineyard in Napa Valley, and Corymbia, Rob brings both international finesse and deep local insight to Ampersand Estates. Working alongside co-owners Corrie Scheepers and Melissa Bell, he crafts wines that speak of their provenance with clarity and elegance. His approach is guided by a philosophy of restraint—allowing the fruit to express its origin—while deftly balancing modern winemaking techniques with traditional sensibilities.
Notable wines include a vibrant Chardonnay, ice-pure with citrus and mineral drive (now one of my faves in all of Australia); a Pinot Noir that balances red cherry brightness with forest-floor complexity; and an elegant Méthode Traditionnelle, a sparkling blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (yum!). These wines don’t just capture the cool-climate elegance of Pemberton—they’re also turning heads well beyond the region.
Ampersand Estates recently enjoyed glowing reviews from The Wine Advocate, with respected critic Erin Larkin awarding over 90 points to every wine she tasted. The Homestead Syrah received an impressive 94 points, placing it among the finest examples of its kind internationally (if you have the opportunity to get your hands on one of these bottles, grab it – it’s a beauty!). And it’s not just critics taking notice—Ampersand’s Pinot Noir was crowned Western Australia’s Favourite Wine, receiving over 20,000 public votes (20,002 now—we’ve had a glass or two ourselves). It’s a rare and rather lovely alignment of expert opinion and popular acclaim.
Visiting the cellar door is a guided journey through the land. Corrie or Melissa often leads the experience, weaving stories of the region, the seasons, and their own path from consulting to custodians of place. Each sip invites us to connect with the soil, the climate, and the talent that brought it to glass.
Living up to its “and” philosophy, Ampersand Estates adds another pour to the party – a boutique distillery producing small-batch spirits that rival the wines in finesse.
The Distillery: The Art of Distillation, Pemberton Style
Rainfall Distillery is Ampersand Estates’ spirited sibling to its cellar‑door winery. It specialises in artisanal vodka and gin, crafted with the same devotion and sense of place that marks the estate’s wines. A season‑by‑season approach means that each spirit is vintaged with botanicals that change with the year.
The master distiller oversees a custom-built 16-plate reflux column still, carefully guiding each batch from farm-fresh ingredients through to bottled perfection. This is not mass production—it’s artisan at its finest. Rainfall draws water straight from the estate’s own roof‑harvested rain, capturing the aroma of petrichor—the earthy scent after rain—a fragrant signature that permeates every spirit.
You can choose from a guided spirits tasting or simply linger over a signature gin or vodka cocktail. Partnerships with regional farmers means things like cherries, finger limes, macadamias, karri honey and bark, citrus, yuzu (yes, it’s grown in Aus, too, not just Japan!) and local potatoes finds their way into the distillery. My faves, West Australian Citrus & Karri Bark Smoke, and Karri Smoked Fortified Wine, both limited collections, are ideal for a crisp martini and Negroni respectively.
Stay Like a Pro Tips: Ampersand Estates Edition
Arrive thirsty. This isn’t a place where you “might” do a tasting. You will. You should. And it might turn into three. Start with the estate wines, then let the gin room seduce you — especially if kaffir lime or lemon myrtle speaks your language. And in winter? Don’t curse the clouds. Ampersand Estates runs a cheeky deal where if it’s raining, the tastings keep flowing—turning grey skies into a very good excuse for a very long afternoon.
Bunbury Farmers Market. Make a stop at the Bunbury Farmers Market on your drive down. It’s an excellent pit stop for lunch, a top spot to stock up on supplies for your stay, and—whether or not you buy anything (though chances are high that you will)—a showcase of nature at its most photogenic. Honestly, produce shouldn’t be allowed to look this good.
Set your picnic ambitions high. With an in-house menu of cheese, charcuterie and chocolate, and several hundred idyllic corners to claim as your own, the only real decision is: lawn, deck or riverbank? Don’t overthink it. Just order the hamper and follow the sun.
Pack for the photo ops (and the weather). Morning mist over the Donnelly River, golden-hour vineyard glow, and verandah-toasting views. It’s all extremely photogenic. But this is still the Southern Forests — bring layers and maybe a hat with a sense of occasion.
Take the slow road. Whether you’re arriving from Pemberton, Manjimup or Margs, build in time for farm gate detours, forest walks, and the kind of spontaneous roadside stops that end with you buying truffle oil and talking to a cheesemaker named Phil.
Don’t rush breakfast. Each residence comes stocked with a generous supply of gourmet provisions: farm-fresh eggs, bread, smoky bacon, and yoghurt worth writing home about. Brew a coffee, slice an avocado, and wander out to the verandah to greet the morning—and the mob of roos grazing between the Homestead and the river.
Shoot for the stars: Visiting in summer means seriously dark skies — perfect for practising your astrophotography. Bring a tripod and get ready to capture the night sky in all its dazzling glory.
Got kids? Feed the ducks. While the adults ahem “evaluate” wine, younger visitors can befriend the real stars of the estate—Michael and Mikael, two delightfully dapper ducks who’ll eat straight from your hand (with impeccable manners, of course). Don’t be surprised if the grown-ups sneak away from the cellar door to join the quacking queue.
Ditch the plastic. Leave bottled water behind and drink the tap water. Ampersand Estates harvests rainwater and puts it through a double filtration system. It’s crisp, clean, and tastes better than anything you’ll find in a bottle—not to mention better for you and the planet.
Book longer than you think. We arrived with the best of intentions—hikes, wineries, forest adventures—but then we experienced the accommodation. Suddenly, leaving the estate felt … well, wrong. Our tip? Set aside a couple of days to simply luxuriate on the property (yes, the bath definitely counts as an activity), and a few more to explore the Southern Forests—if you ever make it that far.
Ampersand Estates Review
Ampersand Estates is a gentle nudge to exhale, recalibrate, and rediscover pleasure in the thoughtful details. Whether you’re partial to fine wine, spirited company, or simply a good view with your morning brew, there’s a place for you here. With memories gently pressed like grapes and a bottle or two tucked underarm, we’re already plotting a return visit.
Reasons to visit Ampersand Estates: an incredibly beautiful property—perfect for groups or a romantic escape; a true boutique luxury stay with exceptional attention to detail; on-site winery and distillery tastings—no need to drink and drive; surrounded by three national parks, the connection to nature is deeply restorative.
Ampersand Estates
9883 Vasse Highway, Peerabeelup
WA, 6260, Australia (Pemberton Wine Region)
Link to Ampersand Estates on Google Maps
+61 438 954 513
info@ampersandestates.com.au
@ampersandestates
ampersandestates.com.au
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