Ampersand Estates Winery

Western Australia Vineyard Is Perfect Spot for Kangaroo Peeping

"Set amid karri forest and vineyards in Peerabeelup near the Donnelly River, this revived 40-year-old winery-distillery reopened in December 2021 after extensive renovations and combines rustic-chic event spaces with luxury cottages and farmsteads (from about $180 per person per night). Guests can linger with bespoke experiences—tastings, a barn picnic of local cheeses, charcuterie and jams, and tailored culinary offerings—while encountering abundant wildlife such as wild emus and western gray kangaroos. The vineyard focuses on cool-climate varietals (Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Chenin Blanc) and embraces a “wines for drinking, not thinking” philosophy; a plummy Shiraz with a hint of allspice is a standout. An on-site distillery produces single-harvest gin and vodka from locally grown potatoes, native botanicals and harvested rainwater, offering a macerated-cherry pink gin, a karri-smoked fortified-wine port, a Pinot Noir–infused spirit, a velvety plain vodka, a dry London-style vodka with Southern Forest citrus and spices (star anise, cardamom, wattleseed), and a macadamia–karri-honey–infused vodka. Bottles are priced to support local producers (wines $20–$28; gins and vodkas about $72), the owners emphasize sourcing from nearby farmers and plan to export in the future." - Robin Catalano