Description
About Oates End, Margaret River
Oates Ends is a boutique winery founded by winemaker Cath Oates, who crafted the first wine in 2000 from grapes left behind by machine harvesters, lending the name “Oates Ends.” After an extensive international winemaking career, Cath returned to focus on producing wines that capture the unique essence of the Wilagri vineyard in Margaret River. Her approach prioritizes minimal intervention, emphasizing the vineyard’s natural perfume and elegance by harvesting early to retain acidity and using oak sparingly.
Her brother, Russ Oates, manages the Wilagri vineyard, drawing on years of experience in vineyard management. Wilagri, planted in 1999, produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Semillon, and Sauvignon Blanc on rich loam soils. Sustainable practices are central to their approach, including hand-harvesting, using sheep for weed control and leaf plucking, and avoiding herbicides to enhance grape health naturally. The vineyard’s sustainability efforts are backed by its membership with Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA), aiming for full accreditation.
Family-owned since 1966, Oates Ends combines traditional farming values with a commitment to environmental stewardship, aiming to leave the land better for future generations. Their wines reflect both a respect for nature and a dedication to crafting elegant, finely structured wines.
