OUR STORY
OUR STORY
PERSONAL CONNECTION TO MARGARET RIVER
In 1976, just like the pioneer settlers before them, Mark Lewis and his family left England setting sail for Fremantle and a new life. They spent time in Perth and Melbourne, before putting down roots in Margaret River. Upon completion of his education, Mark embarked on a successful legal career that would take him from Australia to London, Tokyo, Moscow and Warsaw before culminating with a post in the Cayman Islands, where he met his partner, Sarah.
INSPIRATION
Mark and Sarah have always admired Margaret River’s pristine natural beauty from its rocky coastline with world-class surf beaches to the breathtaking ancient Karri forests beyond. Equally enticing were the vineyards and internationally acclaimed wines that placed Margaret River firmly on the world wine map.
After years of visiting the area with Mark’s sons, George and Dylan, the couple was able to realise a life long dream of operating an established vineyard in Margaret River.
“Cape Landing is picturesque, the vines well established and mature, the fruit quality superb, but it was the moment I first saw the vineyard’s expansive main dam and water supply, that I knew this was the place for us.”
Mark Lewis, Cape Landing
“Cape Landing’s rolling hills, gravelly duplex soils and abundant water supply are just ideal for production of premium Margaret River fruit” – James Harris, Viticulturist
REGION
MARGARET RIVER
The Margaret River wine region is located in the south-west corner of Western Australia, stretching 100km from north to south, between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, uniquely surrounded by ocean on three sides.
“It's difficult to think of any other vineyards in the world that are only a few kilometres from great surf.” – Jancis Robinson, MW
A mild, Mediterranean climate and a ‘belting sea breeze’ combined with ancient gravel soils contribute to Margaret River’s ideal conditions for fine wine production.
Margaret River wines are known for their fruit purity, elegance, structure and consistency, producing 20% of Australia’s premium wines, from just 3% of Australia’s total crush [Source – Wine Australia, Regional Snapshot 2017 – Margaret River].
“The top rank of Margaret River Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon is, simply put, in the top rank in the world. And by that, I'm including the likes of Burgundy (for Chardonnay) and Bordeaux and Napa Valley (for Cabernet Sauvignon)” – Matt Kramer, WineSpectator.com
General Manager & Apiarist
ELI URQUHART
Cape Landings' General Manager, Eli Urquhart, has a ‘hands on’ and very practical understanding of vineyards and is a huge advocate of Margaret River's world class potential.
Eli brings a unique skill set to the ongoing development of Cape Landing’s vineyard and entire property.
With extensive vineyard experience, and a fully qualified carpenter and builder, there isn't much that Eli cannot deal with, and he works alongside our vineyard management and winemaking teams taking care of all aspects of Cape Landing's general property, including water storage, irrigation, dams, windmills and machine sheds.
Eli is also our resident Apiarist taking care of Cape Landing's expanding number of Bee Hives.
Our Bee Hives contribute to production of Cape Landing's unique 'Blackwood' Vineyard Honey.
CAPE LANDING'S WINE DOGS
Wherever wine is made, you'll likely find loyal canines snoozing in the cellar or roaming the vineyard. Australian Shepherds, Beau and Jasper, are Cape Landing’s ‘Wine Dogs’.
Favourite Food
Beau - Loves bones, especially bones ‘borrowed’ from other dogs.
Jasper - biscuits and desiccated coconut whenever he arrives at the vineyard.
Naughtiest Deeds
Beau - Serial sock thief! Prone to teasing innocent victims before returning thoroughly dog slobbered swag.
Jasper - Just hanging out in Matt's pick-up truck.
Obsessions
Beau - Water: Sea, rivers, dams - any time of the year.
Jasper - Not working too hard!