Great Southern encompasses the subregions of Albany, Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker and Porongorup. The name ‘great’ is not taken lightly – the area is almost ten thousand square miles. Coastal in the southern areas of Denmark and Albany (which are also towns), three wine subregions lie inland. As a wine region, it was planted a few years after Margaret River and its size in comparison to “Margs” gives it a wider selection of core varietals. Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz and even a little Pinot Noir are spread across the region.

Sandy’s parents planted the first vines in 1971, producing wine five years later. The vineyard shares similar climatic conditions to those found in Bordeaux. The vineyard is located fifty miles inland from the Southern Ocean, resulting in good winter rains and dry ripening months. Summer days and evenings are cooled by fresh sea breezes, enabling ideal slow ripening of grapes. All vines are pruned by hand and no herbicides or pesticides are in the vineyard. Any water used during production comes directly from rain collected in dams or tanks. From 2013, solar panels have been installed to minimize carbon footprint and increase energy efficiency.

Owners Sandy and Rod along with winemaker Andrew Cherry work in and oversee all facets of the vineyard and winery. Alkoomi is recognized for its elegant Cabernet, Shiraz and Cabernet blends, while their Riesling has helped establish the reputation of Frankland River as a premier Australian region for this varietal.