Rob Bowen, the talented Western Australian winemaker who was, amazingly, invited to leave Constellation recently (see Shock redundancy in WA), is setting up on his own account. His new venture, the rather cumbersomely named Domaines and Vineyards of Western Australia, is designed to capitalise on his 30 years' experience and intimate knowledge of the vineyards of WA.
One of the West's most experienced winemakers, Rob Bowen supervised the Houghton team in the most decorated period of its history. Before that he was chief winemaker at Willow Bridge Estate in Geographe, at Capel Vale Wines based in Geographe, but also with vineyards in the Great Southern and Pemberton. Earlier in his career he was at Plantagenet Wines for nine vintages, making contract wines for most of the new vineyards in the Great Southern region.
The focus of Domaines and Vineyards of Western Australia will be on well-known Margaret River and also on Pemberton, which he believes is emerging as an outstanding source of cool-climate whites. Through the relationships he has built over the years, he believes he will be able to source outstanding parcels of fruit to make exceptional wines. 'I am excited by the prospect of producing individual vineyard wines from the wonderful south-west of Western Australia. I look forward to establishing a range of wines that will fit comfortably in the domestic and export markets for many years to come', says Bowen, who can be contacted at 0400 880 935 or robb@domainesandvineyards.com.au
