Western Australia · Sub-regions
Pemberton
Nestled among the karri forests of the southwest, Pemberton is a cool, humid region with a distinctive Burgundian character. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive particularly well here.
Grape Varieties
Chardonnay, Merlot
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir
Most Famous Site
Pemberton
Vineyard Area
700 ha
Harvest
March – April
TERROIR PROFILE · Western Australia
Pemberton Karri forest climate · cool-elegant
Pemberton — small, cool region for elegant Pinot Noir and Burgundy-styled wines.
SOILS
Gravel / Sandlight, approachable
Gravel and sand drain heavily — vines struggle for water, wines turn fine, light and elegant.
Loambody-rich, velvety
Loamy soils give wines volume and a soft, velvety mouthfeel.
Graniteelegant, lightly spicy
Weathered granite produces elegant, slender wines with fine, lightly spicy profile.
CLIMATE · Maritime
Cool-maritime, shaped by karri eucalyptus forests.
TOPOGRAPHY · moderate
Hilly, embedded in ancient karri forests.
WHAT IT MEANS IN THE GLASS
Typical Flavours of the Region
Spätburgunder
RedChardonnay
WhiteSauvignon Blanc
WhiteMerlot
RedRegion aroma cloud
Western Australia overview
This sub-region is part of Western Australia. The map shows all 9 sub-regions — Pemberton is highlighted.
Overview
Typical Varieties
Terroir & Climate
Wine Character
Pemberton is nestled within the spectacular karri forests of the southwest – one of Australia's most fascinating natural landscapes. The cool, humid climate with higher rainfall creates ideal conditions for Burgundy varieties. Pinot Noir develops an elegant, fruity style here with strawberry and cherry. Chardonnay shows Burgundian character with fine acidity. The 700 hectares of vineyards are interspersed with forests, making Pemberton a unique travel destination even outside the wine season. The region is less developed for tourism than Margaret River, which makes it particularly attractive for wine travellers.
Soil Type
Deep karri loam soils, sandy soils, good water retention
Climate
Cool and humid; WA's highest rainfall in the viticultural zone; cool nights
Top profiles
3 detailed profiles — all filterable in the list belowAll Wineries
9 results
Mountford Wines
Pemberton · Channybearup
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Ampersand Estates
Pemberton · Peerabeelup
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Lost Lake Winery & Restaurant
Pemberton
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Bellarmine Winery
Pemberton
Black George Winery
Pemberton
Knights Winery
Pemberton
Rambouillet
Pemberton · Channybearup
Salitage Wines
Pemberton
Treen Ridge Estate Winery
Pemberton
Events in Western Australia
All events in Western Australia →10 Oct – Sun, 11 October 2026
Swan Valley Spring in the Valley
Wine festival · Swan Valley
20 Nov – Sun, 22 November 2026
Margaret River Gourmet Escape
Wine festival · Margaret River
Sat, 6 March 2027
Pemberton Unearthed
Wine festival · Pemberton
19 Mar – Sun, 28 March 2027
Taste Great Southern
Wine festival · Albany / Mount Barker / Denmark
19 Nov – Sun, 21 November 2027
Margaret River Region Open Studios & Wine Trail – Cabernet Celebration
Tasting · Margaret River
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Pemberton particularly suited to Pinot Noir?
The cool, humid climate with long ripening seasons allows Pinot Noir to fully develop its aromatic potential. The nutrient-rich karri loam soils deliver fruit and structure without over-ripening.
Which grape varieties define Pemberton?
The key grape varieties in Pemberton are Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The best-known vineyard is Pemberton.
When is the best time to visit Pemberton for wine?
The harvest in Pemberton takes place March – April – when vineyards and cellars are busiest. May to July suits tastings without harvest bustle; many estates open their tasting rooms off-season by appointment.
What does the terroir of Pemberton taste like?
Soils: Deep karri loam soils, sandy soils, good water retention. Climate: Cool and humid; WA's highest rainfall in the viticultural zone; cool nights. Together they shape structure, acidity and aromatics – see the terroir profile above.
How many wineries are there in Pemberton?
Cellarmap lists 9 wineries in Pemberton across roughly 700 hectares of vines. Every profile shows location, contact, grape varieties and, where available, vineyards, classification and visitor information.
Which is the most famous vineyard in Pemberton?
Pemberton is regarded as the most famous vineyard of Pemberton. The vineyard overview on this page shows which estates farm it.
📖 Look up in glossary
All terms →Related wine terms — clearly explained in the Cellarmap glossary.