Corrie Scheepers and Melissa Bell are the brains behind the business. Leaving behind the corporate world for one in rural WA, the business partners have thrown their heart and soul into Ampersand Estates and it shows. Chances are that you’ll be served by one (or both) of them on your visit, so be sure to have a chat and absorb the passion that has been instrumental to the success of Ampersand so far. You might catch the couple behind the spirits side of things too – Rob and Vikki Brown.

Let’s not mess about – vodka is often left in the shadows of gin, whiskey, rum…well most spirits really. But that’s because most vodka isn’t handcrafted, small-batch, artisanal vodka made from local potatoes and rainwater. Ampersand takes their vodka seriously, crafted under the banner of their distillery – Rainfall Distillery – and the results are superb. Texture, complexity and purity – you’ll leave with a bottle in hand crying out for a classic martini. Keep an eye out for the new flavour of April 2022 – Vodka infused with honey-roasted macadamias.

Of course, gin lovers are not to be disappointed. You can even take home a sample of three in a nifty little gift package that wouldn’t look out of place on a dressing table, it’s that pretty. Using a vapour-infusion distillation technique, take your pick from gin infused with Australian rainwater and primary botanicals of Juniper, Anise Myrtle, Citrus Peel and Liquorice Root; or gin infused with botanicals and Southern Forest cherries. April sees the launch of a new flavour: Gin infused with Karri bark smoked port.

“Oh my goodness, they didn’t wake you up, did they? They are so naughty!” Corrie is referring to the waddling of resident ducks that live on the property. Yes, a waddling is the official term for a group of ducks, and no, they didn’t wake us up. With names such as Lady, Martina and Drake, these feathered friends love being hand-fed (a great distraction for the kids while you taste wine) and have more personality than anyone can handle. You’ll also find plenty of roos, rabbits and birdlife on the property. (Photography: Cassandra Charlick)

Let’s just take a minute for THAT bathtub. Deep enough to sink into, and equipped with a wooden tray to hold all the essentials – a glass (bottle) of wine, snacks and a book – it’s understandable if you don’t escape the bathroom for some time.

Settlers Cottage is the first of three accommodation options on the property. A cute little two-bedroom cottage, it was originally built in the late 1870s and has been lovingly restored for up to four guests to stay. High ceilings, original floorboards, bespoke furnishings and heritage style fixtures are just the beginning. A state of the art kitchen and a very generous culinary hamper means you’ll not have to leave the estate if your idea of a holiday is one hundred per cent chilling. Two larger properties are almost due for completion, perfect for extended family catch-ups, or getting the whole friend group together for a trip.

Some of the oldest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines in the region, these vines were planted in 1982 by the Donnelly River Winery. Having been neglected for some time prior to the purchase of the property by Scheepers and Bell, it truly is a labour of love bringing them back to health; “you can see they still need a lot of love”, shares Corrie. “We did a big prune, we took out all the trellis systems coming back in and we’re just fixing the one up after the other. And we had a good laugh. We tasted our Pinot Noir this year and it tastes really good, but we haven’t got a big harvest yet.”

It’s an interesting choice – not one, but two winemakers with very different approaches to making wine. The result? An interesting wine portfolio with something for all palates. From a classic and elegant Sauvignon Blanc, to a savoury and textural Grenache Rosé. Melissa shares, “The wine list here is created by those two polar opposite winemakers. Both incredible in their own skills; we brought them together to create an experience for people here.”

A destination in its own right, it makes sense to relax and take your time visiting the cellar door. Stretch the tasting experience out over a platter for lunch, and pair each wine with suggested local produce. The biltong and rosé is a cracker of a combo. “We wanted to create something to do rather than just a tasting, and a genuine experience” shares Corrie.

“One of the things that we always try to do with our wine tastings is make it super accessible.” Shares Melissa. “Because often when you go to a wine tasting, they give you tasting notes which you sit through and then think “how would I know what a kola nut or salted plum tastes like? So often it’s just not accessible”. So what’s the alternative? “Our tasting notes resonate with people. We like to enjoy every moment we have. So instead of talking about brioche and toasted cashews, why not cut to the chase with something like an alcoholic croissant!” The philosophy extends to the wines, which are made to enjoy now, not to sit in a cellar for years on end.

Ampersand is located about a two-hour drive from Perth, in between Nannup and Pemberton at 9883 Vasse Highway, Peerabeelup, WA, 6260. The Cellar Door is open Wednesday to Sunday 11-6pm. For bookings head to www.ampersandestates.com.au