Since 1972, the winemaking areas have been re-equipped with machinery designed to increase both the efficiency and the quality of the winemaking process. At the same time many of the original features remain, such as the open concrete fermenters still used today for red wine fermentation during the vintage. The Mediterranean climate of mild winters and warm summers ensure high quality grapes and consistently good vintages. The Jane Brook soils are true sandy gravel surface on a deep clay base, producing grapes of excellent quality. Our vineyard soils are maintained naturally with the consistent use of organic fertilisers. We firmly believe in limited use of chemicals, mulching and minimum tillage in our vineyards to encourage good surface feeding, root development and earthworm activity. The main varieties of grapes we grow are Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz.

The history of Jane Brook started in 1829 when the brook was discovered by John Septimus Roe, the first Surveyor General of the fledgling Swan River Colony. In honour of Mrs Jane Currie, wife of the first harbour master of Fremantle, Captain James Stirling called it "Jane Brook". Table grapes were first planted in 1913 and this pursuit continued until 1954 when the Mateljan family vintaged 540 litres of red table wine under the name of Vignacourt Wines.

In 1972 David and Beverley Atkinson purchased the property and their dream was to convert the production to quality varietal wines. The evolution of the Jane Brook style and philosophy has been achieved through commitment to the pursuit of excellence, this tradition is being carried forward by the second generation, Elizabeth Shakespeare (nee Atkinson), General Manager.

The past two decades have seen the re-planting of the vineyards to premium grape varieties, introduction of a laboratory for grape and wine analysis and the re-equipping of the winemaking facilities with stainless steel tanks, refrigeration plants and new oak storage. Vintage of 1997 coincided with the building of a fully refrigerated warehouse for tank fermentation, barrel fermentation and ageing and finished wine storage. The 1999 vintage was heralded in with the acquisition of a pneumatic tank press which will greatly enhance wine quality. There is however still a commitment to the open fermentation and rack and return process for full bodied Shiraz production to preserve the individual character of the variety, a commitment which is only possible in an area such as the Swan Valley with its generous and consistent climate.

The Jane Brook wine range is classical and the styles reflect true varietal characters enhanced, in the case of Chardonnay, by judicious use of oak. Blending of two regions, Pemberton and Margaret River produces a Sauvignon Blanc of distinctive fine fruity characters. The 100% Verdelho shows the incredible varietal characters of this variety when grown in the Swan Valley. The introduction of  bottle fermented sparkling wines has enhanced the range and the Elizabeth Jane Pinot Chardonnay (named after Beverley & David's daughter) has been consistently the highest point scorer for W.A. sparkling wines in the Sheraton Wine Awards and Perth Royal Shows since 1993 and was recently awarded a four and a half star rating and equal top in its class in Winestate Magazine.

 

Cabernet Merlot has long been regarded as a Jane Brook speciality, always showing great flavour, fullness and a long finish. The last few vintages have produced Shiraz of outstanding flavour and quality from seventy year old vines on the home vineyard.

Winemaking from 1999 onwards has been under the care of Julie Smith, a viticulture and oenology graduate from Stellenbosch University in South Africa. 

 

The rustic cellar is open every day for tasting and sales. A range of gourmet and vineyard platters are served during winter in the heated cellar, or, in the warmer months in the garden courtyards and jarrah decking overlooking Jane Brook. Follow this with Jane Brook private blend coffee, scrumptious cakes and a glass of Liqueur Muscat, Liqueur Tokay or the very unique Liqueur Verdelho . . . a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.