Willespie - Wines of Distinction

The 40-hectare Willespie vineyard was established in 1976 by Kevin and Marian Squance. It was planted with 1 hectare of Verdelho, 0.4 hectare of Semillon and 1.5 hectares of Riesling. One hectare of Cabernet Sauvignon was planted in 1977 from nursery cuttings. At the time, both were schoolteachers and Kevin continued as principal of Margaret River Primary School until 1987 with Marian continuing teaching until 1990.
Today the Willyabrup estate plantings have risen to 6 hectares of Verdelho, 2.9 hectares of Semillon, 1.5 hectares of Riesling, 4.2 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc, 2.7 hectares of cabernet sauvignon and 0.3 hectares of Merlot. The total plantings at Willyabrup is 17.6 hectares and is unirrigated. The Dawson Gully vineyard at Jindong was purchased in 1997 was planted with 2.4 hectares of Shiraz and 1.6 hectares of Merlot. In 1998, 3 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon were planted and 1.2 hectares of Cabernet Franc in 2000.