Australia's renowned wine culture is incomplete without a mention of Houghton Winery. Nestled in the lush Swan Valley, just outside Perth, this historic winery has been crafting classic wines since 1836. With a legacy that spans generations and international acclaim, Houghton Wines embodies Australia's winemaking heritage.
The Swan Valley: Australia's second oldest wine region
In 1836, three adventurous British Army officers - Thomas Yule, Ninian Lowis, and Richmond Houghton - founded Houghton just four years after the establishment of Western Australia. In 1859, when Dr. John Ferguson produced the winery's first commercial vintage - a humble 25 gallons; Ferguson, a skilled Scottish surgeon, purchased the property and became Houghton's first winemaker in 1863.
Australia's White Burgundy
Over the years, Houghton Wines has passed through different hands, which might explain its extensive range of wines that cater to diverse palates, from crisp whites to full-bodied reds, fortified variations, and even sparkling delights, Houghton offers something for everyone. The Houghton White Burgundy (now Houghton Classic White) created by Jack Mann captured the nation's attention. Traditionally assembled from a symphony of grape varieties including Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Verdelho, Riesling, Semillon, and Muscadelle, this dry white wine stands as Australia's oldest consecutive vintage white, crafted by the legendary winemaker for an impressive 51 vintages.
Others Flagship Wines
In addition to the beloved White Classic, Houghton has garnered critical acclaim for a range of other flagship wines. The Jack Mann Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the Frankland River region renowned for its ideal climate and fertile soil, stands as one of Australia's most revered and long-lived cabernet sauvignons. Aged for up to three years in oak barrels, this opulent wine emerges with a complex flavour profile adorned with blackcurrant, chocolate, and eucalyptus notes.
Kings of the West
As Australia's tenth-largest red and white bottle brand, Houghton sources fruit from every significant premium grape-growing region in Western Australia. From the enduring Gingin to the acclaimed Margaret River, the pristine Frankland River, and the breathtaking Mount Barker in the Great Southern, not to mention the emerging Pemberton region, Houghton Wines celebrates the diverse terroir that makes Australian winemaking so exceptional.
Houghton's timeless wines have delighted generations of wine enthusiasts, contributing significantly to the growth of the Australian wine industry. With a fusion of tradition and innovation, guided by legendary winemakers, Houghton continues to craft some of Australia's favourite wines.