Our Story
Over 150 Years of History in the Perth Hills
Millbrook is a boutique winery and highly acclaimed restaurant in the historic town of Jarrahdale in the Perth Hills wine region of Western Australia.
Just a 50-minute drive south-east of the Perth CBD, the winery is located on a picturesque Chestnut Farm, nestled among jarrah forests with stunning vistas of the rolling landscape.
The origins of Chestnut Farm date back to the 19th century when the original owner Joseph Batt planted an orchard and grapevines in 1865. Batt’s winemaking landed him in the Supreme Court where he was fined for selling wine from the premises without a colonial licence.
Peter and Lee Fogarty purchased the Millbrook property in the 1990s, planting the first vines in 1996 with the help of their three children, John, Mark and Anna. The winery and restaurant were completed in 2001 and along with producing award-winning wines, Millbrook is now considered one of the top restaurants in Western Australia.
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The 20 Year Story of Millbrook Winery
A family affair
In 1996 Peter and Lee Fogarty, together with their three teenage children, planted the first Millbrook vines at Chestnut Farm – a true labour of love.
Peter had long admired the Northern Rhône style of Shiraz Viognier and after finding it difficult to source in Western Australia set out to produce his own. It is now one of Millbrook’s flagship wines. Further plantings included Grenache, Merlot, Mourvedre and Merlot.
The Terroir
Chestnut Farm provided the perfect site to plant vines, particularly for the varieties of Shiraz and Viognier. The property is made up of undulating land with excellent topsoil of clay over coffee rock, gravel and granite. The region’s warm, dry summers and cool nights ripen grapes to perfection.
Today the vineyard comprises a mix of plantings, including alternative varieties, with 8 hectares under vine.
Natural Watercourse
The Chestnut Farm property has a natural watercourse with a mix of bountiful springs, dams and a beautiful lake. Expansive views over the picturesque lake can be taken in from the cellar door and restaurant.
This water supply was another factor in developing the property into a vineyard and winery. Millbrook is committed to sustaining this valuable resource and protecting and enhancing its very special environment.
Winery Construction
Construction of the winery commenced in 1999 and was completed in 2001. It is now a stunning home to the modern winemaking facility, barrel hall, tasting room and restaurant.
The building features local jarrah, marri, blackbutt and sheoak, while the striking colonnade arches are crafted from granite rock sourced from the property, truly showcasing the natural beauty of the Perth Hills region.
SMALL-BATCH PRODUCTION
The 20-acre estate plantings are focused on the traditional Rhône varieties of Shiraz and Viognier. Millbrook Winemaker Emma Gillespie also sources parcels of fruit from exceptional sites across Western Australia, working with expert and dedicated growers to create modern and stylish wines.
Our wines are highly awarded and receive acclaim both in Australia and internationally.
Award-winning restaurant
The highly acclaimed Millbrook Restaurant is led by Head Chef Justin Wong and his talented kitchen team who design ever-changing menus based on the seasons.
With 100 varieties of heirloom vegetables, an orchard and other produce sustainably grown on the estate or sourced from local suppliers, our kitchen creates dishes bursting with flavour which pair perfectly with Millbrook’s premium wines.