History and Philosophy
The ocean strongly defines the climate in Margaret River, which is classed as 'west coast Mediterranean' featuring warm to hot summers and mild to wet winters. The region is surrounded by the Southern and Indian Oceans on three sides, meaning humidity, frost and extreme temperatures are rare. The majority of Margaret River's approximate 1100mm of rain falls between May and October, and the remaining six months of the year are relatively dry. Summer day time temperatures rarely move above 35 degrees Celsius and the influence of the ocean means nights are cool, providing perfect growing and ripening conditions for wine grapes. The dry summer and autumn and lack of humidity means diseases common to vines aren’t often a problem and come March the first white varieties are picked in the cool of night and early morning, with the last of the red varieties being picked in late April.
The location of the Saracen Estates vineyard in the famous Wilyabrup Valley provides the excellent free draining laterite gravel loam known for producing the highest quality wines of the Margaret River Wine Region. The vineyard is planted with the classic varieties of Chardonnay, Cabernet, Semillon, Sauvignon blanc and Shiraz. Utmost care and attention is given to ensure the best quality fruit is produced. Work is done by hand wherever possible, yields are kept low and a rigorous canopy management programme is followed to ensure maximum varietal expression and fruit flavour.
This philosophy is continued in the winery where each step of production is carefully monitored and no expense spared in order to produce the highest quality wine. Traditional methods are applied and the latest technology utilized. In our short history our success in the vineyard and winery can be seen reflected in the quality of our wines and the accolades we have received around the country from some of the most highly respected individuals in the industry. Our aim is to produce in our wines a reflection that illustrates how the ideal climatic conditions, soil, viticultural and oenological practices can work together to create the highest quality wine. We hope you enjoy and love our wines as much as we do.
Our Name and Label
The Romans first used the term Saracen to describe the nomadic Arab tribes of the Syro-Arabian Desert and the Saraceni name is very well known as a result of those conquering tribes who settled in various regions of Italy. The Saraceni Family migrated from Abruzzi, one of the regions of Italy conquered by the Saracens, to Perth after World War II. They brought with them the Italian traditions of winemaking, sauce and sausage making and the production of home-made pasta, to name but a few.
When first establishing what was to become one of WA's largest and most successful privately owned property development companies, the Saraceni's delved into their family's history and settled on the name Saracen Properties.
In 1996 the Saraceni family bought land and planted vines in the Wilyabrup Valley of the Margaret River Wine Region along the scenic Caves road, and the search for a name and label for the vineyard began. With the Saracen name and the wonderful opportunity to use a Saracen warrior incorporating the associated colours of black, gold and red on the label Saracen Estates was born. The Saracen warrior on horseback not only graces each bottle of Saracen Estates wine but a life size casting in bronze can be seen guarding the entrance to the Estate’s Cellar Door.
In recent years Saracen Properties heard through the 'grapevine' that the Duckstein Brewery of Swan Valley fame was interested in setting up a microbrewery in the Margaret River Wine Region. This then became the impetus to create the first combined cellar door and microbrewery facility in the region with a large licensed capacity. Architect Edwin Bollig of Bollig Design was appointed to design the largest all purpose visitor facility of its kind in Margaret River. The Saraceni family's dream of a unique concept is now coming to fruition.
Cellar Door
Saracen Estates Cellar Door offers a family friendly and informative experience with something for everyone to enjoy. We have our superb range of Saracen Estates wines for you to sample and also stock an extensive array of merchandise and local artwork for sale, plus provide a great kid’s corner and playground to keep the children happy. We also have a “Wine Education Centre” where you can have absolutely any question about winemaking answered and offer an International Guest List of interesting wines other than our own for you to purchase and enjoy: for more information please see the “Wine Education” Section of this website.
Our Cellar Door is constructed from beautiful natural products such as blackbutt and jarrah , most sourced in the local area. The Cellar Door is a warm and welcoming space: a stunning stone fireplace provides warmth in the chilly winter months where comfortable leather couches invite you to relax as you sample our stunning wines. During the warmer months there is ample space to take in the view on the jarrah decking overlooking the lake and beautiful natural surroundings. Our staff are knowledgeable, friendly and informative and are more than happy to answer your wine related questions: our aim is to provide an exceptional and unique experience for all visitors. We look forward to welcoming you soon!