The Swinney family has worked this land since 1922. For generations, it was a place of sheep, wheat, and resilience. But in 1998, the family planted their first vines, driven by a belief that Frankland River’s cool climate and ironstone soils could produce something extraordinary. For years, they sold their fruit to some of Australia’s most respected producers Penfolds, Hardys, and a host of boutique winemakers.
But in 2018, the Swinneys decided it was time to tell their own story. They launched their own label, and with it, a new era began one rooted in heritage, but unafraid to innovate.
The Winemaker
To bring their vision to life, the Swinneys brought in Rob Mann, one of Australia’s most respected winemakers. With a résumé that includes Cape Mentelle, Hardys Tintara, and Newton Vineyard in Napa Valley, Rob returned to Western Australia with a mission: to craft wines that are precise, expressive, and unmistakably Frankland River.
Rob’s style is all about restraint and clarity. He works with native yeasts, whole bunches, concrete fermenters, and large format oak to preserve the purity of the fruit. His belief? Great wine is made in the vineyard and Swinney’s vineyard is something special.
The Vineyard
Swinney’s vineyard is a patchwork of bush vines and trellised blocks, planted on gravelly ironstone and loam over ancient granite. The site is dry farmed and meticulously managed, with a focus on sustainability and precision. The climate is continental cold winters, warm summers, and long, slow ripening seasons that build complexity and preserve acidity.
What sets Swinney apart is their commitment to bush vine Grenache and Mourvèdre, a rarity in Australia. These low yielding vines produce fruit of remarkable depth and finesse. Alongside them, Syrah, Riesling, and even Mencia a Spanish variety rarely seen in Australia add texture and intrigue to the range.
The Wines
Swinney’s wines are a study in balance and detail. The Riesling is taut and mineral, with citrus and oyster shell precision. The Grenache is perfumed and spicy, with fine tannins and a savoury core. Syrah is dark and structured, with a whisper of wild herbs and graphite.
Then there’s Farvie Swinney’s flagship range. These small batch wines are made from the best parcels and crafted with obsessive care. The Farvie Grenache and Farvie Syrah have redefined what’s possible in Western Australian reds, earning critical acclaim and cult status.
Awards and Accolades
In just a few short years, Swinney Wines has gone from a respected grower to one of Australia’s most decorated boutique producers. Their rise hasn’t been about chasing trophies it’s been about staying true to their land, their vines, and their vision. Still, the recognition has followed, and for good reason.
• Vineyard of the Year (2020)
In 2021, Swinney was honoured with the inaugural Vineyard of the Year award by Young Gun of Wine. This wasn’t just a nod to the quality of their fruit it was a celebration of their forward thinking viticulture, dry farming practices, and commitment to sustainability in one of Australia’s most remote wine regions.
• James Halliday’s Five Star Winery
Swinney has earned the coveted five star rating from James Halliday, placing them among the elite echelon of Australian wineries. This rating reflects not only the consistency of their releases but also the finesse and clarity of their winemaking.
• Global Critical Acclaim
Their wines have drawn praise from international critics, with several bottlings particularly from the Farvie range scoring 98 points or higher in Decanter and The Wine Advocate. These scores underscore Swinney’s growing reputation on the world stage.
In 2021, they were awarded Vineyard of the Year by Young Gun of Wine, a testament to their innovation, sustainability, and vineyard excellence . Their wines have received 95+ point scores from top critics, and their Mourvèdre Rosé was named Best Australian Rosé by James Halliday in 2023
These accolades are more than just milestones, they’re markers of a winery that’s pushing boundaries while staying grounded in tradition. With Rob Mann at the helm and a vineyard team that treats every vine like a conversation with the land, Swinney Wines is not just winning awards they’re setting new standards. And in doing so, they’ve created something rare: wines that are both grounded and visionary, humble and world class.
