A Margaret River Legacy
Tucked away along Caves Road in the heart of Margaret River lies one of Western Australia’s most admired family wineries: Woodlands. More than just a vineyard, Woodlands is a story of vision, persistence, and a family’s unwavering commitment to crafting wines of distinction. It is a tale that spans from the bold dreams of its founders in the 1970s to the vibrant, elegant bottles that continue to earn international praise today.
Roots in a New Region
The Margaret River wine region was still a fledgling idea in the early 1970s. A handful of pioneers were beginning to test whether this stretch of coastline with its gravelly soils, Mediterranean climate, and cooling sea breezes could produce wines that would stand alongside the greats of Europe. Into this adventurous atmosphere stepped David and Heather Watson. Enthusiastic, determined, and inspired by their love of Bordeaux, they planted their first Cabernet Sauvignon vines in 1973, establishing what would become the Woodlands vineyard. The land itself seemed destined for viticulture: gently sloping, well drained soils overlooking a peaceful valley. While the early years were far from easy weather challenges, small harvests, and the usual unpredictability of young vines the Watsons held firm. They weren’t simply growing grapes; they were laying the foundation for a generational legacy.
The Watsons didn’t have to wait long before their instincts were rewarded. Within less than a decade, Woodlands had bottled wines that captured both critics’ attention and the imagination of drinkers across Australia. Their Cabernet Sauvignons, in particular, began to gain a reputation for intensity, structure, and balance. It was a breakthrough moment not only for Woodlands but for Margaret River itself, as it demonstrated that the region could indeed produce wines to rival the world’s best.
By the 1980s, Woodlands had become a name synonymous with quality. The winery’s red blends drawing inspiration from Bordeaux but with a distinctly Margaret River identity offered depth and age worthiness while still being approachable in youth.
The Next Generation Steps In
The Watsons’ sons, Stuart (seen here on the right) and Andrew, had grown up among the vines, absorbing the rhythms of the vineyard and the values of their parents. In the early 2000s, both returned to the family business full time. Stuart took on the role of winemaker, bringing fresh energy and a technical precision that complemented his father’s traditionalist philosophy. Andrew focused on viticulture and operations, ensuring that the vineyards themselves were nurtured with the utmost care.
This second generation wasn’t interested in shortcuts or chasing fleeting trends. Instead, they doubled down on what made Woodlands unique: dry farmed vineyards, organic practices, hand picking, and an uncompromising focus on fruit quality. Under their stewardship, Woodlands expanded to include the nearby Woodlands Brook vineyard, adding diversity in soils and aspects that allowed for both refined Chardonnays and more complex expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Wines
At the heart of Woodlands lies Cabernet Sauvignon. The original vines planted in 1973 remain a treasured source of fruit, producing wines with remarkable intensity and the ability to age gracefully for decades. These Cabernets are often structured, with layers of cassis, mulberry, cedar, and earthy spice, yet they always retain a sense of elegance a definitive hallmark of Margaret River reds.
Alongside the flagship Cabernets, Woodlands crafts Bordeaux style blends that showcase the synergy between varieties such as Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. These blends often carry the names of family members, a reminder that each bottle is part of a living lineage. They are wines of harmony, where supple fruit is balanced by fine tannins and length.
Woodlands also produces Chardonnay that has earned a loyal following. From the cooler, well drained slopes of the Brook vineyard, the Chardonnay exhibits purity and finesse: citrus and white peach lifted by gentle oak influence, creamy texture, and a mineral backbone. These wines demonstrate that the family’s skill is not confined to reds alone.
Awards and Accolades
Recognition has followed Woodlands throughout its journey. From its earliest triumphs in the 1980s to its consistent presence in the rankings of Australia’s top wineries today, the estate has carved a place among the country’s most respected names. Its flagship Cabernets are often listed in fine wine classifications and receive glowing reviews from critics both in Australia and abroad. More importantly, they have earned the trust of wine lovers who return vintage after vintage, knowing that Woodlands delivers depth, elegance, and authenticity.
The Watson family itself has also been celebrated for their contribution to Margaret River. Their decades of dedication helped shape the identity of the region and inspired other growers to pursue excellence. Awards for lifetime achievement and service to the industry acknowledge what drinkers already know when they open a bottle: this is a family that pours heart and history into every glass.
