A Place We Chose: Creating Wine in Australia's Most Isolated Wine Region

There's something magical about making wine at the edge of the world. Here in Frankland River, Western Australia's most isolated wine region, we're reminded daily of the profound privilege it is to work with this extraordinary landscape that our family chose over 75 years ago.

When my grandmother Netta first named our property "Alkoomi" – meaning "a place we chose" in the local Indigenous language – she couldn't have known how perfectly that name would capture our family's enduring connection to this land. From those first pioneering vines planted by my parents in 1971 to today's thriving vineyard, every vintage tells a story of our family's commitment to letting this unique terroir speak through our wines.

The isolation of Frankland River is both our challenge and our greatest blessing. Nestled in Western Australia's deep south, our vineyards benefit from a truly distinctive environment. The Mediterranean climate, with its cool nights and warm days blessed with long sunlight hours, creates perfect conditions for our vines. Our ironstone-based gravelly soils, weathered over millennia, impart a mineral signature that makes our wines unmistakably Frankland River.

This isolation has shaped our approach to winemaking in profound ways. When you're this far from everywhere, you learn to work in harmony with the land rather than against it. As my father always said, "let the land speak." These words guide everything we do at Alkoomi, from our sustainable farming practices to our winemaking philosophy. We've learned that our role is not to impose our will on the vineyard, but to be its careful steward, allowing each vintage to express its unique character.

Our cool climate gives us the privilege of producing wines of exceptional finesse and longevity. The region has become internationally recognized for our Shiraz and Riesling, varieties that thrive in our unique conditions. The way these grapes slowly ripen in our climate, developing intense flavors while maintaining beautiful natural acidity, is something you can only achieve in a place like Frankland River.

But what makes this place truly special goes beyond the technical aspects of viticulture. It's about the community we've built, the dedication of our team who are like family to us, and the joy of sharing our wines with people who appreciate the story in every bottle. When you open a bottle of Alkoomi wine, you're not just tasting the fruit of our vines – you're experiencing a piece of our family's legacy, a legacy that began with a bold decision to plant those first vines in what was then purely sheep and grain farming country.

As we look to the future, we're excited to see the next generation bringing fresh perspectives while honouring our traditions. Working alongside my daughter Laura and her husband Tim, I'm reminded daily that wine is about evolution as much as it is about tradition. Their commitment to innovation while maintaining our connection to the land gives me confidence that Alkoomi will continue to produce wines that speak authentically of this special place we chose.

In a world that moves ever faster, there's something profound about making wine in one of the most isolated wine regions in the world. It keeps us grounded, connected to the rhythms of nature, and committed to creating wines that truly reflect their origin. Every bottle we produce is a testament to the unique character of Frankland River and the generations of family who have called this remarkable place home.

From our family's table to yours, we invite you to experience the distinctive wines of Frankland River – wines that tell the story of our land, our family, and our commitment to crafting authentic wines that bring people together.

Love Sandy x