Hackersley

Hackersley was founded by the Ovens, Stacey and Hewitt families, friends since their university days, and with (so they say) the misguided belief that growing and making their own wine would be cheaper than buying it (now owned solely by Jeff and Kerry Ovens). They found a ‘little piece of paradise in the Ferguson Valley just south of Dardanup', and in 1998 they planted just under 8ha, extended since then to
12ha; interestingly, they turned their back on chardonnay. Plantings have been extended to include tempranillo, petit verdot and mondeuse, with vermentino planned. Most of the crop is sold to Houghton, but a small quantity is made for the Hackersley label. The Ovens family recently sold the business but remain involved in the winery and cellar door. (JH) -JAMES HALLIDAY