Alkoomi

Alkoomi is one of the Frankland River region's founding wineries, established in 1971 at a time when few producers were taking a serious look at this remote corner of south-west Western Australia. More than five decades on, it remains family-owned and continues to make the case for Frankland River as a premium cool-climate wine district.

Located around 270 kilometres south-east of Perth and 35 kilometres inland from Denmark, the winery sits in a landscape of rolling hills with a distinctive karri forest backdrop — a long way from the tourist trails of Margaret River, but well worth the drive for those with an interest in what cool-climate WA can produce.

The Wines

Alkoomi's core range focuses on three varieties: riesling, shiraz, and cabernet sauvignon. Of these, riesling is the standout, and the region's conditions explain why — cooler nights and an extended growing season allow the variety to develop the kind of natural acidity and complexity that makes it age well. It's worth asking the cellar door team about back vintages, as the wine shop stocks older releases that give a useful picture of how the wines develop over time.

Shiraz and cabernet sauvignon both draw on the region's limestone soils and moderate temperatures, which help retain structure and freshness in the finished wines. Maritime influences from the nearby Southern Ocean play a role in tempering what could otherwise be a warm growing season.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door has a casual, welcoming character that reflects the region's unhurried pace. Tastings of the core range are available, and the setting includes views across the vineyard. For those who want more context around what they're tasting, guided tours of the vineyard and production facilities can be arranged — particularly useful for groups with a genuine interest in the winemaking process.

The wine shop carries back vintages and limited releases alongside the current range, making it a reasonable stop for anyone looking to add something less common to their collection.

Food and dining options are available on-site. For current details on what's offered — whether that's platters, a menu, or picnic arrangements — it's worth checking the website or calling ahead, as these things can change seasonally.

The Vineyard

Frankland River sits in the broader Great Southern wine zone, and its combination of cool nights, limestone soils, and maritime influence gives it a distinct identity within Western Australian wine. Alkoomi's vineyards reflect these conditions directly — riesling in particular performs well here due to the longer hang time the climate allows, while the red varieties benefit from warmth during the day without losing acidity overnight.

History

Alkoomi was among the first wineries to plant vines in the Frankland River region, doing so in 1971 when the district had no real profile as a wine-producing area. Its early presence helped demonstrate what the region was capable of, and its longevity as a family-owned operation gives it a continuity that's relatively unusual in Australian wine. That founding role is part of what makes a visit here more than just a tasting — there's a genuine sense of place and history attached to the property.

Getting There

The winery is accessible via well-maintained regional roads from the South Western Highway. It's a straightforward drive, and the approach is suitable for caravans. On-site parking is available for standard vehicles, and the winery can accommodate caravans and coaches — though it's worth confirming access requirements directly if you're travelling with a larger vehicle or group.

There is no public transport to the cellar door, so a private vehicle is essential.

Visitor Tips

• Allow 1.5–2 hours for a comfortable tasting and a walk around the vineyard
• Book tours in advance if you're visiting as a group
• Check the wine shop for back vintages and limited releases not available elsewhere
• Combine the visit with other Frankland River cellar doors for a full day out — the region has a small but worthwhile cluster of producers
• Timing matters: autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November) offer the most pleasant conditions for visiting. If you're travelling during harvest (February–March), there's added activity around the winery. Mid-week visits tend to be quieter than weekends