Pop a Cork Tours | Ferguson Valley

Before I got engaged and went into planning mode to organise a wedding in 4 months, we enjoyed a little adventure through one of my favourite parts of the world, Ferguson Valley. A real gem in the Bunbury Geographe region, rolling hills, lush pastures, stunning vineyards, delicious food and wonderful people. I was lucky enough to grow up on the doorstep of this pristine region and am so glad that in recent years it’s gaining the attention and accolades it deserves.

We had the perfect day cruising with Lisa from Pop a Cork tours in her beautiful 1968 convertible mustang, talk about doing a wine tour in style! Lisa was a great host and she shares the same passion for the region. A great way to gather some friends or your partner to check out what the region has to offer. You can also book the car for special events or weddings.

We started the day at Hackersley Winery, an inviting, cosy space overlooking a gorgeous lake, with bookshelves and artwork, I felt right at home. They have a great list of wines available to taste in the cellar door (we loved the Verdelho and the Rosé) and a lovely restaurant specialising in long lunches. The restaurant, run by Aaron and Adrie Devitt, have a constantly evolving degustation menu, they have recently shortened it slightly to provided more options for those wanting to fit a lot into their day while still wanting to enjoy their yummy food and special little spot in the Valley.

Then we were off to St Aidan Wines to see the lovely Phil and Mary Smith and enjoy a tasty ploughmans platter accompanied with a glass of their fabulous sparkling. There is a strong focus on family at this family run winery with many of their wines named after family members. The restaurant, with its produce driven, home-style meals is always full of families, with a big grassed area for the kids to run around. After some lunch we enjoyed a wine tasting in the cellar door, my favourites are always the Wooded Chardonnay, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and the Zena Muscat.

Our last stop of the day was Green Door Wines, a very picturesque location with views all the way to Bunbury. Ash and Kath Keeffe have a real focus on making wines with fruit from mostly Spanish and Italian origin as well as utilising some amphora clay pots. Wine tasting here is conducted at the table with the wines in little carafes with tasting notes so you can relax and take your time. We enjoyed more tasty morsels with the 100 mile platter and my stand out wines were the Chardonnay and all of the Amphora wines, I may have naughtily talked hubby into taking some home with us!

Only 25 minutes from Bunbury, just over an hour from Margaret River and just over 2 hours from Perth, Ferguson Valley makes for a great day out or weekend stay. Plenty for the whole family to do and some lovely options for that romantic getaway! And while I love that more people are discovering our hidden gem (Green Door Wines recently won ‘Best Small Cellar Door’ and St Aidan Wines won ‘Cellar Door with Best Food’ in the 2019 Gourmet Traveller Cellar Door Awards) I also selfishly want to keep it a little bit of a secret....sssshhhhh

But in all seriousness, what are you waiting for, get out there and explore!