Leeuwin Estate

The story of Leeuwin Estate began in 1972 when Denis and Tricia Horgan purchased a grazing property in the Margaret River region, inspired by the pioneering vision of legendary Californian winemaker Robert Mondavi, who identified the site's extraordinary potential for producing fine wines. The estate takes its name from Cape Leeuwin, the south-western tip of Australia, named by Dutch explorers in 1622. The first vines were planted in 1974, and the inaugural vintage was released in 1979, marking the beginning of what would become one of Australia's most celebrated wine estates. From the outset, Leeuwin Estate set ambitious standards, focusing on premium varietals and employing meticulous viticultural practices. The winery gained international acclaim in the 1980s when its Art Series Chardonnay received extraordinary praise from critics worldwide, establishing Margaret River as a world-class wine region. Each vintage label features commissioned artwork from leading contemporary Australian artists, reflecting the estate's commitment to the marriage of fine wine and art. Over four decades, Leeuwin Estate has remained family-owned and operated, with the Horgan family's dedication to excellence ensuring that the estate continues to produce wines of outstanding quality whilst contributing significantly to Australia's reputation on the global wine stage.