The Moss Wood Winery You Know, The Story You May Not

Established as a specialist, high-quality winery, Moss Wood winery still works on the belief that all the decisions made in the vineyard or at the winery are based on the effect they will have on the quality of the wines produced.





The winemakers at Margaret River reassess their soil management practices frequently along with the performance of their vines. This enables them to understand the viticulture of the region and deliver the best results in the vineyard.

Purchased in 1969 by Bill and Sandra Pannell, the Moss Wood land witnessed the plantation of the first cabernet vines. Considering the soil, consistency and suitable climatic conditions for growing grapes, Bill chose the site to live his passion of growing great grape varieties of France.

However, the first vintage at Moss Wood wines was produced in 1973 where 250 dozen bottles of wine were made. Five acres of Semillon was planted in the same year and it was the first white variety for the Moss Wood. It became possible with cuttings imported from California. The first crop of Semillon was harvested in 1976.

In the following year, Keith Mugford arrived at the winery after graduating in Viticulture & Oenology and within a short period of three years, he was appointed the winemaker at the winery.

The couple, Clare and Keith Mugford leased the Moss Wood vineyard and winery in 1984 and became managing partners of the then 20 acre vineyard and small winery producing 3,000 cases of wine annually.

In July 1985 after negotiation, the Mugfords assumed full ownership of the vineyard and winery.

Their exacting viticulture ensures the production of grapes of excellent quality & they have created a stable of fine wines distinguished by their consistency over each vintage & their ability to age superbly.

With time, the Moss Wood & Mugford have become synonymous with uncompromising quality.

A significant amount of effort goes into developing an appropriate style for each of the varieties but the Cabernet Sauvignon, being the first wine, was their primary focus at the time.

The inspiration came from the great wines of Bordeaux after carefully examining the style of numerous of that region’s wines in the search for clues.

At Moss Wood, the quality of wine is determined in the vineyard and viticultural techniques are constantly reassessed and informed by current research, both of others and self discovered. This has seen trials and improvements in soil conservation practices and pruning practices.

All these efforts come out of pure passion and commitment to deliver the best to the masses.

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