Amato Vino — Attraction in Witchcliffe

We braced ourselves against the icy weather today and drove to Witchcliffe to taste wines at Amato Vino. Our hostess was Chelsea, who explained the wines and prepared a delicious cheese platter for us, with local cheese, chutney, olives, quince paste, crackers and grissini.

The wines are quite different to most of the varieties that one usually tries in WA. Nice to see a Marsanne and a white with verdhello amongst its grape varieties. There is quite an Italian style to some of the wines.

At the back of Amato Vino is an old building which is slowly being restored. It is really worthwhile to look at it. It contains a coffee shop which is open in the mornings only. An artist uses another small space there.

A nice little surprise in Redgate Rd, which you might walk or drive straight past, unaware of the activity inside. Take the...

Amazing wine tasting. Having known this business for a number of years when it was Wines by Brad he has taken it to another level with the latest varieties. Each of the 5 tastings were unique and all good quality. As a red drinker I might even be convinced to give the whites a go after this tasting. The cheese platter, all local product, is recommended to enhance this experience. James the host was fun, engaging, and very knowledgeable about the wines and made this tasting the best we have ever had. (Took a couple of dozen home). All set in an old heritage listed building I highly recommend it. PS. Don't forget to have a great coffee and cake at Witchy...

Great little winery door in Witchcliffe. Really nice to see different grape varieties (especially the Italians) in Margaret River other than the standard Chardonnay and Cab Sauv. Really compelling takes on some mainstream wines as well, Brad is an inventive gent. Interested, interesting and funny staff (James might get a marriage proposal from the East coast shortly). I really suggest a visit here rather than the same old big names constantly touted on web...