For Chris and Joanne Davies of Windows Estate, every decision begins with the land. The family-owned Margaret River estate has been farmed with a long-term mindset since Chris first planted the vineyard in 1996, at just 19 years old, with certified organic practices and a low-intervention approach designed to produce wines that reflect the site as faithfully as possible.
That philosophy isn't just about what's in the bottle – it's about caring for the property for generations to come. As Chris and Jo explain, "For us, organic farming is about long-term vision. Our children and future generations are at the heart of every decision we make to improve this land.
"Living and working on the property as its custodians builds a profound connection to the farm. This connection is the crucial element that allows us to craft wines that are the purest expression of our farm in any given season, a true reflection of this special site."
Of course, it helps that the estate calls Margaret River home. With the Indian and Southern oceans helping to moderate the climate, the region has long been one of Australia's premier wine-growing destinations.
For Chris and Jo, it's an environment that encourages restraint rather than intervention. "What we love about crafting wine in Margaret River is the sheer growing paradise it offers. Our unique temperate climate is shaped by the ocean on three sides, bringing cooling afternoon sea breezes that allow grapes to ripen slowly and beautifully. Surrounded by raw natural surroundings and ancient, pristine forests this incredible environmental consistency lets us step back, use minimal intervention, and let the pure fruit flavours truly shine."
Windows Estate's latest releases also highlight just how differently one season can unfold from the next. While 2022 delivered a classic, measured growing season, 2024 was the warmest and driest vintage the vineyard has experienced, with harvest beginning around four weeks earlier than usual. Despite those contrasting conditions, Chris and Jo say both vintages delivered wines with "incredible, vibrant fruit flavours."
Looking ahead, don't expect sweeping changes. The team isn't chasing expansion or bigger production. Instead, their goal remains refreshingly straightforward: "We have no plans to expand, only to continually improve."
To learn more about Windows Estate and its wines, visit windowsestate.com. You can also explore Jane Faulkners reviews of the Petit Lot Chardonnay 2024, Petit Lot Chenin Blanc 2024 and Petit Lot La Terre 2022 below.
-
Windows Estate wines
-
Windows Estate
Petit Lot Chardonnay 2024
Margaret RiverAcidity provides the tension coil holding this wine together. As expected, plenty of flavour within, all pink grapefruit and pomelo with dabs of lemon alongside a saline freshness. Superbly integrated oak adding spice, cedary sweetness and bolstering the palate; this is another excellent chardonnay from a producer who cares for the land thoughtfully, impeccably. It shows. -
Windows Estate
Petit Lot Chenin Blanc 2024
Margaret RiverSome wines make me happy, and this is one of them. The site is beautifully cared for with organic, dry-grown chenin blanc that is flavoursome, detailed and delicious. Hints of poached quince and lemon balm, Meyer lemon and a saline tang throughout. There’s texture thanks to well-handled phenolics, some spicy, cedary oak, fine lees and acidity leading this to a long finish. -
Windows Estate
Petit Lot La Terre 2022
Margaret RiverHand-picked sauvignon blanc bolstered by spending two days on skins, with half spending 11 months in clay vessels, the other half in used barriques. It’s a bright and light gold hue. There are aromatics aplenty, jasmine, melon skin, sugar snaps with tangy fruit, all citrus, especially mandarin and pomelo, plus a hint of barely ripe greengage plums. It’s all about texture here, with fine lees and tannins shaping the palate.
