“Raise a glass”, PRIMOlife Perth – Fergal Gleeson

Moss Wood was founded in 1969 and has been owned and managed by Keith and Clare Mugford, two of the loveliest people you’ll meet, for the past 30 years or so. Over that time, they have carefully developed their range of wines while still being focussed on quality rather than volume.

Moss Wood is best known for its delicious cabernets which are excellent. Its merlot is also a contender for best in Australia.

Keith points out that Moss Wood was also a very early adopter in Australia of pinot noir and chardonnay. for which they’re highly regarded. The great wines of Burgundy are still the reference point for Keith, although he is not trying to recreate the Cotes de Nuits in Wilyabrup.The wines are true to their sense of place.

As a husband and wife winemaking team, Keith and Clare joke that they see a lot of each other but, as in ancient farming tradition, it works! Their philosophy is about keeping it simple. Keith emphasises that vintage conditions and the land have a much bigger impact than man-made interventions in determining the wine in the bottle. They know they’ve got some special vineyards and the mission is to make the best possible wine every year.

Moss Wood’s wine tasting tour at their cellars is highly regarded by wine buffs.You can taste wine from the barrel and tank and visit the museum for back vintages. Tastings are by appointment only.