Easter 1973
Born from a love of Bordeaux Cabernet blends- and a dream to create a stellar wine of their own - David and Heather found the place they were dreaming of.
Heather had grown up in southern Margaret River, and on a trip back to the region in Easter 1973 David and Heather found a small property for sale.
The property was located on Caves Road in Wilyabrup. The soil was loam over gravel and clay, with slopes in every direction forming it's own unique valley, with a water course running through.
The property was called "Woodlands" and was to become was one of the first five vineyards of the Margaret River region.
1973 - 1980
The first planting comprised of 1.2 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon in rows heading east-west along the contour of the property.
A further 2 hectares were planted between 1974 and 1976, comprising Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.
Without irrigation (and with an attack by neighbouring cows one year) the vines took many years to develop, and no wine was produced of any real quantity until 1981.
1981 - 1988
Woodlands came to fame early on with the release of the 1981 'Andrew' Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine took out trophies for Best Red Wine at the Perth Wine Show, the Mt Barker Wine Show and the National Wine Show.
This wine was the first from Margaret River to achieve a National Red Wine Trophy. Subsequent Cabernets made by David Watson won trophies and critical acclaim across the country.
1989
Despite early success, by 1989 Woodlands had almost ceased production. Cabernet Sauvignon fruit was sold to keep the dream alive, while the other varieties were unsold.
After discussion with his great friend Peter Anderson, David created a "right bank" blend comprising equal parts Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Our "Emily" was born.
1992
In 1992 Woodlands, David and Heather decided to introduce a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. This wine was named "Margaret" after Heather's great grandmother.
Between 1996 and 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec were planted on the southern half of the vineyard.
Woodlands Vineyard was complete, with 10 hectares of vines planted.
1999
Woodlands began to re-establish itself. Sons Staurt and Andrew Watson began investing more and more time in the vineyards and wines. Andrew took responsibility in the vineyard operations, and Stuart the winemaking.
Stuart and partner Shelley's daughter was born in 1999. This was also the first year Woodlands Vineyard Chardonnay was made again in the burgundian style, and the Chardonnay adopted her name "Chloe".
2007
In 2007 the Watson family purchased the Woodlands Brook vineyard, located on Puzey road in the Wilyabrup Valley, 2 kilometres inland from Woodlands.
With Woodlands Brook, the Watsons see a great opportunity to plant more Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon on free-draining, south facing Wilyabrup soils.
While Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec were planted, there was no Cabernet Sauvignon. 5 hectares were planted in 2008, without irrigation.
2010 - 2016
In 2010 David and Heather were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Margaret River Wine Industry Association.
In 2016 David & Heather were the joint recipients of the prestigious Jack Mann Memorial Medal. The medal is awarded annually to those who have made a significant contribution to the WA Wine Industry. Woodlands’ premier wine, the Cabernet Sauvignon, is still made from the same planting originally made by David and Heather in 1973.
2015
The first Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from Woodlands Brook - 20 barrels of powerful tannic wine - and too good to blend away. So a new single vineyard blend was created.
Andrew and Marie lived on the property, and their daugher happened to be born that same year, so the wine took the name "Clementine".
