The origin of Rockcliffe was an 18 acre expanse of apple orchards planted early in the 1900’s in the rich Scotsdale Valley region of Denmark in the Great Southern, Western Australia. In the late 1980’s, a local family acquired the property for its fertile soils and position for long afternoon sunshine with cool ocean breezes. It was christened Matilda’s Meadow and the planting of dry grown vines commenced. The Pinot and Chardonnay vines were the first planted in the district in 1987.
Our brands reflect our love of the ocean and how important it is to the vineyard. Located less than 15km from the Southern Ocean, we are gifted with sea breezes all summer to cool the vineyard, creating the perfect conditions for the slow ripening, cool climate styles that symbolize the Great Southern.
In 2002 Dr Steve Hall, a geologist, became the new owner and, under his enthusiastic direction, Matilda’s Estate underwent a refurbishment of the cellar door. 2007 resulted in the building of a brand new winery facilitating the production of 50,000 cases of wine per year and signalled a new stage in the evolution of the brand and business.
In 2013 Matilda’s Meadow became Rockcliffe, named for the stretch of 100m high granite rock cliffs that dominate the eastern end of Denmark’s main bay. The same granite lies beneath the winery and gives distinctive characteristics to the wine.
Awards started to flow with the Trophy for Best WA Winery under 300 tonnes at the 2012 Royal Perth Wine Show and Rockcliffe received the 2014 Most Improved Winery Award in the West Australian Wine Guide 2014. Rockcliffe is rated as 5 red stars in James Halliday Wine Companion.
Today the Rockcliffe team is working hard to produce some of the best wines in Western Australia.
Rockcliffe produces different ranges of wine under its name (Single Site, Third Reef, Quarram Rocks, and Rivage) and at the same time operates as a modern contract winery business.
The promise to clients is‚”to retain the integrity of the growers grape variety. No mixed batches. The grower’s grape, wine and reputation are maintained and enhanced not compromised.”
