The Habitat Series Volume 2

In Volume 2 of our HABITAT series, we catch up with Voyager Estate Viticulture Technical Officer, Alex Miller. 

Alex has lived in Margaret River for 15 years and has been a mainstay of the Voyager Viticulture Team for 11 years. That’s a tenure to be proud of, and we’re thrilled that she keeps bringing her knowledge, good humour and love of the land to our vines. 

We asked Alex what got her into Viticulture: “My dad,” she answers. “He was (vaguely) working with the wine sector back in the day. I always knew I had a ‘science brain’ but it was Dad who gently steered me towards the nectar of the gods!” Asked what she might have been if not a Viticulturalist, Alex says, “Something to do with people...this extrovert is wasted on the plants!” There’s that good humour we know and love! 

Having been at Voyager for 11 years, Alex has certainly seen a few vintages and experienced some change, not to mention the journey of our vines to Certified Organic, the first of which were certified as of this year. We asked Alex what her proudest moment has been in her time at Voyager. “The 40th Anniversary weekend. Having a chance to celebrate and reflect upon many years of toil. Hosting the couple who planted the original Estate vines and hearing them say that we took their babies and turned it in to something so magnificent, was a fulfilling farmer moment.”  

For those of who you would like to revisit our 40th weekend celebrations, visit our Instagram story highlights to see some of the action from the weekend.

 

To finish off our chat, here are a few quick-fire answers about what Alex loves about our Region: 

What is your favourite way to unwind in Margaret River? “A long lunch – with lots of delicious wine – with friends at one of our amazing local haunts.”

What was the last bottle of Margaret River wine you opened that you loved? “Love my Chardy – Stevens Rd Chardonnay by Xanadu. Yum!”

Top 3 beaches/ sundowner spots? “Boranup Beach, Deepdene and Little Redgate. No matter the wind direction, one of these spots will have a protected nook.”

A little known fact about you? “I’ve been part of the same book club for 13 years. We have digested a lot of words....and wine!”

What wine jargon term is your least favourite? “Ah there’s so many; ‘unctuous’ is probably up there!”

 

You can catch more from Alex, including her top things to do with her dog, Nudge, in Margaret River, in our Instagram stories. 

Habitat - A Series by Voyager Estate

A sense of place has always been important to us, today more than ever. Our special part of the world is one for sharing - so we'd like to invite you in to meet some of our team, to share some stories, and highlight what we love about our Region. 

This week we feature our Wine Room Manager, Rhianna. Having grown up an hour north of Margaret River in Dardanup, the South West has always been home to Rhianna. Asked what her favourite thing about Margaret River is, she says, 'The lifestyle, I'm a country girl at heart... I love wide open spaces, fresh air, beautiful countryside - the food and wine's not too bad either!'

We asked Rhianna how she would describe Margaret River in three words, 'Community (it's all about the people); Lush (in its stunning scenery, produce, food and wine); and Peaceful (there's no hustle and bustle here).' 

Her favourite wine style?  'I'm a massive Chardonnay fan! Such an incredible variety with so much diversity, from the different regions that produce it to all the possible variations in the winemaking process. From something lighter and fresher for a hot day in the sunshine to something rich and complex paired with a beautiful meal, the options are endless.'

Rhianna's favourite local Chardonnays include Heydon Estate's The Willow Chardonnay which she dubs 'Everything I want in Chardonnay,' as well as Voyager Estate's 2017 Chardonnay: 'This is my go-to wine! I just love how balanced this wine is, it's got everything, lovely aromatics, beautiful fruit, complex palate, great texture, bit of creaminess, great acid drive and a touch of minerality. Always delicious and approachable on release but a great wine to put in the cellar too!'

What to pair it with? Rhianna suggests whole roasted chicken with butter under the skin ('for extra crunch') with some sides of crunchy duck fat potatoes. 'The ultimate comfort food.'

Rhianna takes her love of food and wine to the next level with her own Blog, titled 'A Curious Road'. 'This is based on my passion for food and wine and our incredible region - most of my camera roll is full of food photos and I'm always up for a long winery lunch (this even featured in both mine and my husband's wedding vows)!'. You can check out Rhianna's blog on @acuriousroad on Instagram.

Check back in for our next Habitat instalment, coming soon...   

Estate closure for the time being

Dear guests, customers, partners and friends

The time has come 

In response to COVID-19 and the Australian Government’s directive to restrict restaurants, cafés and other places of social gathering to takeaway sales only, at Voyager Estate we will be closing to the public for the time being, effective immediately.  This includes the Gardens, Wine Room and Restaurant.  Guests with upcoming reservations will be contacted directly by our team in the coming days.

Whilst having to take this action saddens us deeply, we support the Government’s decision and encourage all Australians to follow the protective measures being put into place.  We are going to miss seeing you all during this period and it is important to us that you, our staff and partners stay safe and well.  

Nature doesn’t take a break, so we will have our vineyard team continuing to take care of our vines and, as vintage comes to a close in the next week or so, we have already implemented strict protocols at the winery to ensure the wines are locked safely away.  In spite of it all, the 2020 vintage from Margaret River has been absolutely sensational so let’s hope that this year is also memorable for something wonderful.

Most importantly, we will continue to have wine, grape juice and gift packs available for sale online and by phone.  You will continue to hear from us via email and on social channels, and our team will be on hand to provide whatever sustenance you need to get through this.  

Whilst the gates are shut, we are not closed in spirit.  We look forward to sharing stories of vineyard happenings and hearing your anecdotes of wines consumed in interesting and unexpected ways.  And we can’t wait to welcome you back again to Voyager Estate.  That will be real cause to pop open a bottle of bubbly… on the house!

Our very best wishes and good health to you all,

Alexandra Burt and the Voyager Estate Team

Estate closure

 

Dear guests, customers, partners and friends

The time has come 

In response to COVID-19 and the Australian Government’s directive to restrict restaurants, cafés and other places of social gathering to takeaway sales only, at Voyager Estate we will be closing to the public for the time being, effective immediately.  This includes the Gardens, Wine Room and Restaurant.  Guests with upcoming reservations will be contacted directly by our team in the coming days.

Whilst having to take this action saddens us deeply, we support the Government’s decision and encourage all Australians to follow the protective measures being put into place.  We are going to miss seeing you all during this period and it is important to us that you, our staff and partners stay safe and well.  

Nature doesn’t take a break, so we will have our vineyard team continuing to take care of our vines and, as vintage comes to a close in the next week or so, we have already implemented strict protocols at the winery to ensure the wines are locked safely away.  In spite of it all, the 2020 vintage from Margaret River has been absolutely sensational so let’s hope that this year is also memorable for something wonderful.

Most importantly, we will continue to have wine, grape juice and gift packs available for sale online and by phone.  You will continue to hear from us via email and on social channels, and our team will be on hand to provide whatever sustenance you need to get through this.  

Whilst the gates are shut, we are not closed in spirit.  We look forward to sharing stories of vineyard happenings and hearing your anecdotes of wines consumed in interesting and unexpected ways.  And we can’t wait to welcome you back again to Voyager Estate.  That will be real cause to pop open a bottle of bubbly… on the house!

Our very best wishes and good health to you all,

Alexandra Burt and the Voyager Estate Team

A message from our Restaurant

19th March 2020

 

We look forward to welcoming you to the Voyager Estate Restaurant in the coming days and we remain open for lunch bookings daily from 11.30am.

In light of the current situation regarding Covid-19,  please make note of the current conditions of entry for dining in our Restaurant:

*You and your guests have been in Australia for longer than 14-days

*You and your guests display no symptoms of ill health, specifically cold, flu or raised temperature.

*You and your guests respect our chosen measures of hygiene and social-distancing during service.

*You and your guests, apply strict personal hygiene measures of hand washing and sanitising during the course of your visit.

 

If you are unable to meet these requirements, in the interest of staff and guests we ask that you save your visit for another day.

Please feel free to contact us 08 9757 6354 or emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for further information.

Thank you for your understanding.