AMATO VINO

Margaret River, Perth, Western Australia

Artisanal Low-Intervention Wines from Margaret River

Amato Vino is a boutique winery that captures the essence of Margaret River's terroir through a distinctive low-intervention approach. This small-batch producer creates very special wines of character, blending traditional practices with modern creativity to showcase both classic Margaret River varieties and adventurous Mediterranean styles.

Winery Overview

Established in 2003 by owner/winemaker Brad Wehr, Amato Vino has grown from its humble beginnings to become one of the top artisanal wine producers in Western Australia. Based in Margaret River (not Perth as sometimes mistakenly noted), the winery embraces a 'lo-fi' winemaking philosophy that celebrates minimal intervention and traditional processes.

Amato Vino works with a carefully selected group of independent growers who share their sustainable farming philosophy, ensuring fruit quality that reflects their commitment to environmental stewardship. Their partnership with growers allows them to access premium fruit while maintaining control over their distinctive winemaking approach.

The winery's production remains deliberately small-scale, with an annual capacity of approximately 5,000 dozen bottles. This limited production allows for meticulous attention to detail and enables Brad Wehr to experiment with unconventional varieties and techniques that might not be feasible on a larger scale. So, when you get your hands on these special wines, savour the moment!

Winemaking Philosophy

At the heart of Amato Vino's approach is what they call 'lo-fi' winemaking—a philosophy that celebrates traditional methods while minimizing modern interventions. This includes:

• Embracing wild fermentation with native yeasts
• Minimal adjustments and additions in the winery
• Gentle handling throughout the winemaking process
• Unfined and unfiltered wines that preserve natural character
• Use of unconventional vessels for fermentation and maturation

As they describe it, they are "hands-on in terms of the grunt work, the care and guidance, but with a hands-off approach to the science of winemaking". This balance creates wines with authentic expression and a sense of place, representing "an old-school approach yet with a modern flare for creativity and adventure".

The Winemaker

Brad Wehr established Amato Vino in 2003 and continues to serve as both owner and winemaker. Under his guidance, the winery has developed a reputation for innovative approaches to traditional winemaking and exploration of alternative varieties.

Wehr's approach balances respect for Margaret River's established reputation for varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay with an adventurous spirit that has led him to experiment with Mediterranean varieties rarely seen in the region. His creativity extends to different winemaking techniques, fermentation vessels, and even label design, with wines packaged under labels featuring in-house artworks, designs, and photography.

Vineyard and Terroir

While Amato Vino's winery is located just southwest of Margaret River township, they work with vineyards throughout the Margaret River region. Their primary focus is on Western Australian fruit, particularly from Margaret River's cool Mediterranean climate where they source both classic varieties and rare Mediterranean grapes.

Since 2012, Amato Vino has also partnered with Ricca Terra Farms in South Australia's Riverland region, creating a project that allows them to work with hot-climate Mediterranean varieties. This multi-region approach gives them access to a diverse palette of grape varieties and expressions.

Recognition

Amato Vino has been recognized by James Halliday in his Australian Wine Companion, establishing their credentials within the Australian wine community.

For those looking to experience Margaret River beyond the conventional varieties and approaches, Amato Vino offers a compelling exploration of what's possible when traditional winemaking meets creative experimentation in Western Australia's premier wine region.