Family-owned and operated, Jilyara is located in Wilyabrup, in the heart of the Margaret River wine region. The Cotterell family put down roots when the vineyard was planted in 1996. Today, these maturing vines sit on a north-south slope amongst undulating valleys, shielded from the elements by a nature reserve. The nine-hectare vineyard is worked by Craig, from mulching to pruning to netting, with minimal use of contract plant keeping the volume low, all the better to hear the rolling of the surf and the buzzing of bees.

The bees keep busy in four hives at the corners of their vineyard. Their role has less to do with the immediate attention of the vines—the vines already receive plenty of love from Craig and his family—rather the bees support the healthy ecosystem surrounding the vineyard. And their importance is recognised by the winery. The winery’s icon is of the golden bee and the name ‘Jilyara’ is derived from ‘Djilyaro’, meaning ‘bees’ in the local indigenous Noongar language.

Jilyara offers wines across three tiers–The Williams’ Block, Heath Road and the delightfully named Honeycomb Corner.