NA ="Boyup Brook, Dinninup, Muradup, Kojonup,";
FE1[0]=" The Blackwood Valley Wine Region of Western Australia was recognised in December 1998. The region covers the Local Government Shires of Boyup Brook, Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Nannup and the southern part of Donnybrook-Balingup. The ";
FE2[0]="area follows the middle reaches of the Blackwood River Valley. There are over 50 vineyards and more than 10 wine producers within the region, ranging from very small to large commercial vineyards and wineries. The main varieties a";
FE3[0]="re Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Chardonnay, with smaller plantings of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Riesling, Merlot and Pinot Noir. Lush green pastures, winding rivers, forests, and orchards surround the region. Winter months brin";
FE4[0]="g infamous misty mornings with most accommodation providing cosy log fires, while the springtime shows a delightful spread of flowers both from private and public gardens. The area is ideal for picnicking, swimming, canoeing, scen";
FE5[0]="ic drives and bushwalking.Also in the area is the Boyup Brook Grapevine, which is a huge grape vine, which the residents of Boyup Brook believe to be the largest in Australia and possibly the largest in the world. The story of the";
FE6[0]=" vine has the quality of a folk tale. The current owner's grandmother, over 100 years ago, brought a piece of grapevine back from Bridgetown as a switch for flicking the horses, which were pulling her sulky. She planted it and, ov";
FE7[0]="er 100 years later, it has grown into a huge, single grape vine. To view this remarkable vine, ask at the Boyup Brook Tourist Centre. It is located on a farm about 8 km out of Boyup Brook just off the Donnybrook Road.";
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LA1[0]=" The soils are part of the Darling Plateau System. They are mostly well-drained, gravelly loams over clay. Soils are varied throughout reflecting the general topography. Alluvial soils have been deposited on the floors of steep sid";
LA2[0]="ed valleys and more gravelly thinner soil on the slopes. The vineyards are mostly planted on well-drained gravelly loam soils. Most of the area is part of the Darling Plateau System with narrow plateau remnants, moderately incised";
LA3[0]=" valleys, gravel and gravelly soils on divides, yellow soils and red earth on valley slopes. Much of the region is very suitable for viticulture with suitable water being a limiting factor for many enterprises. Irrigation and grou";
LA4[0]="ndwater use have been investigated.";
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CL1[0]=" The climate is Mediterranean with dry summers and cool wet winters. The elevation varies from 100 metres in the west to 340 metres in the east and this reflects variation in climate. The climate grades from cool to warmish at the ";
CL2[0]="north eastern end of the valley. Although the seasons are distinct the variation between summer and winter daytime temperatures is little more that 10°C (50 F). Winter does see occasional frosts which have caused minor damage when";
CL3[0]=" occurring in spring time. The Blackwood Valley is on the same latitude as Margaret River but being further inland has a more continently climate of cooler winters and slightly warmer summers. Mean January temperature is around 20";
CL4[0]=".7°C. Annual rainfall is 600-800mm. The major differences compared with Margaret River are the more continental climate, with winter frosts sometimes extending into spring (with crop losses) and a slightly higher summer time tempe";
CL5[0]="rature range than Margaret River.";
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HI1[0]=" The first plantings in the region were Blackwood Crest in 1976, Rifici's block in the early 80's and Scotts Brook a little later. The potential for grapes and wine production was realised in the 1990's when traditional farms in th";
HI2[0]="e region began to diversify. Since settlement in the late 1800's, wool, cereal crops, mixed farming and horticulture have provided the four tiny towns of Boyup Brook, Bridgetown, Nannup and Balingup in the Blackwood River catchmen";
HI3[0]="t with a good income and pleasurable lifestyle. Over the years a diverse variety of crops have flourished in the mild environment of the valley; from apples and stonefruit, to flax and tobacco. Today the income from grapes and win";
HI4[0]="e is a valuable addition to the region's income. North east of Boyup Brook, Blackwood Crest at 300 metres above sea level, was the pioneer commercial planting in 1976. Farming on land originally taken up by his grandparents, Max F";
HI5[0]="airbrass believed wholeheartedly in the region's ability to produce premium wines. Development of the Blackwood Crest winery commenced almost immediately. Medals, awards and trophies rewarded his efforts in a few short years. It w";
HI6[0]="as another 11 years before the next new wine producers appeared. Scotts Brook, a partnership of farmers and school teachers, commenced planting in 1987 and produced their first commercial vintage in 1991. Lauren Brook was planted ";
HI7[0]="in 1989 and the winery was created in a renovated 80 year-old barn in 1992. The first wines were made in 1993 and the first cellar door sales in August of the same year. Medal winning winemaker, Steve Bullied and wife Laurie combi";
HI8[0]="ne the winery with a bed and breakfast business in the historic Windsor Cottage. While recognized as premium red grape growing region, producing good sugar-acid balance and soft tannins, white varieties grown in the Blackwood Vall";
HI9[0]="ey are now being sought by wineries outside the region.";