Today, the Geographical Indications Committee has made an ‘interim determination’ recognising Wilyabrup as a ‘geographical indication’ within Western Australia’s Margaret River wine region.

This would effectively make Wilyabrup the first sub-region of Margaret River, much like how Great Southern has Albany, Mount Barker, Frankland River etc. The benefit for producers is that they can now use Wilyabrup on wine labels with the knowledge that the region is now defined by law, functioning much like an appellation would in European countries.

Of course, this isn’t final as submissions are still open until March 2020. But given that it is a straightforward move (and welcome, really), the only potential ructions will come from the GI boundaries.

Otherwise, you could start seeing Wilyabrup more prominently on wine labels for 2020 vintage wines.

More details here.