Who Are We?
Over seven years ago, a group of people from various parts of Australia,
with a shared love for all things fine in food and wine, had a vision
of collaborating to produce the finest of wines and establishing the largest
trufferie in the southern hemisphere.
The enthusiasm and expertise of this group led them to a small, rich
horticultural region of Western Australia. Nestled between the mighty
Jarrah and Karri forests east of Margaret River, lay the fertile stretches
of Manjimup.
The richness of the soils and the cool climate here are ideally suited
to growing premium grapes and black truffles. Such is the bountiful nature
of the region, that it produced the coveted Winestate Award (2001) for
the best Merlot in Australia and New Zealand.
Our Vision
It was here that the Wine and Truffle Company chose to turn their vision
into reality, and where they planted around 13,000 truffle inoculated
hazelnut and oak trees, and sturdy vines on which to develop their dream.
Our Success
The Wine and Truffle Company vines have now produced their forth vintage
– received with resounding success and acclaim. They have continued
to win many prestigious awards and accolades throughout Australia.
In spite of its awards, the Wine and Truffle Company’s board of
directors have insisted on keeping the prices of their premium wines to
affordable levels at local restaurants, wine stores or direct from our
mail order service.
The trees of the trufferie continue to mature under the expert guidance,
nurturing and monitoring of the Company’s mycologist. The hazelnut
trees produced their first crop of nuts in 2002, and the very first and
highly valued Truffle (Tuber Melanosporum) was discovered amid much excitement
in July 2003.
Where to find us
You’ll find us located on Seven Day Road about 7 km south west
of Manjimup. It’s a pleasant journey through the countryside with
a scenic drive from Bridgetown, Nannup or Pemberton to reach us.
Visitors are welcome to taste The Wine & Truffle Company’s
full range of premium wines, to learn about truffles, and to enjoy our
magnificent surroundings as you recharge your batteries with country air.
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Mark
Aitken joined the Chestnut Grove team in February 2002, moving
from a position as assistant winemaker at Happs Winery in Margaret
River. Mark came to winemaking after a successful career as
an Electrical Engineer. Discovering his love of wine led Mark
to undertake his Bachelor of Applied Science at Curtin University
in Perth, where he was awarded the prestigious Talijancich/Radoux
scholarship, and finished dux of his year in 2000. The scholarship
is presented each year at the Perth Sheraton Wine Awards.
Dr
Nicholas Malajczuk is a research scientist who, prior to working
with the Wine & Truffle Company worked for CSIRO Forestry
and Forestry Products for 25 years. He has collaborated and
worked in the USA and France on symbiotic fungi (including truffles)
associated with forest trees, and has conducted research projects
throughout Australia and in the Philippines and China. He is
a world authority and published author on edible fungi associated
with tree species and his knowledge is unique in Australia.
He continues to conduct research and ongoing development of
the Tuber Melanosporum industry at the Wine & Truffle Company
property in Manjimup, Western Australia. Nick is also actively
involved in the day to day monitoring of truffle production,
as well as the management of dog training and the truffle hunting
program.