Barton Jones Wines – The New Cellar Door Revealed!

I have to say it, this has to be one of my favourite cellar doors in WA! It’s got funk and uniqueness, it oozes relaxation and you can’t beat the service!

Since moving to Perth, I’ve run into Barton Jones Wines at virtually nearly all the wine festivals. Actually scrap that, I came across then at 1 festival and then I continued to hunt them out at all the other festivals. Due to my persistence to taste all the Barton Jones wines and over and over again I have come to know Jackie Barton, one half of the couple behind the wine label, well and it’s always a pleasure ‘accidentally’ bumping into her.

Over the last year or two I have heard so much about the ‘cellar door to be’ – it sounded amazing from the get-go. But like all wonderful projects it was going to take time. When you know a good thing is coming, then you just have to have patience right? And wine to get you through the wait..

Over the last long weekend we had here in Perth, Mr. Spittoon and I decided to do a day trip down to the Geographe Wine Region particularly to see the new cellar door. Unfortunately due to commitments at home, we couldn’t make a proper weekend of it so it was a mega day trip but so worth it.

Cellar Door Design

I just love it, the curved roof angled to grab as many sun rays as possible, the high ceilings, the peek hole to see what’s ‘inside’ the walls of the cellar door and that lovely alfresco area over looking the vines.

The lovely sweeping curved roof assists with solar energy but also with the  collection of rain water as well as aiding indoor heat control alongside the double glazed floor to ceiling windows along the front of the cellar door.

I loved that natural and environmentally friendly materials were used throughout the design. Old jarrah railway sleepers were repurposed and used for the windows and the tasting bench was created out of a local tree! The main product used for the building is straw which surprisingly enough has fantastic insulation properties!

I guess what impressed me so much that Jackie and Adrian did most of the construction and labour themselves to cut back on costs. They’ve done a fantastic job!

The Wine Tasting Experience

Upon entry to the cellar door through the gorgeous heavy wooden doors you’re greeted by freshly baked cakes (which looked totally divine) and whiffs of wine being poured into tasting glasses. Does it get any better?

From the sleek Plumm glassware used for the tasting to the chalk board detailing the red wine making process and the absolutely fabulous wine barrel lamp shades. I was in awe.

I couldn’t stop gawking and taking snaps whether it was of the fabulous artwork, the stunning vineyard view or the absolute cutie, Mitz the dingo X wine dog! Who I have to point out was in the last edition of Wine Dogs – she’s a famous pup and didn’t mind posing for a few photos too!

And The Cheese

We timed our visit perfectly as they had just started doing cheese boards out on the alfresco and oh how delightful it was. I grabbed a glass of wine, Mr. Spittoon had a coffee (he is an absolute sweetie for doing the drive back!) and we dined on delectable local delights while overlooking the vineyard with Mitz. Pure bliss!

Check out the cellar door menu here:

I would highly recommend a visit to the Barton Jones cellar door when you’re next in the vicinity of Donnybrook in the Geographe. Not only is it a fab experience but they make some cracker wines too, here’s a few of my favourites and their tasting notes:

Barton Jones 2013 Chenin Blanc, $18

Pale pastel yellow on the eye. Pretty floral aromas with notes of sweet tropical fruits like pineapple and candied lime. On the palate it’s like Adults Only cordial. Sweet and fruity yet it has a refreshing dryness which means it went with our curry so well. The sweetness offset my heavy-handed chilli addiction.

Barton Jones 2011 Cabernet Shiraz, $18

Deep virtually opaque ruby-red with a lick of violet on the eye. Aromas of blackcurrants, liquorice and laced with vanilla. On the palate it’s juicy, vibrant, well-balanced and just so darn tasty. It made me think of black cherry jam on toast. Mmm another glass please..

Barton Jones 2010 ‘The Top Drawer’ Cabernet Sauvignon, $28

Garnet hue on the eye. Aromas of dark chocolate, blackberry pie and it has a slight refreshing peppermint-ness to it. On the palate flavours of plums, black currants and blackberries laced with vanilla emerge from the glass. The tannins are nicely balanced and show a lot of finesse. I reckon this one will go for a few more years at least.

Barton Jones 2007 ‘The Box Seat’ Semillon, $24

Lovely gold sheen on the eye. Strong aromas of capsicum, white pepper and toasted orchard fruits. Surprisingly fresh on the palate with zippy citrus acidity and those capsicum flavours flow through. My love affair with straight Sem is getting stronger by the day!

Find out more about Barton Jones Wines:

Address: 39 Upper Capel Road, Donnybrook, WA 6239
Phone: (08) 9731 2233
Email: [email protected]
Opening times: Thursday-Monday 10:30am and 4.30pm
Wine Styles/Grape Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine tasting cost: Free!
Food available: Yes cheeseboards and cakes currently. They may be looking to expand on their platters down the track so keep an eye out 😉
Website: www.bartonjoneswines.com.au