The real Margaret River

Altus Rise is situated close to the rugged coast in Yallingup, the most northern sub-region of the Margaret River Wine Region, and the home of fine wine in Western Australia.

The landscape surrounding the vineyards is distinctive, offering an oasis of consummate growing conditions in which the vines are nurtured throughout the seasons, protected from the ocean breeze, ensuring the production of premium grapes. Our vineyards sit 80 meters above sea level and are blessed with an abundant water catchment to the foot of the property that flows towards Yallingup, the Gunyulgup Brook. We see an average of 1200mm per year of rain during the year and our humidity is considered ideal. Our soils are diverse

and dense in nutrition and highly permeable when moist, where our gentle sloping vines can usher the rain water by as required.

At Altus Rise we believe that wine making begins in the vineyard. The supreme location of our vineyards and Mediterranean style climate ensures our vines are blessed with exceptional fruit production providing ideal wine making opportunities. This special location enables us to produce showcase premium wines that consistently display finesse, elegance and refinement, as we strive as an estate to continue to build a reputation for producing world-class wine.

Jeanette Smith is a passionate and experienced winemaker whose journey into the world of wine began in her late teens while studying television production and theatre at university. A part-time job as a cocktail barmaid in a busy restaurant introduced her to wine through regular staff tastings organised by the owners—an experience that ignited a lifelong fascination with the craft.

After completing her degree, Jeanette worked in the advertising and gaming industries, all the while nurturing her interest in wine through appreciation courses and wine events. In her early thirties, with two young children and the support of her family, she made the bold decision to turn her passion into a profession. She returned to university to study a Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and Oenology at Curtin University. In 2005, when the course relocated to the

Margaret River campus, Jeanette and her family made the move to one of Australia’s premier wine regions.

Over the years, Jeanette has worked with and been mentored by some of Margaret River’s most respected winemakers, completing vintages at renowned wineries including Devil’s Lair, Stella Bella, Churchview, and Howard Park. Her approach to winemaking is grounded in both science and creativity, with a strong belief that great wines are an expression of place.

Jeanette continues to be inspired by the balance of art and science that winemaking demands and is committed to producing wines that reflect the beauty and character of the Margaret River region.