Meet the Makers,
Ardal Nigg,
of Hidden River Estate
Hidden River Estate, in Western Australia’s Pemberton wine region, is more than just a vineyard. Located just five minutes from Pemberton, this estate has been a local landmark for decades, offering visitors a unique experience as they pass by on their way to the stunning Big Brook Dam.
Established in 1994 by the Goldring family, Hidden River Estate started as a blank canvas of farmland. The first vines were planted that same year, followed by the opening of a modest cellar door and café in 2000. Many locals fondly remember the quirky dining area housed in a restored tram carriage, which became a focal point for visitors, especially families who enjoyed the adjacent playground. Over time, Hidden River developed a reputation for being one of a kind, blending its agricultural roots with a creative approach to hospitality.
In 2014, the Nigg family took over the reins, and Hidden River Estate began a new chapter. The family embarked on a major redevelopment in 2019, transforming the café into a full-fledged restaurant and function centre, designed to offer an elevated dining experience. With his two children, Cleo and Neo, working alongside him, Ardal has nurtured Hidden River into a family-run operation where the vineyard, restaurant, and even a burgeoning truffle farm have flourished together. In 2018, the family planted 500 truffle trees, and by 2023, their efforts paid off with the first harvest of truffles—a unique addition to the estate’s portfolio.
Spanning just two hectares, the Hidden River Estate vineyard is small yet mighty. The loamy and gravelly soil, combined with the vineyard’s ridge-top location, provides the perfect conditions for their cool-climate Chardonnay, Syrah, and Pinot Noir grapes. The careful management of this boutique vineyard is evident in every bottle produced, from their hand-pruned vines to their un-irrigated plots. This attention to detail, combined with a sustainable approach to viticulture, ensures that the grapes retain their distinct flavour profiles, while the ecosystem remains healthy and vibrant.
Hidden River Estate’s winemaking style is refreshingly unconventional, pushing the boundaries to stand out in a crowded field. "Our approach to wine is to play with new trends and ways to place us aside from everyone else," Ardal explains. This philosophy is visible in everything they do, from their unique wine labels to the meticulous crafting of each wine. A particular highlight is their signature Méthode Traditionnelle Blanc de Blanc, produced from their cane-pruned Chardonnay vines. Another standout is their Unwooded Chardonnay, which captures the essence of Southwest Australia in every sip, making it a favourite among regular visitors and newcomers alike.
While the wines themselves are exceptional, the Hidden River experience is about much more than just the bottle. The estate’s restaurant is central to the business, offering a culinary experience that showcases the best of local produce, expertly paired with their wines. Ardal’s future vision for Hidden River Estate revolves around further integrating the wines into the dining experience, creating an exclusive and intimate offering for visitors. "We are passionate about providing an exquisite dining experience in the region," he shares, emphasising the estate’s role as both a vineyard and a restaurant destination.
Community has always been important to Hidden River Estate. Over the years, the family has forged strong ties with local businesses, collaborating on numerous events and projects that celebrate the Southern Forests region. Their involvement in local events and continued support for the local community reflects their deep connection to the area and its people.
Despite the inevitable challenges faced by any small business, Ardal remains optimistic and pragmatic. "Challenges are the very fabric of life, and we will always try to embrace and make the best of any situation the world hands out to us," he says. This resilience, coupled with a strong work ethic, has guided the family through years of growth and change, positioning Hidden River Estate as a proud contributor to the Southern Forests wine regions.
Looking to the future, the Nigg family hopes to continue building on their legacy of hard work and honesty, producing some of the finest wines and culinary experiences in Western Australia. Visitors to Hidden River Estate can look forward to not only sampling their exquisite wines but also enjoying the warm hospitality and rich history that make this vineyard such a special place. Whether visiting for a meal at the restaurant, a taste of their signature wines, or simply to explore the stunning estate, Hidden River offers an unforgettable experience.
For those wishing to discover the unique flavours of Hidden River Estate, their wines are available for purchase exclusively through the cellar door or at the restaurant. You won’t find these exceptional bottles in many other places, making a trip to Hidden River a truly special opportunity to indulge in the best that the Southern Forests region has to offer.
Hidden River Estate is open regularly for lunch and special events, located just a short drive from Pemberton. Create a reservation by calling them on (08) 9776 1437.
Hidden River Estate also serve as a cellar door for Picardy wines.
