Meet the Makers,
Ian and Louise of Koomal Creek
Nestled in the rolling hills south-east of Manjimup, Koomal Creek is a vineyard transformed by Ian and Louise Simpson into a thriving estate dedicated to producing premium wines. When the couple purchased the vineyard in 2012, it was far from what it is today. The property, once known as Koolama, had been left abandoned and was in desperate need of revitalisation. For Ian and Louise, it presented an opportunity not only to transform the land but to pursue a shared dream of producing premium wines that truly reflect the terroir of the Southern Forests.
With a background in viticulture, Ian was equipped with the knowledge and skills to begin the painstaking process of restructuring the vineyard. The initial focus was to move away from bulk fruit production, transitioning to lower-yielding, dry-grown vines that would allow the grapes to develop intense flavours. Louise, an artist by nature, brought her own creative flair to the property, ensuring that the aesthetic values of the land and the brand were upheld throughout the transformation.
Their connection to the Southern Forests runs deep. After spending time in Barcelona during Louise's Australian Council for the Arts overseas residency, the couple felt a renewed desire to reconnect with the land. Wine, with its deep connection to terroir and its potential for artistic expression, was the perfect way to fulfil that desire. After Ian completed his postgraduate studies at Curtin University’s Margaret River campus, they made the move from Perth to fully immerse themselves in the vineyard.
Today, Koomal Creek spans five hectares and is home to several grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Ian and Louise have carefully selected these varieties, favouring those that thrive in the cool climate of the Pemberton wine region. Over the years, the vineyard has evolved, with a particular focus on Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, both of which have become signature wines for the brand.
As Ian explains, the vineyard’s success lies in its ability to "grow the wine in the vineyard." The dry-grown vines are planted in gravelly loams, and their deep roots allow the fruit to develop disease-free, flavour-rich grapes. The result is a collection of wines that truly reflect the unique terroir of the Southern Forests. The Koomal Creek range, first released in 2022, has already made a name for itself with its standout Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.
Family is at the heart of Koomal Creek. Louise remains deeply involved in the business, guiding the aesthetic direction of both the property and the brand. Their son, who shares a passion for aquaculture, has joined the family operation, bringing with him a vision for integrating fish production with more sustainable viticulture. His skills as a metal fabricator have also been invaluable, adding a layer of mechanical expertise to the business. While family members contribute whenever they can, the vineyard also relies on backpackers and local contractors for essential tasks such as canopy management and picking.
Ian and Louise are committed to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. Although not certified organic, Ian’s approach to viticulture is heavily influenced by organic principles. Composting and the use of biologically active sprays help control moulds and mildew, while their approach to nutrient management is evolving with the introduction of fish production on the property. This innovative use of aquaculture offers an alternative to chemical fertilisers, contributing to a more sustainable vineyard ecosystem.
Even the animals on the property play a role in maintaining the vineyard. Ian has experimented with using lambs to leaf-pluck and bring light into the canopy, allowing the ripening fruit to bathe in sunlight. Chickens and ducks are also part of the ecosystem, serving as natural pest controllers. However, the local eagles seem to have a preference for chickens, prompting Ian to invest more heavily in ducks.
Looking to the future, Ian and Louise have big plans for Koomal Creek. A trial with Gamay grapes is currently underway, and the couple is considering expanding their plantings of Pinot Noir. The construction of their winery is complete, with only a few finishing touches needed for the cellar door. Once finished, the cellar door will provide visitors with an opportunity to sample and purchase the wines directly from the estate, offering an intimate experience that reflects the family’s deep connection to the land.
Koomal Creek’s commitment to producing high-quality, dry-grown wines from their single estate is what sets them apart in the Southern Forests region. With their focus on sustainability and minimal intervention winemaking, Ian and Louise are not just producing wine; they are cultivating a legacy that honours both the land and the people who work it.
For those looking to experience the unique flavours of Koomal Creek, their wines are available through selected stockists, or better yet, directly from the cellar door. A visit to the estate is not just an opportunity to taste their signature Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, but a chance to see firsthand the dedication and artistry that goes into every bottle.
For those eager to experience Koomal Creek’s wines, they are available at stockists across the Southern Forests, and through their cellar door.