Meet the Makers,
The Pannells of Picardy
Picardy Wines is a cornerstone of the Southern Forests wine region, owned and operated by the Pannell family for over 30 years. Established in 1993, Picardy is more than just a vineyard; it’s a testament to the Pannells' passion for winemaking, dedication to their land, and desire to create wines that reflect the unique terroir of Pemberton. Situated between Manjimup and Pemberton, Picardy has become synonymous with cool-climate wines of exceptional quality.
The story of Picardy begins with Bill, Sandra, and their son Dan Pannell [pictured]. As pioneers of the region’s wine industry, the family played an instrumental role in introducing French clones of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to Western Australia. Bill Pannell, a viticultural visionary, meticulously selected the site for the vineyard, drawn by its well-drained loam and gravel soils, ideal for cool-climate varietals. The vineyard sits on a gentle north-facing slope, 200 metres above sea level, just 35 kilometres from the Southern Ocean, ensuring the perfect conditions for producing high-quality grapes. Bill’s decision to close-plant the vines to promote root competition and train them low to absorb the evening heat from the gravel soils reflects his deep understanding of the land and its potential.
At 84 years old, Dr. Bill Pannell remains as involved in the day-to-day operations as ever. From pruning to bottling and spending long hours among the vines, his commitment is unwavering. This hands-on approach extends to every member of the family, with Dan, who is also the winemaker, carrying forward the tradition of producing wines that reflect the estate’s terroir. Dan and his parents share a philosophy that great wines are grown in the vineyard and merely finessed in the winery. Their purpose-built winery, designed by Bill and Dan, embodies this ethos, allowing the family to produce small batches of premium wine with minimal intervention.
The estate features a home that Bill and Sandra Pannell designed, inspired by the beautiful architecture they encountered during their travels throughout France. This residence has become an iconic part of the Picardy landscape. Additionally, in 2023, the Pannells completed the construction of a new tasting room, thoughtfully designed to incorporate elements reminiscent of Burgundian wine regions. The building showcases natural limestone walls, massive Oregon timber beams, and travertine flooring laid in a French pattern, which evokes the charm of marble flagstones. The Pannells meticulously sourced furnishings, including serving counters from a French haberdashery and oak refectory tables, to create an inviting atmosphere. The completion of this project was celebrated with a grand dinner featuring exceptional wines collected over the years, further enriching the experience at Picardy.
The Pannells' focus on producing wines with a sense of place has led to the creation of their signature varietals: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc Semillon. These wines are crafted to express the unique qualities of their vineyard. The Picardy Pinot Noir, in particular, has become the estate’s flagship wine, with the Tête de Cuvée Pinot Noir standing as the pinnacle of their winemaking efforts. Chardonnay, another of their leading wines, benefits from the Dijon clones sourced by the Pannells, perfectly suited to the cool-climate conditions of Pemberton.
Sustainability is at the heart of Picardy’s vineyard practices. The Pannells are firm believers in "growing soils" to foster natural vineyard health. Their non-cultivation policy preserves the structure of the soil, while cover crops such as clover and grasses, combined with composted vine prunings, help build soil carbon and improve aeration. This approach encourages a healthy ecosystem within the vineyard, supported by a thriving worm and microbe population. All grapes are hand-harvested to ensure the utmost quality, with meticulous sorting done in the vineyard to eliminate the need for excessive handling in the winery. Viticultural techniques like shoot thinning, leaf plucking, and crop thinning are regularly employed to enhance airflow and promote the best possible fruit.
While Picardy’s wines are renowned for their elegance and quality, the Pannells never rest on their laurels. They are constantly looking to improve and innovate, currently undertaking a grafting project within their vineyard to further enhance their offerings. This dedication to perfection comes with its challenges, from unpredictable weather to rising production costs, but the Pannells remain resolute in their commitment to producing wines that showcase the best of Pemberton.
With three generations of Pannells now involved in the estate, Picardy has become a true family affair. As one of the first wineries to establish itself in the region, the Pannells have played a significant role in putting Pemberton on the map as a world-class winemaking destination. Their legacy is one of passion, hard work, and a deep connection to the land, and they hope to continue this tradition for many years to come.
For those eager to experience Picardy’s wines, they are available at stockists across Australia, through their online store, and are also available for tasting and purchase at Hidden River Estate.
