Christine Smart & Ron Waterhouse established Briery Estate in 1994. The property was an immediate attraction as both we both had lived our formative years in rural England. Prior to moving to Bindoon we had worked in the usual city environment and were again looking to find a country lifestyle.

The Old Homestead, was originally known as Bonza Vue and consisted of 500 undulating acres. It was acquired by Bertram and Clara Gray in 1920 who planted several acres of vines and citrus. The dwelling was built in 1932 with stone and timber gathered from the adjoining paddocks, tied together with a locally sourced lime mortar.

They took advice from the Department of Agriculture and local growers with respect to the viability of removing the Zante Current vines that had seen better days, and to replace them with Verdelho, Merlot, Semillon, Grenache, and Shiraz. Their popular "Briers' Musc" is made from the fruit of 60 year-old Muscat vines.


In the past 6 years Christine & Ron have produced wines that rewarded them with Gold and Silver Medals, for the "Briers Musc" plus the Qantas Award from Mt Barker. They have been awarded Bronze medals on our Verdelho, Cabernet Shiraz and Chenin Blanc. The unirrigated and minimum sprayed fruit from the 2001 vintage is excellent and the wine is expected to be outstanding.

Christine & Ron are growing unusual and old style varieties in an organic environment which we hope will produce a niche market for Noble, sweet and aromatic wines similar to the great wines of Europe.

What we have to offer
Briery Estate have a licensed area for picnics, and an on-site gas fired barbeque, which is freely available. Instead of just tasting our wines and taking away sealed bottles, they are able to offer you open bottles of choice wines that can be enjoyed over a BYO lunch.

Whilst enjoying a taste of wine, you are able to experience the beautiful views and capture the ambience of the valley below.

Tasting notes are supplied and any questions regarding vineyard operation, production, vines, wine styles etc., can be discussed with the us in a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

A surcharge of $2.00 per head is charged for coaches up to 60 people, bookings are essential. It is recommended that bookings coincide with lunch venues in the area.

Discounts are offered for case purchases.

Surrounding Areas
Bindoon has a growing tourist industry with Bed & Breakfast facilities, an excellent café restaurant, a function centre restaurant, a variety of shopping, sports and other amenities.

Bindoon produces a variety of citrus, stone fruit, table grapes, passion fruit, a wide range of vegetables and a plethora of seasonal Wildflowers.

Children are encouraged to pick fresh fruit, they will see native birds, and insects at close quarters, and in the early mornings, and at dusk they will also see Kangaroos.

Parents may also wish to purchase dusters made from Ostrich Feathers or from a selection of Jams, Preserves and Chutneys.

Personal History of Ron and Christine
Christine was employed as export clerk by large food producer. Ron was a professional Engineer with his own consulting company.

They met in 1989 in Perth and decided to get together late 1991, lived in Hillary's for a couple of years then decided to move to the country, set up a small vineyard and winery, and then retire gracefully.

After pulling out 3 acres of citrus Christine and Ron planted a market garden to sweeten up the soil, leased another 10 acres of vines which needed a little TLC, then started work on the winery. In 1994 involvement in a nasty car accident in which Christine was severely injured, and where Ron suffered brain injuries changed everything. The realization that engineering was no longer possible, and that Ron needed considerable care, also meant that income potential was very limited. They had some some savings, a 60 year old home which needed 20 years of repairs, 10 acres of land which carried a few old vines, 4 acres of new vines and a big mortgage. Christine and Ron made their first saleable and gold medal wine in 1996. Whilst life has got harder over the last few years, the vines have become more productive, and this year 2004 they should cross the red line.

Briery Estate Wines are now distributed in several country towns from Esperance, through, Kalgoorlie to Exmouth, and have enjoyed the attention they get from a number of people and companies both from Australia and overseas who have passed through the tasting room enjoying the wine, views and tranquillity.