22/08/2025
A HUGE Congratulations to our friends and neighbours at Bakkheia! Have a read! ..
Success!!! 20 years of grapegrowing and 13 years of winemaking.
Bakkheia has been named the 2026 Companionâs Dark Horse Winery.
Previously, the Dark Horse Winery award recognised Australian wineries that had achieved a 5-star rating for the first time. But now, the category exists to champion the hidden gems and underdogs â those who fly under the radar but deserve the spotlight. And we can think of no winery more deserving of this accolade than bakkheia.
Behind this unique project in Western Australiaâs Geographe is Michael Edwards, a former navy clearance diver who learned how to grow vines and make wine through trial and error. He was never tied to the traditional ways of running a winery but drawn to this work because he enjoyed making and drinking good wine.
âWeâre never going to be millionaires from it. It was never designed to make us millionaires. I know thatâs a bit bizarre,â Michael says. âAs long as we were in the black, money wasnât the focus. The importance was always the great enjoyment we had, the great pleasure we found in living on the land and making something weâre proud of.â
Here is a capture of some of Mike Bennieâs thoughts:
âThe project is underpinned by the Mediterranean grape varieties of grenache, mourvèdre, tempranillo, graciano, some shiraz and also a splash of chardonnay from âacross the roadâ.
The wines deliver great varietal character (and intrigue in blends) with a finesse and poise that gives pause. Savouriness is embedded in the wines, so too restraint. Of course, the bingo card reads organic, minimal intervention, lighter shades of red, elegance, fine tannin, minerality; that should tick a lot of boxes.
This has to be one of the most exciting boutique projects in the country right now â each wine an adventure and generally just damn outstanding.â â Mike Bennie
To our List....thank you for your great support and patronage over the years. This award is for you and our continued shared journey.
cheers and much love,
Mick, Ilonka, Franck & Yu (MIFY)