Moss Wood is one of the founding estates of Margaret River and a cornerstone of Australia’s fine wine reputation. Established in 1969 by Bill and Sandra Pannell, the vineyard was among the very first planted in the region, inspired by the pioneering research of Dr John Gladstones, who identified Margaret River’s Bordeaux-like climate as ideal for high-quality viticulture. Today, Moss Wood remains family-run, under the stewardship of Clare and Keith Mugford, who have guided the estate since 1984 with a philosophy rooted in meticulous vineyard care and restrained, classical winemaking.
The heart of Moss Wood is its original vineyard in Wilyabrup, the subregion most associated with Margaret River’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon. The site’s gravelly loam soils, maritime climate, and long, even growing season combine to produce wines with depth, structure, and remarkable ageability. Over time, the vineyard has expanded to include additional plots, but the core identity of Moss Wood has always been its Cabernet — a wine that quickly established itself as one of Australia’s greatest and continues to be a benchmark vintage after vintage.
Alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, Moss Wood produces a diverse range of wines that reflect both Bordeaux and Burgundy inspirations. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Semillon were introduced in the 1970s and 1980s, and each has earned acclaim for their clarity, balance, and varietal purity. The Chardonnay, in particular, has become one of Margaret River’s standout examples, while the Semillon is notable for its ageworthiness and distinctive style, rare outside of the Hunter Valley.
The Mugfords are deeply committed to hands-on viticulture. Vineyard management focuses on low yields, careful canopy work, and sustainability, ensuring that the fruit reaches the winery in perfect condition. In the cellar, their approach is traditional and unhurried: fermentations are closely monitored, oak use is carefully judged, and wines are bottled only when they have reached harmony. This combination of precision and patience gives Moss Wood wines their hallmark balance of richness and finesse.
Today, Moss Wood is recognised internationally as one of Australia’s first growths, a family estate whose philosophy of uncompromising quality has never wavered. From their iconic Cabernet Sauvignon to their nuanced whites, the wines embody both the pioneering spirit of Margaret River and the enduring vision of a family dedicated to excellence.