about ironcloud

our story

Three lifelong friends and business partners, Warwick Lavis, Geoff and Karyn Cross strengthened their alliance in 2003 with the purchase of a vineyard which is now named Ironcloud.

Ironcloud Estate (formerly Pepperilly Estate) is situated in the picturesque Ferguson Valley, in the hills of the Geographe Wine Region, overlooking Geographe Bay.

Our vines were planted in 1999 in highly prized red gravelly loam soils. Our Estate comprises of a single vineyard with 28 acres under vine comprising hand-tended Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre, Malbec, Touriga, Saparavi, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The vines are planted north to south on gently sloping hillsides to optimise their growing conditions.

West Australian Peppermint Trees line the Henty Brook, the natural water source for our vineyard. For the birds that gather in their shade, the abundant summer 'pepper' berries provide a welcome distraction from the fruit on the vines.

At Ironcloud we aim to produce wines that capture a unique sense of terroir in every bottle and draw inspiration from the great wines of the world. Our winemaking philosophy is to make the best possible wine from the finest grapes.

In its short history, Ironcloud has won numerous Australian and International awards and received strong praise from respected Australian wine writers.

After laying strong foundations in our first decade, the next decade is shaping up as a transformational one. We're excited and look forward to sharing the experience with you.

West Australian Peppermint Trees line the Henty Brook, the natural water source for our vineyard.

our winemaker | kim horton

A fascination with wine and vineyards at a young age whilst growing up in the Swan Valley, led to Kim’s first position in the wine industry during vintage 1995 with Houghton Wines. Following a successful vintage he went on to study Oenology at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga. Fast forward to 21 years later, he finds himself working in the Ferguson Valley and in front of him, an opportunity to work within a team whom have the drive and ambition that Kim holds himself.

Kim has a firm belief that wines are made in the vineyard, the better the understanding of the vineyard and it’s unique characteristics, the better the wines reflect the soil and the climate.