The South West of WA is blessed with some of the most impressive breweries in Australia, with cellar doors and restaurants that often rival the region's wineries for their visual splendour. Eagle Bay, however, may well be able to lay claim as the most spectacular of them all.
The eye-catching, architecturally designed bar/brewery/restaurant/cellar door sits atop a hill on the peninsula at the very northwestern tip of the Margaret River region. Opened in 2010 by two brothers and a sister, it is surrounded by acre upon acre of family farmland and enjoys truly stunning views along Western Australia's coastline.
Brewing is overseen by Nick d'Espeissis, a former winery cellar rat who started brewing at home at 17 before later going on to learn the art of commercial brewing at breweries on both the east and west coasts of Australia and at Dux de Lux in New Zealand. Operating on a brewhouse that's visible from the restaurant, complete with rarely seen horizontal fermentation tanks, he produces a year-round range of five beers ' a Kolsch, Vienna Lager, Mild, Pale Ale, and ESB ' as well as an ever-changing lineup of seasonal's. As of 2012 ' and the arrival of a packaging line ' Nick's beers are starting to make their way further afield from the brewery.
The d'Espeissis family has also planted 15 acres of vines on their farm and use the grapes to produce a small range of Eagle Bay wines in conjunction with some of the Margaret River's well known winemakers. All are produced in tiny amounts and are available only at the cellar door.
On the food side of things you'll find a blend of woodfired pizzas and gastro pub style dishes that make full use of fresh, seasonal produce. With Nick and siblings Astrid and Adrian all self-confessed foodies, the standard is in keeping with the surrounds, while the kids playground and vast spaces in which to stretch your legs make it a great spot to visit for families as well as beer tourists.
