Western Australian and LGBTQIA+ owned and operated, Ampersand Estates is a one-of-a-kind luxury winery, distillery, and retreat in the heart of Pemberton, WA’s Southern Forests.
Ampersand, quite literally, is the symbol for ‘and’, which is why the passionate entrepreneurial duo of Melissa Bell and Corrie Scheepers brought the Estate back to life and named it in honour of the ideology of having the best of all worlds and not staying in one lane.
Formerly the Donnelly River Winery, the oldest in the region, Ampersand Estates has had new life breathed back into it and what a vibrant and blossoming piece of the Southern Forests and Valleys it now is. All because of two unrelenting individuals who wanted more than the 9-5 life they had grown accustomed to.
The owners made Australia their home later in life, with Melissa being a Mississippi native and Corrie hailing from South Africa. Both working for Deloitte and being a part of the LQBTQIA+ community, they decided to go onto business together when they realised their shared values, visions and goals.
After establishing, operating and then selling The Terrace Initiative to former employers Deloitte, Corrie and Melissa set their minds to something they had never done before – the purchase and rehabilitation of a winery and distillery in a regional area. Why?
As Corrie would say, why not?
Ampersand Estates was born through blood, sweat, tears and copius amounts of wines at the end of long and hard days of renovating. But the passion and persistence shows in the end result. Now we get the pleasure of inviting guests to our estate to experience extraordinary.
From the outset, Melissa and Corrie’s vision for Ampersand Estates went beyond just making great wine. They dreamed of a place where people could connect with nature and each other, enjoying the full spectrum of sensory experiences the region has to offer.
Today, that vision is reality. Ampersand Estates is not only a vineyard producing cool-climate wines, but also home to Rainfall Distillery, a boutique distillery crafting premium spirits, and a collection of luxury farm-stay accommodations.
By uniting these elements, we offer guests a truly unique escape that engages all the senses.
Under our stewardship, the vineyard now produces a curated selection of wines that celebrate Pemberton’s terroir. From elegant Pinot Noir to crisp Chardonnay, each bottle reflects the Southern Forests’ cool climate and the meticulous care given to every vine. A testament to quality and sustainable winemaking practices, our wines have garnered awards and accolades and took home the People’s Choice Winner in 2025.
In 2023 we launched Rainfall Distillery, right on the estate – making Ampersand the only combined winery-distillery in the region. Using pure rainwater and local botanicals from WA’s Southern Forests, our small-batch gin and vodka embody the surrounding wilderness. The distillery’s philosophy is rooted in sustainability and community. We source potatoes from Pemberton and Manjimup farms to use in distillation, supporting local agriculture while creating exceptionally smooth spirits. Visitors can enjoy bespoke spirits tastings and cocktails in our Distillery Garden, discovering flavours like the subtle Karri tree smoke or heirloom citrus that make our spirits a true product of this land.
We’ve thoughtfully restored and furnished several private cottages on the estate, from the Vineyard House overlooking rows of grapes to a secluded Riverside cabin steps from the Donnelly River. Each residence combines rustic charm with modern indulgence: think stone fireplaces, plush linens, freestanding bathtubs, and panoramic verandah views.
Guests wake up to misty forest mornings and end their days with sunsets over the vines. Our focus is on personalised hospitality; during their stay, guests can arrange private wine tastings, gourmet picnics with local produce, and even star-lit dinners under the karri trees. “We’re so proud that Ampersand Estates has quickly become a sought-after destination for romantic getaways, family gatherings, and corporate retreats alike.”
Ampersand Estates doubles as one of the most exclusive wedding and event venues in Pemberton. Lovebirds can exchange vows among the vines or beside the tranquil river, then celebrate with estate wines and farm-to-table dining in our rustic-chic barn.
For intimate celebrations or corporate events, the estate’s combination of natural beauty and five-star service guarantees an unforgettable occasion.
Arriving in style? well, our estate also features a private helipad tucked discreetly among the fields. We’ve welcomed guests who choose to land directly at the vineyard for the ultimate arrival, underscoring how Ampersand Estates caters to a luxury clientele that values privacy and extraordinary experiences.
‘Ampersand Estates is designed to curate exceptional experiences, blending the beauty of its natural surroundings with gourmet culinary adventures, including private chefs from renowned establishments. The estate aims to create lasting memories for its visitors, allowing them to immerse themselves in the serene landscapes of Western Australia’s Southern Forests while enjoying exquisite wines and spirits.’
