Nestled into the land itself, our purpose-built winery is designed to support a regenerative future for Wayfinder winemaking. Every element, from its gravity-led layout to its off-grid energy systems, reflects our belief in gentle handling, thoughtful architecture, and an honest expression of our site.
Thoughtfully designed
Located on our certified organic vineyard in Wilyabrup, the winery is tucked into an old turkey-nest dam, a design that offers thermal stability, reduced visual impact, and a gravity-fed flow from fruit to ferment.
From above, the roof blends into the landscape, planted with native grasses and flanked by solar panels. Below, rammed earth walls and sustainably sourced Australian timber reinforce both the structure and the values that shaped it.
“We were particularly interested in Wayfinder’s values of ecosystem thinking and environmental sustainability. The winery is a building that emerges from the landscape, blurring the distinction between the natural and the constructed.”
— Patrick Kosky, Director, Kerry Hill Architects
Gentle winemaking, from the ground up
With the winery built onsite and sunken below ground level, fruit moves directly from vineyard to winery, handpicked, hand-sorted, chilled overnight, and then processed without delay. This gentle, gravity-fed flow avoids harsh pumping, preserves freshness, and allows for more delicate, precise wines.
Every detail is designed to support a thoughtful winemaking process, from temperature-stable architecture and intuitive workflow to the deliberate use of vessels like concrete, oak, and stainless steel. This mix allows for stylistic flexibility, enhancing texture or freshness where needed. Sustainability isn’t simply bolted on, rather it’s built into the very bones of the building, and the process.
“Every element has been designed to support gentle winemaking, energy efficiency, and a more intuitive workflow for both our team and the wines.”
— Andrew Trio, Winemaker
Innovation in practice
From day one, the goal has been to create a truly off-grid, closed-loop winery, one that serves both the land and the wine it produces.
Solar panels and on-site battery storage power the entire operation, from vineyard and winery to the future Cellar Door & Restaurant. Thermal mass cooling reduces energy demand, while rainwater is harvested, filtered, and reused across the site. All wastewater is treated onsite and returned to the vineyard and revegetation areas via dispersal beds.
Our custom CO₂ capture system redirects fermentation gases to a single collection point, reducing the need for mechanical ventilation. In time, this captured CO₂ will be reused on-site, closing the loop in a way few wineries have achieved.
Grape marc is composted and reintegrated into the soil in the vineyard, closing the nutrient loop and improving soil health with every season.
Meet Andrew – Our Winemaker
“We hope to create a strong sense of connection between everything happening on the property. From organic grape growing and winemaking to bees, farm animals, revegetation and the restaurant, everything is connected.”
Born and raised in Western Australia, Andrew Trio’s career path has spanned continents. From South Australia’s top oenology program to winemaking roles in Germany, New Zealand, and most recently the U.S., where he served as Chief Winemaker at Washington State’s Corliss Estate.
Since returning in 2018, Andrew has brought his attention to detail and quiet confidence to Wayfinder, crafting wines of texture, depth, and personality from the heart of Margaret River.
Wayfinder-wines
We’re opening a new, on-site Cellar Door at our Wilyabrup vineyard in 2026.
Until then, our Dunsborough Wine Bar & Restaurant remains the best place to discover the latest releases and explore the full range.
Visit Our Cellar Door
