About

About Us

MOOMBAKI wines truly is a small family-run business – I’m not sure why that makes us special, but it does!

We moved here from Perth 14 years ago (Dave was in a family business and Mel was finishing her Fine Art degree at Curtin Uni). We were looking for a better lifestyle to raise our soon-to-be offspring, and we had grand plans of earning a living off the farm.

14 years after putting down our roots, we are pleased to say we live in a vibrant community in a growing tourism destination in which our cellar door is a unique feature. I don’t think we really understood just how much work this would be – putting in a few vines – and since we started the industry has been through some testing times. But we’ve hung in there and are pleased to be consistently making some pretty good wines off our block. They have dedicated followers all over the place! 

The other big plus about working from our farm is our 3 boys have a great place to play, explore, and grow up (and become vignerons, marketers [or musketeers], and growers!)

David Britten

is chief viticulturist, help musterer, and wayward philosopher! Oh, and on-premise manager! Dave had the notion that it would be a great idea to grow some vines, that is, after much head scratching, checking out the seasons and soil type, working out what he would most like to drink and if it would grow here. His absolute dedication (some say he’s pedantic) has paid off (as has all that “research” with local winemakers and growers…)

In his spare time Dave also makes some beautiful dining tables and benches from local recycled timbers, which are the prized possessions of those pushy enough to get him in the shed.

Melissa Boughey

handles the day-to-day running of the business and cellar door, is called on for second-in-command pruning help, and is soccer mum to their three boys; Nelson, Oliver and Finn (is it no wonder she insisted on a female dog?).

She sometimes remembers her hidden talents as an artist in her spare time, but she tends to get her creative frustrations out by cooking fabulous food, making and growing stuff, and exploring the local landmarks – if only she could afford a bookkeeper!

Mentors

Morriss Watson

Morriss arrived in our lives and made everything so much richer – great wine, fabulous stories about certain wine people (he was a viticulturalist in Margaret River from the 70’s!), and lots of overindulgence. He was always on hand to help out and gave advice freely (well, the wine and food did flow freely). And then there was the time we were putting the nets on and he got off the tractor without putting it in park, thankfully it just missed the power pole and only took out a few vines!

Al Siegenthaler

Al and Barbara – our dear Swiss friends – really did a lot to help us on our way to understanding good Australian wine and exposed our palates to some beauties (Al being in the business of importing Australian wines). I think that was probably where the spark was first ignited – so, they have a lot to answer for!

Tracy Graffin

Mel’s endearing sister, who is amazing with all things design (and a talented and accomplished graphic designer), took up the MOOMBAKI art direction and ran with it (not really realising that she would would be called on for all manner of duties at any time – labels, advertising, web design – and that we’d never really be able to afford her!) And, we didn’t even have the foresight to plant her some Sauv Blanc (biggest regret).

She enlisted Rob Frith our fabulous photographer Acorn Photography who thankfully loves our wine, and together they have given us an image of which we are most proud and TRULY grateful.

Family and Friends

There are many (and you know who you are) who have really helped (and continue to do so) when we’ve needed it:- when we’ve been broke (regularly); when the nets need to be put on; when we are having an opening; when we pick; when we’ve been behind with the pruning; and sometimes just spreading the MOOMBAKI word. It’s always appreciated!