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Rob and Claire Wignall ended the Wignalls wine label and their family’s trading operation in 2025, but they did not sell the family name or simply close the property. They leased the vineyard to Fervor Wines and the winery and cellar door to Paul and Bianca Nelson, allowing winegrowing and hospitality at the Albany-area site to continue under new operators.
What ended—and what carries on
The final Wignalls winery and cellar-door trading day was a Saturday in late July 2025, after the family announced the decision on Thursday. PerthNow reported the retirement on 1 August 2025, describing it as the end of an operation that had run for about 44 years. The Wignalls chose to retire their family label rather than transfer the name to a new owner.
| Part of the operation | What happened |
|---|---|
| Wignalls label and family trading operation | Retired in 2025; the family did not sell its name with the business. |
| Vineyard | Leased to Fervor Wines, which says it is responsible for vineyard operations. |
| Winery and cellar door | Leased to Paul and Bianca Nelson as successor operators. |
Those are separate roles, not a continuation of Wignalls-branded wine under another owner. Fervor’s vineyard page identifies the Wignall Vineyard as part of its operation, while ABC Great Southern later reported that the Nelsons had completed their first vintage at the former Wignalls Winery.
Why the family retired the name
Rob Wignall told PerthNow and ABC Great Southern that he was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer in 2019 and that doctors advised him to reduce stress while recovering. Claire was also approaching a career change into adult education. Rob said the family name made the decision especially difficult, but that selling the family heritage was not in their interest.
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Rather than end activity at the property, the Wignalls sought operators they considered capable and committed to the vineyard and cellar door. The lease arrangement let them retire the family’s trading operation while leaving the site’s future in the hands of other businesses.
How Wignalls became an Albany wine name
The story began on the family’s Walmsley farm near Albany in Western Australia’s Great Southern region. Bill Wignall, a veterinarian, began investigating viticulture in 1981. The family planted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, varieties PerthNow described as uncommon in Australia at the time; the first vintage of those varieties was bottled in 1984.
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Rob and Claire became company directors in 2004 after Bill became ill. ABC reported that Rob’s father developed Lewy body dementia. The winery built its reputation around cool-climate wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. A historical Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development guide records Wignalls’ premium Chardonnay receiving the Japan International Wine Challenge trophy for “Best New World White Wine.” That is a specific award, not a current or universal title.
What continues at the vineyard and winery
Vineyard stewardship
Fervor Wines’ current vineyard page describes Wignall Vineyard as planted in 1982 by Bill and Rob Wignall, with 12 hectares under dry-grown vines. Fervor says it took on the lease and is responsible for vineyard operations. The family label is retired, so grapes or wine from the site should not be described as Wignalls-labelled unless a separate source establishes that branding.
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Winery and cellar door
Paul and Bianca Nelson were named as the successor operators of the winery and cellar door. ABC Great Southern reported Paul Nelson’s intention to grow a piece of Albany history and continue hosting local music. That account records plans and intent; it does not establish current opening hours, visitor access or event listings.
The live-music legacy
Wignalls hosted the Vintage Blues Festival for 18 years, according to PerthNow. The report says the festival drew about 85,000 attendees over its run and featured artists including John Butler Trio, Missy Higgins, The Waifs, Ash Grunwald and George Thorogood. COVID-related restrictions stopped the festival in 2020.
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ABC Great Southern separately referred to Wignalls concerts over 27 years. The accounts describe different scopes—the festival and a broader concert history—so the figures should not be treated as competing measurements of one event series.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you still visit Wignalls?
The vineyard remains under Fervor Wines’ operation, and Paul and Bianca Nelson took over the winery and cellar-door operation. However, the reporting and current vineyard information cited here do not confirm whether the successor cellar door is open to visitors now, or its hours. Check directly with the relevant operator before planning a visit.
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Sources
- PerthNow, Melissa Sheil, 1 August 2025
- ABC Great Southern, 1 October 2025
- Fervor Wines: Vineyards
- Wignalls Wines (historical business and product information)
- DPIRD, Guide to the Great Southern Wine Region of WA
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