Meet the people behind Ampersand Estates.
Melissa Bell, an American born in Biloxi, Mississippi, embarked on a remarkable journey that traversed 8 countries, courtesy of her father's enlistment in the US Air Force Intelligence during the Gulf War. Graduating from grad school in London, Melissa forged a career at Deloitte, leading complex global programs for major corporations. In 2012, she ventured to Australia, co-founding The Terrace Initiative, a consulting firm scaled to 60 people, operating across 3 countries. After its acquisition by Deloitte in 2019, Melissa assumed the role of Deloitte's Australian Head of Strategic Change and Global Lead of Leader-led Change. Passionate about wine, Melissa, along with business partner Corrie Scheepers, now co-owns Ampersand Estates, where she channels her love for fine wines.
Corrie Scheepers, hailing from a sugar cane farm near Malelane, South Africa, commenced his journey into the corporate world with a tennis scholarship in the US. Graduating from The University of Utah, he later migrated to Australia in 2010, ultimately co-founding The Terrace Initiative with Melissa in 2013. Post Deloitte's acquisition in 2019, Corrie assumed the role of Geographical Lead for Human Capital. Corrie's love for travel and exploration culminated in a deep appreciation for Western Australia, leading him to co-establish Ampersand Estates with Melissa.
The inception of Ampersand Estates unfolded as a chapter of reinvention for Melissa and Corrie. Following the sale of their consulting firm, they sought a more hands-on, unpredictable venture. Driven by a shared desire to rekindle the thrill of the unknown, Melissa and Corrie ventured into the world of winemaking and agritourism. What started as a deviation from their corporate trajectory transformed into a profound love for Ampersand Estates, now a harmonious blend of luxury, natural beauty, and unparalleled experiences.
Ampersand Estates reimagines the Donnelly River Wines as a contemporary winery and gourmet picnic venue. The estate encompasses three luxury residences, wedding venues, a distillery, and a cellar door. Embodying the spirit of "and," Ampersand combines elements to craft exceptional experiences. Whether at the cellar door, luxury accommodations, gourmet picnics, or weddings overlooking the old-growth trees, Ampersand promises the spirit of more.
Rainfall Distillery, the boutique distillery at Ampersand Estates, crafts estate-distilled vodka and gin. Unlike mass-produced spirits, Rainfall sources ingredients from the region's ancient Karri forests, hills, lakes, and rivers, capturing the essence of a specific year and location. Their commitment to using fresh, local produce contributes to the unique terroir and vintage of their spirits.
Ampersand Estates boasts one of the region's oldest vineyards, cultivating Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. The unique climate of the Southern Forests enhances the quality and character of the wines. The vineyard's location along the Donnelly River, with cooling morning mists, adds to the premium production of Pinot Noir.
Ampersand's residences, like Vintner's Residence and The Homestead, offer unparalleled views of Karri tree canopies and the estate's vines. With fully equipped kitchens, ensuite bathrooms, and refined living areas, these residences provide a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication.
Ampersand actively engages with the local community, partnering with Hidden River Estate for gourmet hampers and catering. Collaborations with local farmers, chefs, and events like the Midsummer Soirée celebrate the region's culinary richness. The upcoming Botanical Gin Garden will further highlight local botanicals, offering a unique, immersive experience for visitors.
Towards the end of 2024, Ampersand Estates plans to open Australia's first single-estate Botanical Gin Garden. This initiative aims to showcase the region's botanicals and provide an interactive tasting experience. Ampersand Estates continues to actively contribute to the Southern Forests' culinary narrative through events, collaborations, and immersive experiences.
The Southern Forests region, with its ideal climate and soil, stands out as an ideal location for food and wine production. Ampersand Estates embodies the essence of this region by actively promoting local flavours, collaborating with the community, and creating immersive experiences. The Southern Forests' unique biodiversity, diverse produce, and culinary traditions make it a burgeoning destination for food and wine enthusiasts.
Melissa and Corrie express their enchantment with the Southern Forests, describing it as a continuous journey of discovering hidden gems. They recommend immersing oneself in the vibrant local community to truly understand the region's heartbeat. The region's authenticity, driven by passionate individuals and a sense of community, pleasantly surprised them, setting it apart from more commercialised destinations. You can follow Ampersand Estates' journey on Instagram and Facebook or view further information about their wines, spirits and accommodation via their website.
Photos sourced from Ampersand Estates.
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