This article forms part of our 2025 Bunbury Geographe Business Excellence Awards profiles, where we feature both winning and highly commended entries. Vineyard 28 was recognised as an award winner, with results unveiled at a presentation dinner in Bunbury on August 16, 2025.
To view all of the results…
Vineyard 28 – Italian Grape Variety Pioneers in Geographe
Established in 1998, Vineyard 28 is a small, family-run venture located just outside Harvey, in the Geographe wine region. It is built on a vision to bring a taste of Italy to the South West, crafting small-batch, Italian-inspired wines that celebrate both terroir and tradition. Owned and operated by Mark Cumbers and Pippa Nielsen, the vineyard’s philosophy centres on authenticity, hospitality, and connection.
Every bottle reflects a hands-on approach, from nurturing the vines to welcoming guests at the cellar door, ensuring that “wine made with heart” remains at the core of the business. Over the years, Vineyard 28 has established itself as a destination for those seeking a genuine regional experience and an adventure with wine. Their Italian varietals such as Arneis, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo have attracted growing recognition for their quality and distinctive style, here in WA and nationally.
Beyond the bottle, Vineyard 28 is known for its warm, personal approach, inviting visitors to slow down, sip, and savour the story behind each wine. The past year has been one of reflection and celebration. 2026 sees the business enter its 28th year, with a successful and growing wine club, wines on restaurant lists across the South West and Perth, and being exported to Singapore.
“At Vineyard 28, our mission has always been to champion Italian varietals and do things a little differently. This recognition tells us that staying true to our vision, even when it’s unconventional, is the right path.” Mark Cumbers, Co-Owner and Winemaker, Vineyard 28
A visit to the cellar door is described as a “Trip to Italy” in the Geographe region. Open Thursday to Monday, Vineyard 28 offers guided tastings personally hosted by the owners, immersive vineyard and winery tours, barrel tastings, and thoughtfully curated grazing experiences featuring local produce. Each experience is relaxed, intimate and tailored, creating genuine connection between guest, wine and place. Sustainability underpins the business.
Vineyard 28 is working towards Sustainable Winegrowing Australia accreditation, with a strong focus on water conservation, energy efficiency and biodiversity. Recent investment in upgraded refrigeration, a pneumatic press and energy systems has strengthened both environmental performance and production capability. National recognition has followed. Their 2021 Nebbiolo was named among the top in Australia in a Young Guns of Wine Deep Dive, while their 2024 Fiano was recognised as one of the country’s best, and the only West Australian Fiano included in the national list.
“We are very proud of what our small, passionate team has built. This award reflects not just strong business systems, but the heart and hospitality that define Vineyard 28.” Pippa Nielsen, Co-Owner, Vineyard 28
With steady growth in direct-to-consumer sales, a thriving wine club, expanding export markets in Singapore and Malaysia, and increasing production capacity, Vineyard 28 continues to evolve while remaining true to its core philosophy: small-batch, handcrafted wines delivered with authenticity, warmth and a deep love for Italian varietals.
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