Dormilona is a boutique winery located in Margaret River, founded by award-winning winemaker, Josephine Perry.
Translated as ‘Lazy Bones’ in Spanish – Dormilona is a producer of natural wines, made lovingly and organically using low-impact, minimal intervention techniques.
Growing up in the Margaret River region, Jo’s path to winemaking was inspired by her grandfather, who was the head brewer for Perth’s Swan Brewery. With his encouragement, Jo started her journey at just 14 years of age, gaining work experience at Margaret River’s Cape Mentelle.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Wine Science from Charles Sturt University, Jo spent the next decade honing her winemaking skills in some of the most prestigious wineries in Australia, as well as the Rhone, Burgundy and Bordeaux regions of France, Galicia, Canary Islands in Spain and California in the US.
Falling in love with Spain, it was there that Jo was given the nickname ‘Dormilona’. Rising early to go surfing each morning before a full day in the winery, by the time everyone went out for dinner (late as they do in Spain) she found herself falling asleep at the table!
Far from lazy, Jo’s deliberately slow and nurturing hands-off approach to winemaking is about providing time and space during the fermentation and maturation process to allow the natural flavours and characteristics of varietals to shine through. It’s also about selecting the right fruit – organic grapes from family-owned vineyards, grown respectfully using local knowledge and ethical, biodynamic practices.
Starting her own label in the Margaret River region in 2012, Jo has gone from strength to strength, winning Best New Act in 2013 and then Young Gun of Wine in 2016 as part of the celebrated industry competition, Young Gun of Wine Awards.
With her winery, Dormilona based centrally in the town of Margaret River, Jo continues to produce wine of outstanding and original quality. She is also a judge at some of Australia’s top wine competitions and events. In addition to finding Jo’s wine in some of the country’s best restaurants and wine stores, Dormilona also exports to South Korea, Japan, Canada, and Singapore.
