Discover the wines of the Southern Forests wine region
Meet the Makers,
Fabio & Katrina DeiTos
of DeiTos Vineyard Wines
DeiTos Vineyard Wines, located in the heart of the Southern Forests just south of Manjimup, stands as a testament to the passion and dedication of its founders, Fabio and Katrina DeiTos. This family-owned vineyard has flourished since its inception in 1996, when Fabio and Katrina planted their first vines, driven by a vision to produce wines of exceptional quality. Over the years, the vineyard has expanded, with the couple’s three daughters contributing to the family operation, making DeiTos Vineyard Wines not only a business but a family legacy.
Fabio’s Italian heritage plays a pivotal role in shaping both his approach to winemaking and his overall philosophy. Growing up in an Italian household, Fabio was exposed to the intimate relationship between food and wine from an early age. He recalls how his mother, like many women of her time, was an extraordinary cook who could transform simple ingredients—such as a potato, tomato, and onion—into a feast. "Being Italian, you learn early that good food and wine go hand in hand," Fabio reflects. This strong connection to food and flavour laid the foundation for his passion for winemaking. Fabio fondly remembers sitting down to family meals, which were always accompanied by a watered-down half glass of claret—a practice that was commonplace in his youth but might raise eyebrows today. These early experiences with wine instilled in him a deep respect for its role in bringing people together and elevating the dining experience.
In 1996, Fabio and Katrina planted their first vines of Pinot Noir, marking the beginning of their winemaking journey. At the time, vineyards were still relatively new in the Manjimup area, and the concept of growing premium wine grapes in the region was somewhat uncharted territory. However, Fabio’s underlying passion for producing quality wine, combined with his curiosity and determination, propelled him forward. "I had an underlying passion to produce a quality wine from my own vines," Fabio says, and this passion has only deepened over time. The following year, they expanded the vineyard, planting Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet, and Merlot, adding depth and diversity to their offerings.
The vineyard spans 3.2 hectares, with approximately 8,000 vines, making DeiTos Vineyard Wines a boutique operation. Despite its small size, the vineyard produces wines of exceptional calibre, particularly its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which have become standout varieties. The secret to this success lies in the vineyard’s unique terroir—a combination of Karri and Jarrah gravelly loam soil, which provides the perfect growing conditions for these premium grapes. Fabio has always been committed to maintaining a sustainable approach to viticulture, and the vineyard’s organic-leaning practices reflect this ethos. He avoids the use of herbicides, relying instead on natural fungicides and organic fertilisers. All of the grapes are hand-harvested, ensuring that each vine receives the attention it deserves, and the fruit is picked at the peak of ripeness.
For Fabio, winemaking is an art form that begins in the vineyard. His philosophy is simple yet profound: "Quality wine is made in the vineyard, but it can be ruined in the winery." He believes that the key to producing exceptional wine lies in starting with high-quality fruit. If the vineyard is neglected, the winemaking process becomes exponentially more complicated, and the final product will inevitably suffer. Fabio’s winemaking technique, therefore, involves minimal intervention, allowing the natural characteristics of the grapes to shine through. "The process is generally pretty simple as long as you start off with quality fruit," he explains. By letting the fruit speak for itself, Fabio creates wines that are balanced, fresh, and reflective of the unique terroir of the Southern Forests.
The DeiTos family’s involvement in the vineyard has been central to its success. Fabio and Katrina’s three daughters all grew up working on the property, gaining hands-on experience in vineyard management, from shoot thinning to harvesting. Their youngest daughter, now a graphic designer, even contributed to the family business by designing the distinctive DeiTos Vineyard Wines label, adding a personal touch to the brand. This close-knit family dynamic is evident in every aspect of the operation, from the care given to the vines to the attention paid to the winemaking process.
In the late 1990s, Fabio’s journey took an unexpected turn when he was introduced to black truffles, a rare and highly prized delicacy that, like wine, has a deep connection to the land. "In the late nineties, I was introduced to truffles, which completed the picture for me," Fabio says. His foray into truffle production allowed him to further diversify the farm’s offerings, and today, the property houses both a vineyard and a trufferie of oak and hazelnut trees that play host to the black perigord truffle. This combination reflects the region’s unique agricultural potential.
Fabio’s work with truffles also led to international travel, taking him to Italy, Spain, and France. While these trips were primarily focused on truffle sales, they also gave Fabio the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most renowned winemaking regions. "Travelling through Italy, Spain, and France gave me the chance to understand their winemaking styles and what they had to do to achieve this," he recalls. These experiences provided valuable insights into traditional European winemaking techniques, which Fabio has since incorporated into his own practices at DeiTos Vineyard Wines. His travels reinforced the importance of patience, both in the vineyard and the winery. "To stay in this industry, you need to be passionate, and you also need to be patient. Trying to force things to happen sooner seldom works," Fabio notes.
The wines produced at DeiTos Vineyard Wines are known for their rich fruit structure, perfect acidity, and crisp, fresh finish. Each vintage is unique, and the wines continue to evolve over time, reflecting the careful attention given to both the vineyard and the winemaking process. Fabio’s minimal-intervention approach allows the natural flavours of the fruit to take centre stage, resulting in wines that are vibrant, balanced, and expressive of their terroir.
Sustainability is at the core of the DeiTos family’s ethos. Their vineyard methodology, which leans towards organic practices, reflects their deep respect for the environment. By avoiding synthetic chemicals and focusing on natural solutions, Fabio and Katrina are committed to preserving the integrity of the land they farm. This commitment not only ensures the production of high-quality wines but also supports the long-term sustainability of the vineyard, allowing future generations to continue the family’s winemaking tradition.
Empower
Growth
In 2023, the DeiTos family opened their cellar door, providing a welcoming space for visitors to experience their wines firsthand. Conveniently located just off the South Western Highway, the cellar door has quickly become a popular stop for travellers exploring the Southern Forests region. Open seven days a week, the cellar door offers a unique opportunity to taste the wines, learn about the vineyard’s history, and experience the passion that goes into every bottle. The DeiTos family takes pride in the personal connections they form with their customers, ensuring that each visit is a memorable one.
Looking to the future, Fabio and Katrina are focused on continuing to produce high-quality wines with minimal intervention, staying true to the organic principles that have guided them from the beginning. Their passion for winemaking remains as strong as ever, and while meeting the growing demand for their wines presents an ongoing challenge, they are committed to maintaining the quality and integrity that have become the hallmarks of DeiTos Vineyard Wines. Their legacy, they hope, will be remembered as one of dedication to the craft, a small but passionate vineyard that produced wines of exceptional quality.
For those eager to experience the distinctive wines of DeiTos Vineyard Wines, the cellar door is open daily. Visitors are invited to explore the range of wines on offer, each one a testament to the care, patience, and passion that defines this remarkable family vineyard. Whether enjoying a glass of Pinot Noir or discovering the unique pairing of wine and truffles, a visit to DeiTos Vineyard Wines promises to be an unforgettable experience.
DeiTos Vineyard Wines is open regularly, located at 41 Towie Road, Manjimup.
