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How many wine regions do you know that were founded as the result of a research paper?

From an unusually academic start, the Margaret River wine region of Western Australia was born. It all started with a 1966 paper by Dr. John Gladstone identifying the region as suitable for wine production (since it was similar to the Bordeaux region of France). Apparently that’s all it took for some enterprising Aussies to start planting grapes and making wine.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Now, 50 years later, although Margaret River produces only around 3% of Australian wine, it is responsible for 20% of Australia’s most premium bottles.

That is a pretty high density of the good stuff, making Margaret River one of the best Australian wine regions you could choose to visit to make the most of a wine trip in Australia. Plus, with surf beaches, rock climbing, and nature nearby, even the New York Times posed this question about Margaret River: “With Beaches, Wine, and Buzz, Is This Australia’s Next Hot Place?”

READ MORE: One of the coolest things in WA – Pemberton Climbing Trees

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Margaret River is strategically located between two capes jutting out from Australia’s western coast, meaning sea breezes from the Indian Ocean keep the grapes in perfect growing conditions. And at approximately a three-hour drive from the city of Perth, it is close enough for a weekend trip.

While I hear most often that “Australia is far,” there are actually many parts of the world with direct flights to Perth, the nearest major city to Margaret River in Western Australia (WA).

Beside other Australian and New Zealand locales, you’ll find direct access to Perth from many major cities in Asia and the Middle East, such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. There are also direct flights from Johannesburg (South Africa), and as of recently, even a direct flight from London!

READ MORE: 12 Things to Expect on Your Visit that are “So Perth”

And there’s no better time to check out this incredible wine region.

The Basics of Australian Wine and Wine Tasting

For my first visit to the region, I had been living in Perth, Australia for almost a year and had a pretty good sense of the local wine varietals. But in case you’re less familiar, here is a bit about the types of wine you’ll see at the wineries:

White Blends

In addition to single grape varietals you likely already know, Australians love their wine blends. The blend you’ll see most commonly is of the sweeter Semillon grape with the more acidic Sauvignon Blanc. You may have tasted these two grapes together already in a Bordeaux white, but in Australia, you’ll basically see two variations:

• SSB standing for Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, meaning that there is a higher percentage of Semillon in the blend.
• SBS standing for Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, with a higher percentage of Sauvignon Blanc

As you might expect, the blend takes on more of the characteristics of the grape that is named first. Try lots of both and decide which you like best! (I prefer SSB.)

Shiraz

First off, spoiler – Shiraz and Syrah are exactly the same grape. But just because you know Syrah does not mean you’ll know Australian Shiraz though, only because of the many different ways it is produced. Even one Australian Shiraz to another can taste quite different, so keep an open mind and taste lots of these wines.

Red Blends

Of course you’ll see plenty of blends with Shiraz, like Cabernet Shiraz (blend with Cabernet Sauvignon) and Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre, known as a GSM blend found typically in the Rhone region of France. Interestingly, another popular blend I’ve only seen in Australia – Shiraz Viognier – with the red Shiraz grape blended with white Viognier.

And there are lots of other Cabernet blends beyond Cabernet Shiraz, although you’ll most typically see Cabernet Merlot, which is both fruity and bold.

Other Things to Know Before You Go

You’ll notice quickly in Australia that Australians (Aussies) have nicknames and abbreviations for just about everything! And wine is no exception. The shortened version you’re most likely to encounter is the Aussie nickname for Chardonnay which is the abbreviation ‘chardy’ (pronounced SHAR-dee).

Don’t bother looking for a winery’s ‘tasting room,’ as you won’t find it. Instead, seek out the ‘cellar door.’

And don’t be dissuaded by the predominance of screw-top bottles over corked wine bottles, as in Australia it is not related to the quality of the wine. Since beginning the switch to screw-top bottles around the year 2000, today around 99% of all Australian wine is bottled that way.

Now let’s get down to it – which wineries you should visit to sample some incredible Margaret River wines!

Best Wineries in Margaret River

With an area so well known for its premium wines, there are plenty of exceptional wineries that are worth a visit. All of those alphabetically listed below are wineries that I’ve visited and enjoyed enough to purchase wines – which for me is a high bar to clear!

Also, wine tasting in Australia is probably more laid back than winery visits you’ve had in other countries, with ‘cellar doors’ that are open typically every day of the week and welcoming anyone who is in the area to stop by.

Often tastings are offered for free or for a minimal fee, which will often be waived if you make any purchases during your visit. Private tastings or tours at a winery tend to be extra, and often require advance booking.

TIP! Even if you think you know a grape or a wine, it all tastes different in WA, so keep an open mind and try everything!

Now go and enjoy your winery visits at….

Arimia Winery

Reservations: Not needed

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Merlot Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre (GSM), Petit Verdot, Rosé, Shiraz Viognier, Verdelho, Zinfandel

Arimia Winery was a last-minute addition to my wine tasting itinerary based on a recommendation from nearby purveyor Gabriel Chocolate. You’ll see a lot of French style blends and grapes, taking advantage of Margaret River’s similarity to some parts of France. There is also a restaurant on-site which makes for a scenic and delicious meal overlooking the vineyard.

This is also possibly the spot where I bought the most wine:

Ashbrook Estate

Reservations: Not needed

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Merlot, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Riesling, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Verdelho

This one of the oldest and also one of the best wineries in the Margaret River region, producing common grapes along with those less often seen in Australia, like Riesling. A third generation winery, Ashbrook celebrated its 40th vintage in 2018. There is great care taken with all the wine produced here, with grapes picked completely by hand, leading to a delicious final product.

Cape Mentelle

Reservations: Not needed for the Cellar Door; “bookings essential” for a private tour or tasting (additional fee)

Tasting: AUD$10 tasting fee per person, waived with purchase

Varietals: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (SBS), Semillon, Shiraz, Zinfandel

This is one of my all-time favorite wineries from the region, and also one of the easiest to find represented at restaurants and wine stores outside of Australia. Which is not surprising since it holds the distinction as being one of the ‘founding five’ wineries of the region. Especially memorable wines include their SBS blend, the Cabernet Merlot Trinders blend, and the Zinfandel. Plus, the straight Cabernet Sauvignon makes for such perfect, smooth sips, it was my bottle of choice at a recent steakhouse dinner in the US.

Cape Naturaliste Vineyard

Reservations: Not needed

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (SSB), Shiraz

Cape Naturaliste is one of the younger vineyards on this list, but one with consistent, quality wines. Even with the excellent quality, its wines are more affordable than some other wineries in the region, leading many of its vintages to sell out every year. Their SSB white blend is one of my favorites. The winery also aims to be in harmony with nature, hand picking grapes and applying bio-dynamic philosophies to preserving the local environment.

Cullen Wines

Reservations: Not needed, except for Private Tour and Tasting or for groups of 7+ people

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Merlot (Diana Madeline), Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Malbec, Malbec Petit Verdot (Red Moon), Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (SBS)

The fourth of the ‘founding five’ Margaret River wineries, Cullen opened the year after Cape Mentelle and has continued to evolve since then. Today it is Australian certified organic and bio-dynamic winery with fruit that is harvested by hand and an estate that is carbon-neutral and naturally powered. The wine is sophisticated and smooth, and comes in at a mix of price points, with some more affordable bottles and a few that are more exclusive – with a price to match.

Flying Fish Cove

Reservations: Tastings by appointment Monday-Friday

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Chardonnay (sparkling), Rosé, Shiraz, Shiraz (sparkling), Shiraz Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (SBS), Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (SSB)

One of the few Margaret River wineries that requires reservations, be sure to arrange with them in advance so you can sample their delicious wines. Offering a range of lines (at a range of price points), there are delicious wines to excite your palate, including a few sparkling ones. If you’re not sure which Aussie wine you fancy, Flying Fish Cove will help you figure it all out as you taste across their impressive varietals.

Gralyn Estate

Reservations: Not needed

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Fortified/ Late Harvest/ Muscat/ Port style dessert wines, Rosé, Shiraz

Gralyn Estate also dates from the first wave of wineries in the 1970s and today is a boutique winery known for its fine wine production. A specialty here that you don’t see at many other Margaret River wineries is the dessert wine portfolio, which ranges from late harvest wines to sweet fortified and port-style ones that I love. You may not make the splurge to buy a ton of bottles here, but it is definitely worth coming for a tasting.

Juniper Estate

Reservations: Not needed

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Merlot Malbec Cabernet Franc (Aquitaine Rouge), Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Riesling, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (SBS – Aquitaine Blanc), Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (SSB), Shiraz, Tempranillo

I was on an organized tour my first day in Margaret River, and after not loving the first winery, the tour guide brought us here and it was exactly the type of winery I was looking for. In addition to the Aussie staples, it offers delicious bottles of Tempranillo, a Spanish grape that grows surprisingly well in Western Australia, and also beautiful whites like Riesling.

But the show-stopper for me is their Aquitane Blanc, the best SBS I have ever tasted. The blend hails from France, but with the Margaret River grapes and expert treatment by this winery, it has a je ne sais quoi that will stop you in your tracks as well.

Leeuwin Estate

Reservations: Not needed for tastings; recommended for tours, food flights, and other experiences

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Chardonnay Brut (sparkling), Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (SBS), Shiraz

Part of the first wave of wineries to open in the region, Leeuwin Estate is a mainstay known for its consistent quality wines. Still family owned today, Napa Valley renowned winemaker Robert Mondavi actually helped the family transform the land from a cattle farm into a world-class winery. The estate also has a restaurant on-site and is big enough that it regularly hosts special events. And its “Art Series” of wine isn’t just lip service – there is also an art gallery at the winery.

Stella Bella Wines

Reservations: Not needed for individuals; groups are strictly by appointment only

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Moscato, Pinot Gris, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (SBS), Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (SSB), Shiraz, Shiraz Cabernet

I found this to be one of the most laid back and fun wineries for a visit, but still with incredibly high-quality wine. I like so many of the wines I can’t even pick a favorite – for me it is between their various red wines and red blends and the more delicate of their white wines, like Chardonnay and the SSB. Although the winery has only been around since the 1990s, it has been racking up awards and is renowned across Australia for the incredible wine it produces.

Vasse Felix

Reservations: Not needed for tastings; recommended for tours, food flights, and other experiences

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Blanc de Blancs (sparkling), Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (SBS), Shiraz

I keep talking about the ‘founding five’ wineries of Margaret River and this is THE ONE, the very first winery in the region. Like Leeuwin, there is also a restaurant and art gallery on site, and events that are hosted there. But of course the main attraction is the wine. It is spectacular, and I was pleasantly surprised to find some great value wines along with the pricier lines, with their red offerings as my favorites.

Voyager Estate

Reservations: Not needed for tastings; recommended for tours, food flights, and other experiences

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Chenin Blanc (sparkling), Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (SBS), Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (SSB), Shiraz

Voyager didn’t come onto the Margaret River wine scene until the late 1970s, but it has become one of the most established and recognizable wineries since then. Its Chenin Blanc is my favorite from the region and its other whites are some of my favorites as well.

The on-site restaurant made for an excellent lunch when I visited, with scrumptious food beautifully displayed in a lovely space – and plenty of delicious wine to go with your meal.

Woodlands Wines

Reservations: Not needed

Tasting: Fees may apply

Varietals: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Franc Merlot, Cabernet Merlot Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir

Woodlands Wines became established in the Margaret River region in the early 1970s, right after the ‘founding five’ wineries. As you can see from the list above, it specializes in red wines and blends, using some of the less commonly found grapes in the region like Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Pinot Noir, making some fabulous wines.

While the reds are great and numerous, there is one white wine that is absolutely outstanding and memorable – the ‘Chloe’ Chardonnay. It is bright golden in color and an explosion of flavor that wows you and then lingers as it shifts to some of the more subtle notes of the wine. And since it is such a small production, your best bet to taste this outstanding wine is at the Woodlands Cellar Door. Followed by buying some to take home, of course!

Tips for Wine Tasting in Margaret River

There is certainly no shortage of incredible wineries in Margaret River. To make the most of your wine tasting trip, here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

Australian ‘drink driving’ rules are strict.

Unlike other countries where you need to be suspected of a violation before you can be subject to a sobriety test, it is routine all over Australia to set up a road-block and take a breathalyzer (or ‘breathalyser’) test of every single driver on the road. WA is so serious about breathalyzers that once I even had to take one before going on the Tunnels Tour at the Fremantle Prison in Perth.

If you do decide to drive yourself, be responsible and exercise caution. You’ll see signs around a lot of the wineries asking, “Who is the skipper?” about a designated driver.

So take a tour!

There are several reputable and well-regarded tour operators in Margaret River, who will both drive you around to wineries and recommend excellent spots based on what you like. Many tours book up quickly (especially on weekends) so make your arrangements in advance.

I went on an excellent tour with Top Drop Tours, where the driver/guide did an excellent job tailoring that day’s itinerary to my wine preferences.

Find out more about Top Drop Tours HERE

Explore other Margaret River wine tour options HERE

Don’t just taste wine.

This is a lesson I first learned wine tasting in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys of California. Even besides meals, it is important to mix up mix all that wine tasting with getting food in your stomach. Two of the best places to do that in Margaret River:

• Gabriel Chocolate is an award-winning chocolatier that sources cacao beans from around the world and produces a wide range of chocolates at their Margaret River factory. Get all your questions answered by the helpful staff and taste differently sourced chocolate from around the world side-by-side to get a great sense of each.
• Olio Bello has been harvesting olives in the region since the 1990s and they are serious about the product they produce. Over a dozen of varieties of olives are grown, hand-picked, and cold-pressed, all right on their massive property. At their tasting room you can sample various olive oils and preserves.

TIP! If you come during their olive pressing season from April – June, you can watch the olive milling process and taste the new oil as soon as it’s made.

Check out all there is to do in the region!

Other food and activity purveyors are best located on the Margaret River regional map, helpfully marked with different icons based on whether it is a winery, art gallery, activity, and also specifying whether there is a restaurant attached for each.

There are plenty of outdoor adventures to take advantage of as well, from hiking to world-class surfing to rock climbing.

Find the most updated regional map HERE.

TIP! You’ll also be able to pick up hard copies of the map at various wineries and Margaret River attractions.

Including Australian truffle country.

The other thing you may not know about this part of Western Australia is that nearby you’ll find the most truffles of any other spot in the southern hemisphere! While you may associate truffles more typically with Italy (or France), there are actually truffles in several parts of Australia, although you’ll find the vast majority in one part of WA.

Truffle season lasts from late May until September, when you’ll have access to freshly harvested truffles to enjoy, although you can enjoy local truffle products all year long. And sometime in late June or early July – the exact timing varies from year to year – you’ll be able to enjoy the annual Truffle Kerfuffle, the local truffle festival located about a 90-minute drive from Margaret River.

And definitely stay over.

As you can see from the massive list of top wineries (which doesn’t include every spot I visited, just the best ones), I spent several days exploring the Margaret River region – and so should you! Most visitors stay either close to nature or in town. I liked staying in the town of Margaret River, with lots of restaurants in walking distance to not have to worry about driving after a day of wine tasting.

I had an exceptional few nights at the Rosewood Guesthouse, which went above and beyond to provide little touches throughout my stay. The elaborate breakfast is a great start to a day of wine tasting or outdoor activity, and there are complimentary refreshments available all day long, from tea and biscuits to complimentary port and sherry for a nightcap. The Rosewood Guesthouse will also coordinate any number of snacks, in-house massages, or tours for you, including the option of a private tour in the on-site, cream-colored 1956 Rolls Royce:

This was not a sponsored accommodation of any kind, I just had a really fabulous stay at the Rosewood Guesthouse!

Check out Rosewood Guesthouse pricing and availability HERE

Explore other Margaret River accommodation options HERE

Staying somewhere attentive and cozy was definitely a great way to end each day in Margaret River.

And even beyond wine country, the region has so much to offer that it is a great destination for a weekend (or longer!) escape.

Happy travels!
Lana

How do you decide which wine country you’d like to visit next?Have you been to Margaret River? Any other wineries there that you love?

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