Margaret River Wine Region

Margaret River

The striking coastal region of Margaret River is Western Australia’s leading wine and tourism destination. Celebrated for premium cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and semillon sauvignon blanc blends, it punches well above its weight on the international stage. The region is renowned for benchmark Australian chardonnay styles that are rich and complex with underlying acid drive. High quality cabernet sauvignon is dense and varietal with powerful structure and firm gravelly tannins. It is often paired with merlot to make a traditional regional style. Herbaceous aromatics and fresh lemongrass flavour are typical of vivacious SSB blends. Other varieties include shiraz and chenin blanc, which plays a part in the classic white blend. Names like Leeuwin Estate, Cullen, Moss Wood and Vasse Felix are synonymous with Margaret River.

The first significant vineyards were established in Margaret River in 1967 under the guidance of researcher Dr John Gladstones. The young and innovative region now boasts over 5,500 ha of vine. It is located 270km south of Perth, stretching for 90km along the coast between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. The Mediterranean climate is heavily influenced by the cooling maritime effect of the Indian and Southern Oceans. Margaret River can be divided into six main districts: Yallingup, Wilyabrup, Treeton, Carbunup, Wallcliffe and Karridale. The region sits on an undulating ridge of gravelly and sandy loams over granite and gneissic rock. The landscape is home to giant karri tree forests with jarrah, banksia, peppermint and yukka scattered amongst the natural scrub. An extensive network of underground caves lies beneath the soil.

The Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park features stunning coastal vistas, pristine sandy beaches and rocky headlands. World famous surfing breaks make the Margaret River Pro one of the most prestigious tournaments on the international circuit.

[Yallingup] – Place of Love, Aboriginal word

[Karri] – Eucalyptus, Aboriginal word

Watch Stuart MacGill uncork the Margaret River