Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River, WA © Tourism Western Australia
The best Margaret River wineries
Planning a Margaret River escapade? Raise a glass at these top-notch wineries.
By Katrina Lobley
Western Australia's Margaret River region has been making wine for just 50 years, but its wines are world-class. Two varieties in particular – cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay – have helped put the region on every connoisseur's radar. Drop in to these outstanding cellar doors and find out what all the fuss is about.
See where it all started at Vasse Felix
Vasse Felix, Margaret River, Western Australia © Vasse Felix/Chloe Jones
Start where the story of Margaret River's wines began – at Vasse Felix, the region's first vineyard. Established in 1967 when Dr Tom Cullity planted vines here, Vasse Felix produced the region's first cabernet sauvignon in 1972. Thanks to its geography and Mediterranean climate, Margaret River has proved a leader when it comes to producing powerful yet elegant cabernet sauvignon and premium chardonnay.
View the art in real life at Leeuwin Estate
Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River, Western Australia © Tourism Australia
Leeuwin Estate made a splash with its distinctive Art Series wine labels showcasing paintings from the likes of Australian artists John Olsen and Sidney Nolan. Taste the estate's wines or enjoy them with lunch in the restaurant overlooking a meadow enveloped by majestic karri trees. It's possible to take a one-hour scenic flight from Jandakot, in Perth's southern suburbs, to the winery's private airstrip.
Taste wine from the barrel at Voyager Estate
Voyager Estate, Margaret River, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Go behind the scenes at Voyager Estate for a wine experience that includes tasting wine straight from the barrel, seeing Australia's largest underground barrel cellar and finishing with a private tasting. The signature experience in the estate's elegant restaurant is a six-course, wine-paired lunch that celebrates Voyager's history.
Enjoy the feng shui at Howard Park
Howard Park Wines, Margaret River, Western Australia © Howard Park Wines
Howard Park’s ultra-modern cellar door is known for it's alignment with the feng shui principles. Chinese feng shui expert, Professor Cheng Jian Jun, helped design the award-winning building, which has a door sized to allow the maximum amount of good luck to flow through. Not that the winery needs luck when it's producing wines of such excellence. Howard Park is known for eminently drinkable riesling.
Find something for everyone at Aravina Estate
Aravina Estate, Margaret River, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
When Perth businessman Steve Tobin established Aravina Estate in 2010, his vision was to create an experience that had something for everybody. Kids can entertain themselves in the playground while sports car enthusiasts can drool over the Aussie muscle cars and vintage vehicles that sit in their own gallery. Garden aficionados can stroll the hydrangea and rose gardens, or tour the kitchen garden. Taste Aravina’s wide range of wines in the cellar door or take a seat in the white wicker chairs on the veranda for lunch.
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The best craft breweries in Margaret River
Drink to the region's pioneering women
Cullen Wines, Margaret River, Western Australia © Russell Ord
Diana Cullen, the late matriarch of Cullen Wines, was quite a woman. While her husband worked as a doctor, she managed their winery and became its chief winemaker in 1981. Today, Vanya Cullen is following in her mother's footsteps and has been the estate's chief winemaker since 1989. Taste her efforts in the cellar door or pair her wines with lunch at the estate's restaurant.
