Margaret River
It’s among the most secluded, stunning wine areas in the world, filled with luxurious wineries. Explore Margaret River
About Wines Margaret River
Margaret River has just started its wine surge. In the last five years, the area and its team of committed vintners have established a global standing for exceptional cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. Whether you’re a wine lover or just curious, Margaret River wine tours offer a perfect way to experience this coastal gem and its outstanding vineyards.
Located on the rugged coast of Western Australia, along the 100-kilometre stretch between stunning Cape Leeuwin and even more stunning Cape Naturaliste, Margaret River is a three-hour journey from Perth and an authentic wine area. Loved by both beach enthusiasts and wine aficionados, this hidden piece of paradise lets you enjoy a crisp glass of white while taking in a spectacular view.
Become a member of Halliday Wine Club now and savor some of Australia’s finest wines, featuring selections from the famous Margaret River area and other highly regarded wine regions nationwide.
Margaret River’s Wine History
The wine history of Margaret River started in the 1830s when the Bussell family cultivated their initial vines to produce wine for personal use. Nonetheless, the area truly began to prosper when two research scientists arrived in the 1950s, nearly a century later.
The geographical seclusion of Margaret River posed no obstacle for wine trailblazers Professor Harry Olmo and Dr John Gladstone. Olmo, specifically, stands out as one of the overlooked champions of the Australian wine sector. Though not as famous as figures like Max Schubert or Robert Mondavi, Olmo’s contributions to chardonnay in Western Australia are what brought the variety into prominence in this nation.
Margaret River Wine Types
Margaret River focuses on high-quality wine, producing expressions that are consistently refined and widely praised. In the realm of red wine, Margaret River is most recognized for its cabernet sauvignon and shiraz.
Cabernet reigns supreme in Margaret River, and nearly every vintner will offer one at their tasting room. This variety alone established the region’s reputation in the wine world. Currently, over 160 Margaret River wineries produce cabernet, with 70 receiving five-star ratings from James Halliday. Top names like Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, and Cape Mentelle are often featured on Margaret River winery tours.
James describes Margaret River cabernet as “rarely green, the flavors within the typical blackcurrant/cassis range, featuring a juicy mid-palate followed by moderately firm tannins that carry hints of black olive and earth to the end.”
Through whites, the top varieties in production are chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Margaret River stands out as one of Australia’s top areas for chardonnay, recognized for its remarkable richness. James characterizes the Margaret River style as possessing “a robust structure, significant intensity combined with generosity, and sweet fruit balanced with vibrant natural acidity.”
Though 100 percent sauvignon blanc is produced successfully here, it’s often combined with semillon. Margaret River semillon has a notable herbal quality, which pairs perfectly with sauvignon blanc. Many Margaret River wine tasting tours offer this blend, especially at Voyager Estate or Cape Mentelle, known among the top Margaret River wineries.
Margaret River’s Climate and Soils
Margaret River features a climate that is distinctive among Australian wine regions. Surrounded by water on three sides, it’s regarded as “Mediterranean maritime.” Frequently compared to Bordeaux, yet shaped by maritime effects, its climate is moderated by the Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Geographe Bay, leading to cool, wet winters and warm, arid summers.
In even more positive news for grapes, frosts are uncommon here and the humidity levels throughout the growing season are perfect. The area receives an annual average precipitation of 1190mm, with the minimum mean yearly temperature at merely 7.6°C. Vines benefit from a variety of soil types, including the bases of Jarrah and Karri woodlands, sandy Jindong soils, and the gravelly loams found in Wilyabrup.
James Halliday on Margaret River
The terrain differs, characterized by numerous small streams and gentle hollows, along with a wealth of indigenous trees, bushes, and blossoms. In physical terms, the level of shielding from sea wind is the key factor.
“The vegetation here closely mirrors the styles for which Margaret River is renowned and that are most appropriate for the region.” Cabernet merlot blends are significant, just as blends of sauvignon blanc and semillon are. These two blends come from Bordeaux, and it’s no coincidence that the wines are of such high quality.”
Many Margaret River wine tours feature these Bordeaux-style blends, especially at iconic estates like Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, and Voyager Estate. Whether you’re visiting with a group or booking Margaret River private wine tours, you’ll discover how these blends have helped define the reputation of the top Margaret River wineries.
Things to Do in Margaret River
In addition to sampling at the area’s cellar doors, numerous activities are available to occupy your time. If you love the beach, visit one of the well-known shores and observe the surfers catching waves.
If you’d rather remain dry, you can stroll along Busselton Jetty, check out Australia’s tallest lighthouse on the mainland at Cape Leeuwin, enjoy a picnic surrounded by the Karri trees in Boranup Forest, hike the Cape to Cape track, witness the sunset at Yallingup, or observe migrating humpback whales where the Southern and Indian Oceans converge.
If wine tasting in Margaret River has awakened your hunger, enjoy a winery lunch Margaret River is known for, at one of the area’s fantastic restaurants before indulging your sweet cravings at the Margaret River Chocolate Factory.
Every quotation and piece of information in this guide is sourced from James Halliday’s Wine Atlas of Australia. Whether you’re joining Margaret River private wine tours, exploring Margaret River boutique wineries, or just looking for the best wine tour Margaret River can offer, this region guarantees an unforgettable wine and nature escape.