Margaret River
World renowned Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are Margaret River staples, but there are 70 wineries with a 5-star rating by Wine Companion (James Halliday) that are so much more, with wonderful Tempranillo, Chenin Blanc, Grenache and a host of others.
Margaret River Wine Region
Nestled in the southwestern corner of Australia, the wines of Margaret River stand as a beacon of excellence in the world of wine. Renowned for its pristine landscapes, the region has carved a niche for itself in the global wine industry. Learn about the secrets of Margaret River’s viticultural success, exploring the major wines, the climatic influence, award-winning wineries, and how these exceptional wines compare with other regions in Australia.
What Wine is Margaret River Famous For?
Margaret River Wines are famous for producing a diverse array of wines, each bearing the unique imprint of the region’s terroir. Among the major wines that have garnered international acclaim are the robust Cabernet Sauvignons, elegant Chardonnays, and blends of Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon. The interplay of the region’s Mediterranean climate, fertile soils, and cool ocean breezes creates an ideal environment for cultivating grapes of unparalleled quality.
The Dance of Climate and Grapes:
Margaret River’s winemaking prowess is intricately linked to the region’s remarkably stable climate, setting it apart from the climatic extremes experienced on the east coast of Australia. While the east coast contends with the oscillations of La Niña and El Niño, leading to unpredictable and sometimes extreme weather patterns, Margaret River enjoys a more temperate and consistent climate.
- Stability Amidst Variability: Unlike some wine-producing regions that grapple with the unpredictability of weather events, Margaret River experiences a remarkable level of climate stability. This consistency plays a crucial role in the production of wines with a distinctive regional character year after year. The region benefits from mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, allowing for a gradual ripening of grapes and the development of complex flavours.
- Moderating Influence of the Indian and Southern Oceans: The moderating influence of the Indian and Southern Oceans significantly contributes to the stability of Margaret River’s climate. These oceanic influences help regulate temperature extremes, providing a more temperate environment for grape cultivation. This moderation ensures that the grapes are not subjected to the stress of rapid temperature fluctuations, resulting in more controlled and even ripening.
- Consistent Vintages: The stability of Margaret River’s climate translates into a consistent quality of vintages, a factor highly prized in the world of winemaking. Winemakers in the region can anticipate the general climatic conditions, allowing for strategic decisions in grape cultivation and harvesting. This predictability contributes to the production of wines that consistently reflect the unique terroir of Margaret River, regardless of the variations brought about by each vintage.
- Contrast with East Coast Extremes: In contrast to the east coast’s more variable climate, Margaret River’s stability offers a unique advantage. While the east coast may witness dramatic shifts from cool and wet to hot and dry conditions, Margaret River provides a more reliable and conducive environment for grape growing. This stability is a key factor in the region’s ability to produce wines with a distinct and recognisable character, year in and year out.
- Overall Climate Resilience: The resilience of Margaret River’s climate contributes to the overall health of the vineyards and the sustained success of the region’s winemaking industry. Winemakers can focus on refining their craft and experimenting with new techniques, secure in the knowledge that the fundamental climate conditions of the region remain relatively stable.
Award-Winning Elegance:
The list of award-winning Margaret River Wine is extensive, showcasing the region’s commitment to excellence. Fraser Gallop, Xanadu, Amelia Park, Domaine Naturaliste, Leeuwin Estate, Cullen, Pierro, Moss Wood, and others have consistently been recognised for their exceptional craftsmanship. These wineries often push the boundaries of innovation while respecting traditional winemaking techniques, creating a tapestry of wines that consistently earn accolades on the global stage.
A League of Its Own: Comparing Margaret River Wine:
Margaret River stands out even in a country as renowned for its wine as Australia. The region’s wines, particularly its Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays, are often considered benchmarks for their respective varietals. The unique combination of climate, geography, and viticultural expertise gives Margaret River wines a distinctive edge, making them a compelling choice for both connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts.
The Margaret River Region Dominance:
The dominance of Margaret River wines in international competitions is a testament to the region’s winemaking prowess. A significant percentage of award winners in various categories hail from this corner of Western Australia. This trend underlines the consistent quality and innovation that define Margaret River’s winemaking community.
So now you know why Margaret River makes consistently great wine you can see all the wines of the region.
Browse our extensive selection of the best Margaret River Wines now below.
Read the Ray Jordan Margaret River Wine Reviews HERE
Planning a trip to Margaret River? Visit the official Margaret River Wine Association HERE
Margaret River Wines Are Below
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Learn About Western Australian Wine Regions
Encompassing the The Swan Valley, Chittering & Surrounds the key varietals grown here include Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc & Verdelho.
What you might not know is it is Australia’s 2nd oldest wine region and has the hottest climate of any wine region in Australia. It is actually too hot here to produce certain varietals like Pinot. So, if you find one here, the fruit will probably be from down south.
Being on the doorstep of Perth we often forget it’s only a 25 minute drive from the city. We are so lucky to have a major wine region so close to the city.
An untapped resource that we are excited to showcase. We encourage you to take a drive up through the Bickley Valley. Not only are there some great wineries, but it’s a lovely drive with some fantastic views!
Most wineries here in the Bickley region are quiet young and a little different, with some varietals somewhat uncommon in WA. It has its own microclimate, producing differences in a Cabernet or Shiraz found down on the coastal plain. Up here you will find other varietals like Durif, Tempranillo, Mourvedre, and some Pinot Noir & Merlot.
The region stretches from Jarrahdale, through Bickley and the undulating landscapes of the Darling scarp.
The first commercial vineyard began operation in 1974 by Peel estate, which is still there today and producers some wonderful wines! Shiraz is the area’s strong suite.
The sea breeze comes much sooner than the swan valley keeping the temperatures a little cooler. Unfortunately, a region with few wineries that have a cellar door at present.
The Ferguson Valley and surrounds sits about 15 mins East of Bunbury and is home to a number of small boutique wineries. It’s majestic rolling hills, and the changes between the prevailing summer easterlies to the afternoon sea breeze makes for a diverse set of microclimates.
The region also encompasses the coastal plain, and down to Donnybrook providing different styles. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon & Sauvignon Blanc are the kings of this area, but wineries are experimenting with new plantings.
World renowned Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay live here, but there is still diversity in the climate that creates different styles from a winery 30km North of Margaret River, to 15km’s south of Margaret River.
There are 70 wineries with a 5 star rated (James Halliday) Cabernet. Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon are also strong in the area. Margs wipes other Australian regions off the table when they blend a Sauvignon Blanc and a Semillon.
If you have not been a fan of Chardonnay in the past, I suggest you give it another go. Styles change, and the regions Chards is rated amongst the best in the country.
Situated to the East & West of Bridgetown the area is exposed to cooler temperatures and a higher elevation compared with Margaret River.
The Blackwood Valley mainly produces quality aromatic Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. You can expect to find a vivid shiraz full of black fruits, and a textured, medium-bodied cabernet sauvignon. There are much fewer wineries in the Blackwood Valley compared with Margaret River.
The first vineyards in the region were established in 1976 and the area is now home to several award-winning wine producers and grape growers who supply some of Australia’s finest restaurants.
This is Karri Forrest country, and the rich soil is loved by Vineyards and Avocado’s galore! Its cool and wet in Pemberton for about 6 months, receiving far more rainfall than most other wine regions in WA.
The area can receive over 1.2 meters of rain per year. It is not uncommon in summer for Perth to be Sunny and 33c, while Pemberton is partly cloudy with cool ocean breezes from the South East and only 24c.
This lush soil combined with cool weather helps Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay thrive here, and keep an eye out for a lovely floral Cabernet Franc as well.
Much debate has been had over splitting up the Manjimup and Pemberton regions. Manjimup has a warmer climate and less fertile soil whereas Pemberton’s soil is richer.
The Warren River runs through the middle to split up the regions. The area is reasonably young in plantings, dating back to the late 80’s. The wines produced in this area are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and a few Cabernet Franc’s. For me, the Manjimup and Pemberton regions produce the states best Merlot. If you haven’t been a Merlot fan, it could be you are yet to try one from these regions.
The biggest single wine region in Australia – I bet you did not know that! There is such diversity in terrain, climate and soil type that just about anything thrives down here.
Denmark, Mount Barker and the Porongurup’s are the key areas, Some of WA’s finest Shiraz comes from north of Denmark in the Frankland River area, while most of Australia’s best Rieslings come from the Porongurup’s. Just ask James Halliday who says it himself!
Due to the sheer size of The Great Southern and its varied terrain, it has the capacity to produce world-class wines from a range of classic varieties. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay. There are 5 star wineries littered throughout the region. I need no convincing in taking a trip to Denmark for their wineries.