A Tour of Margaret River’s Top 10 Wineries in Australia

Margaret River, a premier wine region, is located in Western Australia. It is mostly the high-quality wines like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Shiraz, and Merlot. that are produced here. The place has a climate similar to that of Bordeaux. There are numerous Margaret River Wineries you can visit (over 200) that go beyond the ones explored in this article. Besides wine tasting, the region boasts pristine beaches with world-class surf breaks as well as many ancient sites.

Leeuwin Estate

Stevens Rd, Witchcliffe WA 6286 | Website

The history of Leeuwin Estate winey dates back to 1972. Winemaker Robert Mondavi identified the future of the Leeuwin vineyard as being the best for premium wine production. The first commercial vintage happened in 1979 and later in 1981, Decanter Magazine gave the vineyard the highest recommendation to Chardonnay “Art Series” 1981.

The place is open daily during week and weekend days from 10am-5pm. Besides tastings, you can book seasonal experiences too and get insight into behind-the-scenes. The winery also features an art gallery where you can observe 150 paintings and artworks from many artists.

Some of their most famous wines include Art Series Chardonnay, Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon (deep complex flavors, blackcurrant, dark plum), Siblings Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Prelude Vineyards Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz.

Voyager Estate

41 Stevens Rd, Margaret River WA 6285 | Website

The history of this vinery goes back to 1978 when it was known as Freycinet Estate. Later Michael Wrings, a Western Australian businessman, bought it and renamed it to Voyager Estate. Thanks him the vinery underwent significant renovations and improvements solidifying its reputation in the region.

The place is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am-5pm. The selection of wines involves Bordeaux-style varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

The most notable wines they produce are:

Voyager Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (complex flavors featuring plum, or blackcurrant)

Voyager Estate Chardonnay (elegance, balance, fruit) – often undergoes partial barrel fermentation and extended aging on lees.

Project Series Wines

Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (white wine blend, refreshing and crisp)

Shiraz

Xanadu Wines

316 Boodjidup Rd, Margaret River WA 6285 | Website

Established in 1977 by Dr. John Lagan as one of the pioneering wineries in Margaret River. Its name comes from the famous poem “Kubla Khan” by S.T. Coleridge. He describes a mythical place reflecting the winery`s aspiration to create great wines in a picturesque setting.

The place is open daily all week long and during weekends from 10am-5pm. Common wines you can taste here include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Shiraz, and Exmoor Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot.

Stella Bella Wines

205 Rosa Brook Rd, Margaret River WA 6285 | Website

The winery was founded in 1998 by Stuart Pym and Janice McDonald, respected winemakers with extensive experience in the region.

The place is dog friendly and open daily whole week long and during weekends from 10am-5pm. Stella Bella is known for its elegant and expressive Chardonnay wines, often showcasing a balance of fruit, acidity, and subtle oak influence. Some others include Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon (dark fruit flavors, fine tannins), Shiraz (spicy and dark fruits), Merlot, and Suckfizzle. If you become a member of the club, you can get a 25% discount, invites to events, and special wine offers as well as seasonal newsletters.

Redgate Wines

659 Boodjidup Rd, Margaret River WA 6285 | Website

The winery is less than 8 min drive from Margaret River town center. Its founder is Bill Ullinger who started the wine journey in the 70s. In 1981 was his first vintage. Now the winery is operated by his son-in-law Ray.

The place is open daily from 10am-4.30pm. There is even an opportunity to rent the place for weddings or any other special event.

Redgate Wines produces a variety of wines that reflect the Margaret River region’s characteristics, including Chardonnay (fruit flavors, acidity, oak notes), Cabernet Sauvignon (blackcurrant and plum flavors), Shiraz (spicy, dark fruit), Merlot (smooth red), Sauvignon Blanc Semillon.

Vasse Felix

Stevens Rd, Witchcliffe WA 6286 | Website

Vasse Felix Winery was established in 1967 by wine pioneer Dr. Tom Cullity. Its wines reflect the strengths of the region focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Sauvignon Blanc – Semillon blends.

The winery is modern overlooking the Wilyabrup Brook. It is open daily all week long and during weekends from 10am-5pm. You can choose from options like Seated Tasting at the Cellar door, lunch in the Restaurant, and wine and charcuterie in the Wine Lounge. There is even an Art Gallery and The Vault where you can learn about its history and culture. In case you want an in-depth experience you can try Tour experiences ranging from 1.5 hours to a full day – The Original, The Cellar Experience, The Epicurean, and The Cape to Vine.

Cape Mentelle

331 Wallcliffe Rd, Margaret River WA 6285, Australia | Website

It was founded in 1979 by David Hohnem, a pioneer in the region`s wine industry. The winery played a significant role in establishing Margaret River`s reputation for producing high-quality wines.

The winery is open daily from 10am-5pm, all week long as weel as during weekends. You can do wine tastings, private experiences, and tours. $10 is a tasting fee per person. The garden offers picnic tables and traditional French pétanque lanes.

The wines are typical for the region – Chardonnay (fruit and citrus notes), Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (vibrant, aromatic), Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz (spice, dark fruit), Merlot (plum and red berry flavors).

Howard Park Wines

543 Miamup Rd, Cowaramup WA 6284 | Website

Founded in 1986 by Jeff and Amy Burch. In 1993 they became partners with John Wade in Howard Park and later in 1998, they took sole control of Howard Park.

The winery is located 5 min from the town of Cowaramup and you can choose to taste the wines at the cellar door, or try exclusive private wine tasting, or come to an event. There is another winery in the Great Southern region too (Scottsdale Road, Denmark). The place is open daily from 10am-5pm.

The wines served are Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Riesling, and Sparkling wines. If you become a member of the family and join the club, you can get exclusive prices and invites to events with rare or limited wines.

Woodlands Wines

3948 Caves Rd, Wilyabrup WA 6280 | Website

Established in 1973 by David & Heather Watson as one of the first five vineyards in the region. Their fame came in 1981 when they produced “Andrew” Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine got many trophies like Best Red Wine and National Red Wine Trophy.

The place is open from 10am-5pm, daily from Monday to Sunday. It is recommended to book your tasting online ahead with a maximum of 6 people per group.

Besides the already mentioned Cabernet, you can try Chardonnay, Cabernet Merlot Blends, and Riesling.

Amelia Park Wines

3857 Caves Rd, Wilyabrup WA 6280 | Website

Established in 2009 by Jeremy & Daniela Gordon and Peter Walsh. The wines they produce are usually elegant, fruity, and complex in structure. You can taste Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon,  Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, and Malbec.

The winery is open daily, 10a-5pm. You can do a wine tasting at the main counter, the fee is $10 per person, and seated wine tasting comes with a $20 fee per person. There is an option to choose private tastings with cheese and charcuterie platters. Also, you can eat in, there is a restaurant.

And of course, you will get a special discount, 20% off all wine purchases, another exclusive offer, and special invitations.

Where To Stay

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Those were 10 Margaret River Wineries that could be of interest to anyone who enjoys wine tours. You should definitely try some of them when visiting Western Australia and taste not only the best premium wines but also learn more in-depth about the winemaking process.

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