Days 10 – 12 · Sep 16 – 18
Margaret River Cellars
Margaret River, Western Australia
World-class chardonnay, cabernet and small, family-run cellar doors.
The story
Why it's special
Margaret River produces less than 3% of Australia's wine but 20% of its premium wine. The region's maritime climate, ancient gravelly soils and tight-knit winemaking community make for a cellar-door scene unlike anywhere else in the country — and the food, surf and forests around it are just as good as the wine.
History & background
Vines were first planted commercially here in 1967 after agronomist John Gladstones identified the area as climatically similar to Bordeaux. Within two decades, Margaret River cabernet and chardonnay were on the world stage.
What to expect
Cellar doors range from tiny family operations to architectural showpieces. Most welcome walk-ins, but the best small producers prefer a booking. Plan no more than four in a day and use a driver service if possible.
Wildlife & nature
Western grey kangaroos at dawn in the vineyards, kookaburras and 28-parrots everywhere. Migrating humpbacks pass the coastline from September.
Cultural significance
Wadandi Noongar people have cared for this country for tens of thousands of years. Several wineries collaborate with Wadandi cultural custodians on tours and tastings.
Gallery
Through the lens
Best experiences
What you came for
Cellar door tastings
From iconic estates to garagiste makers.
Long lunch at a vineyard
Most have restaurants worth a flight in themselves.
Surf at Surfers Point
World-tour-quality breaks within a 10-minute drive.
Open Studios (Sep)
Local artists open their workshops to visitors.
Photographer's guide
Best photography spots
Mist over the vines at any northern-facing estate.
Surfers Point or Gracetown headland for ocean colour.
Travel tips
Travel tips
- Spit, don't swallow — or book a driver. Police presence is real.
- Book the big-name lunches weeks ahead, especially long weekends.
- Buy a few bottles direct — many small producers don't ship east.
- The region is bigger than it looks; plan tastings by sub-region.
Fun facts
Fun facts
- Margaret River cabernets are routinely compared favourably to Bordeaux's left bank.
- The region has more than 200 cellar doors in a 100km strip.
- The Cape-to-Cape walking track threads behind several wineries.
On the map
Margaret River Cellars · Margaret River, Western Australia
On the journey
Where it sits in the road trip
The slow centre of the trip — three nights, no big drives, and the best food and wine in WA.