Margaret River Wine Region Guide

Margaret River is rightfully considered one of the best wine regions in Australia for its favorable climate and rich soil that are perfect for producing delicious grapes. The wine has an international reputation for great wines. Margaret River is the wine region you need to know about thanks to its top-rated Cabernet Sauvignon mixed with Merlot, citric-rich Chardonnay and Syrah. We highly recommend exploring the Margaret River wine region and educating yourself on the region's beauty and unique wines.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Margaret River Wine Region

Where is Margaret River Wine Region

Margaret River is in the southwestern corner of Australia, three hours from Perth. It is a narrow region surrounded by the Indian Ocean on three sides: north, west, and south.

Map of Margaret River

History of Margaret River

The Margaret River Wine Region was first planted by Perth cardiologist Tom Cullity, who was influenced primarily by a 1966 research paper of University of Western Australia agronomist Dr John Gladstones. In his article he examined the Margaret River's suitability for viticulture. Planting at Vasse Felix in 1967 started the wine industry in this region. The following year, Moss Wood, Cape Mentelle and Cullen planted their vines for the first time. Sandalford and Leeuwin Estate uprooted a large part of the forest to create vineyards. Woodlands and Wrights were also active in 1973. Tom Cullity has made a great contribution to the cultivation of vines

Terrior of Margaret River

Margaret River soils are predominantly deep, well-drained and red gravelly loams. Middle of the region, is the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge which connects Cape Naturaliste to the north and Cape Leeuwin to the south. Margaret River has mediterranean climate with strong maritime influences. It is the wettest area of Australia, with an annual rainfall more than 1000mm. As winter nears its end, long months of rainfall lead to the best conditions for enhancing viticulture. The summer is dry and warm with a low risk of frost and hail in a beautiful climate. Low diurnal temperature range leads to a lack of large changes in heat accumulation throughout the day.

Margaret River Characteristics 

Margaret River is the one of the most isolated wine regions in the world. It's also home to passionate winemakers crafting premium wine. The top grape varieties grown in region are: chardonnay, semillon and sauvignon blanc blends, cabernet sauvignon.

The Margaret River region is one of the best places in the world to grow Chardonnay, with a diverse range of different styles. Some wines here are lighter and carry lively acidity while others are more rich and full-flavoured. This white wine is a typical Margaret River style, having assisted in establishing the region on the world wine map. With refreshing notes of tropical fruits and citrus, it’s an ideal drink for summer. This is the popular variety of wine in Margaret River. It's usually very strong, with cedar, blackcurrant and herb flavours - so it can be aged for decades.

Food to pair with Margaret River

1. Australian Pizza

Aussie pizzas are ubiquitous in Australia and are often made with a barbecue sauce base, mozzarella cheese, bacon bits and other specific toppings. The main dishes you associate with Italian food differ from Italian pizza, which commonly has a tomato-based sauce rather than the BBQ flavour. Adding onions, garlic, mushrooms, or hot peppers sometimes can make a pie more flavorful. It pairs well with Margaret River wines.

2. Dim Sim

Dim sims are small, deep-fried or steamed dumplings that are typically filled with pork or other meat, cabbage and flavorings. Australian Dumplings have been inspired by their Chinese counterparts, even though different in size and thickness.

A dish that originated in Melbourne as early as 1945, after the end of WWII. Dim sims are a tasty snack that is traditionally dipped in soy sauce. You can find them in fish and chip shops, corner stores and some Chinese restaurants in Australia. It pairs well with wines from Margaret River.

3. Chicken and Corn Soup

This soup is simple to make. Simply add a few ingredients, such as onions, potatoes, and chicken stock. Add flour to thicken the mixture, then water for extra flavor. Top with cooked chicken and reduced cream for that added richness! Most recipes for this hearty home-cooked soup will share ingredients, but there's some variation depending on who's making it.

Besides being easy to make, soup is also a great way to use up roast chicken leftovers. We recommend you serve the soup warm. It pairs well with Margaret River wines.

Places to visit near Margaret River

1. Mammoth Cave Self-guided Audio Tour

If you plan to visit a few caves in Western Australia, Mammoth Cave is the easiest one to reach with millennia of history, Nestled in the beautiful setting of a karri tree forest. Wander around at your own pace and explore fascinating caverns while learning about the caves formation, more than 10,000 fossils found inside and so much more. A headset and MP3 player are provided, with audio commentary in five languages.

2. Margaret River Wine Adventure

With its natural beauty and great wines, the Margaret River region is one of the most breathtaking in Australia. Join a small-group tour from Perth with luxury 4WD transport and enjoy the ride over some of the region's most scenic roads to visit hidden gems, taste award-winning wines and soak up the glorious scenery. The Margaret River is perfect for canoe trips, visit some beautiful beaches, and learn about Aboriginal traditions when you take a trip to this ancient waterhole. When you visit the Cape Track, be sure to stop off for lunch and wine tastings at a renowned winery. From there, it's just a short joyride to some exhilarating off-road riding.

3. Private Custom Margaret River Tour

Margaret River is one of Western Australia’s most enchanting destinations, including beautiful beaches, rugged sea caves and an abundance of idyllic vineyards. You can design your ideal day with this custom-made tour, so you can indulge in wine tasting and tuck into delicious Australian food before climbing a historic lighthouse or exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

Frequently asked questions about Margaret River  Wine Region