Explore the unique characteristics of Margaret River’s famous wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, and learn where to find them at the region’s top wineries.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious enthusiast, this guide will help you navigate the diverse and exceptional offerings of Margaret River’s celebrated wine scene.
The Signature Wines of Margaret River
Nestled in the southwest of Western Australia, Margaret River is known for its distinctive wines that have captured the palates of wine enthusiasts from around the world.
The region’s moderate maritime climate, combined with its unique soil composition, creates the perfect conditions for producing high-quality grapes. As a result, the Margaret River wine region has become famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc wines. Here’s a guide to the Margaret River wines you must try and where to find them.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Margaret River’s Cabernet Sauvignon is celebrated for its exceptional quality and distinct characteristics. The region’s Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its deep, rich flavours, often displaying fruity aromas with notes of blackcurrant, mint, and eucalyptus. The wines are typically elegant, with fine tannins and a lingering finish, making them highly sought after by wine enthusiasts.
Notable wineries producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon in Margaret River include:
Cape Mentelle: Established more than 50 years ago, Cape Mentelle is one of the ‘founding five’ Margaret River wineries. Its Cabernet Sauvignon is now widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading cabernets which are primarily sourced from the original Wallcliffe Vineyard.
Cape Mentelle offers private tours, wine tastings, picnics, as well as food and wine pairings for visitors to enjoy.
At Harvest Tours, you can enjoy a seated wine tasting at Cape Mentelle as part of our Premium Wine Tour Package.
Woodlands: Founded in 1973, Woodlands Margaret River is a premier cellar door known for producing award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon.
Woodlands offers visitors wine tastings and tours of one of the most stunning Margaret River wineries.
Chardonnay
Margaret River’s Chardonnay is celebrated for its elegance, complexity, and exceptional balance. The region’s Chardonnay wines often reveal notes of stone fruit, citrus, and subtle oak, resulting in beautifully structured and refined wines that showcase the terroir of Margaret River.
Top wineries known for their outstanding Chardonnay in Margaret River include:
Vasse Felix: Known as the founding estate in the Margaret River wine region, Vasse Felix has a history of producing high-quality wines. It’s particularly renowned for its Chardonnay, which reflects the region’s unique characteristics.
When visiting Vasse Felix, you can enjoy guided wine tastings and explore the remarkable vineyard and winery.
As part of Harvest Tour’s Premium Wine Tour Package, and Food & Wine tours, we stop at Vasse Felix for a seated wine tasting and three-course lunch.
McHenry Hohnen: Celebrated for its biodynamic approach to winemaking, McHenry Hohnen produces exceptional Chardonnay that captures the essence of Margaret River.
Since 2021, McHenry Hohnen has welcomed visitors to its pop-up wine tasting room in the quaint town of Witchcliffe.
At Harvest Tours, we offer a range of wine tour packages that include visiting McHenry Hohnen. Whether it be a premium tour, food and wine tour or full-day wine tour, McHenry Hohnen is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and locals.
Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
Margaret River’s Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends are known for their vibrant aromatics, crisp acidity, and tropical fruit flavours. These wines offer a refreshing and lively drinking experience, making them a popular choice among wine enthusiasts.
Where to find the best Semillon Sauvignon Blanc in Margaret River:
Xanadu Wines: Xanadu Wines is known for crafting outstanding wines that embody all the Margaret River wine region has to offer. It’s particularly recognized for its Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends, which showcase the region’s unique terroir.
Visitors can enjoy guided tastings and explore Xanadu Wines’ beautiful grounds.
Brown Hill Estate: Brown Hill Estate produces Semillon Sauvignon Blanc which boasts aromas of gooseberries, nectarines, peaches and light spice. This blend is considered a customer favourite which keeps visitors coming back.
Brown Hill Estate offers wine enthusiasts various wine-tasting experiences as well as tours of the barrel room and vineyard.
With Harvest Tours, you can visit the premium Brown Hill winery with our half-day and full-day wine tours in Margaret River.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious enthusiast, exploring the world-renowned wines of Margaret River is a truly captivating experience.
Visit Margaret River with Harvest Tours
At Harvest Tours, we organise a range of wine tours that give you the ultimate escape to the heart of Western Australia’s wine region. We offer half-day tours and full-day tours, as well as premium food and wine tour experiences where you can relax and savour the experience of a lifetime.
