Margaret River

MARGARET RIVER

When it comes to Western Australia’s wine regions, there is no question that Margaret River is the jewel in the crown. Responsible for just 2-3% of Australia’s total production, this little maritime stretch of 100km produces around 20 per cent of the country’s premium wine. The past year has seen a number of pleasant developments throughout the region’s cellar door offerings. Covid fast tracked paid and bookable seated tastings, which are largely now the norm at cellar doors that take their guest experience seriously. Additional tours and experiences have stepped up a notch which is great news for wine tourists who want to dive a little deeper. Cassandra Charlick

Image of Vasse Felix.

VASSE FELIX

Star Cellar Door

(08) 9756 5000
vassefelix.com.au

Vasse Felix is leader of the pack when it comes to a sophisticated cellar door experience. The wines are polished and iconic examples of what the region’s reputation has been built on. Virginia Willcock has been chief winemaker since 2006 and her approach has been instrumental in the evolution of the style of wine. The restaurant serves some of the most innovative food in the state, and there is an evident symbiosis between winery and kitchen. Wine tastings and experiences are thoughtfully and expertly structured; there is a gravitas and unapologetic boldness to the guided tasting curation, including flipping reds and whites around, ending a wine flight with the Heytesbury Chardonnay. Somehow, it just works. Visitors can spend a whole day here immersing themselves or simply enjoy a relaxed charcuterie board and a glass of wine in the lounge before browsing through the art gallery or the wine cellar.

TOP DROP: 2017 Vasse Felix Tom Cullity, A$180