Margaret River wineries to discover
Situated on the rugged Western Australian coast, Margaret River isn't just one of the most stunning wine regions in Australia, but in the world. As popular with beach-goers as it is with wine lovers, the region has built a reputation for producing first-class wine, particularly chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon.
This is due in large part to the unique climate of Margaret River. Described as 'Mediterranean maritime', the temperatures in the region are influenced by the Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean and Geographe Bay, resulting in consistent rainfall over winter and warm, dry summers.
In addition to the beautiful beaches and forests, Margaret River is home to a plethora of must-visit cellar doors and wineries, including Cape Mentelle, Deep Woods Estate, Flowstone Wines, Forester Estate, Hamelin Bay Wines, Lenton Brae Wines and Palmer Wines. Plan your next trip to the region with our guide to the standout wineries. Or, try their recommended wines to sample the region from the comfort of your own home.
Cape Mentelle
Chief of winemaking and viticulture David Moulton says: With three special vineyards across the region, that have been finely honed over a journey that commenced in 1970, Cape Mentelle is focused on the core varieties of Margaret River. The business has invested heavily in recent years through restructuring vineyards, planting new clonal material, understanding site and soil, and translating this information into a clear plan to set things up for the next 50 years.
H. What do you love about making wine in Margaret River?
DM. It’s not just about quality wines; we have an incredible lifestyle and are lucky to call this place home. For a small region we punch above our weight – this comes from having favourable environmental conditions and people that are passionate about what they do. Our team spends a lot of time understanding our blocks and tweaking them year on year, in order to get the fruit sourcing right. We aim for winemaking that is respectful of our vineyards, the varieties and this beautiful region.
H. What can guests expect from a visit to your cellar door?
DM. Our cellar door is only five minutes from Margaret River and a seated tasting in our Cabernet Cellar is a must. If you have a little longer then book in for a ‘Behind the Scenes’ Tour and Tasting (with option for a food pairing) – we will demystify the world of wine as we walk you through our iconic Wallcliffe Vineyard and our state-of-the-art fruit processing areas. If you’re looking to relax then simply enjoy your favourite Cape Mentelle wine in the garden along with a delicious regional picnic platter.
Favourite local spot: Foul Bay, the name doesn’t do it justice! Crystal clear water and pristine sands; at the right time of year you might get the entire beach to yourself. Just don’t tell too many people.
Wine to try
2021 Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon
A playful and vibrant expression of Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, backed up with pedigree and longevity. This is a delicious and approachable wine with notes of sweet purple plums, cassis and blueberries with a touch of spice and pepper. A wine with great energy and an evolving elegance, showing well-integrated tannins and length.Best enjoyed: Pair with pan-seared duck breast with summer vegetables. Best served at room temperature (an air-conditioned one in the summer)! The key is always to enjoy it with good company, say cheers and savour the moment.
RRP $60 | Drink to 2034+ | capementelle.com.au | Shop this wine
Deep Woods Estate
Chief winemaker Julian Langworthy says: Deep Woods is nestled in the Yallingup Hills regions of Margaret River; it’s likely the nicest part of the nicest wine region in Australia and the winery is filled with good-looking winemakers to boot. The wines, like the winery, are pretty epic, detailed and expressive. They are, I believe, some of the best Margaret River has to offer.
H. What do you love about making wine in Margaret River?
JL. It really is a lovely region, with the most pristine environment and climate, and I think it’s the way that this terroir shines through the wines that makes it so special. It is also my boyhood home and, as we all know, it’s always nice to be home.
H. What can guests expect from a visit to your cellar door?
JL. Lovely staff, wines you can't find anywhere else and a million-dollar view. The building is simple at best but what fills it and surrounds it is very special.
Favourite local spot: That would be telling and I don’t need everyone going there, however, a walk and a swim at Smiths Beach in Yallingup is pretty hard to beat.
Wine to try
2024 Deep Woods Estate Reserve Chardonnay
Pale straw with cream/pearl hue. The palate has brilliant power and tension that is balanced by the sleekest core of fruit, where the wine's pedigree rings true. Incredibly long and saline, this wine has an effortless journey across the palate. Flavours of white stone fruit, lemon curd and bitter lime are captured by cheese cloth-like textures that evolved from whole-bunch pressing and an extended time on lees.Best enjoyed: Life goes with chardonnay. That and pork belly, oh and scallops, not to mention roast chicken with truffle stuffing... The most versatile of white wines to serve with food or without. Take it outta the fridge some 30 mins before serving (around 10–15ºC is about perfect). Too cold robs great chardonnay of its nuance and can make it look acidic.
RRP $80 | Drink to 2034 | deepwoods.wine | Shop this wine
Flowstone Wines
Winemaker Stuart Pym says: Janice McDonald and I have been making wine in Margaret River for more than 35 years each. Planting the Flowstone vineyard and starting the Flowstone brand is a personal commitment to the region, and what we love…wine. Flowstone is a very small brand, in the southern side of Margaret River, focused on the classic wine styles for the region, i.e. cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, and a few exotics…touriga and gewürztraminer.
H. What do you love about making wine in Margaret River?
SP. Margaret River is in a magical little corner of the world, where the weather is warm and consistent. We get good winter rainfall, but very little during summer and autumn. This is perfect for growing grapes. It is a rare region that excels at chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon – our two favourite wines. It is also a beautiful place to live...lovely beaches, lots of bush walks, great places to eat and stunning wines.
H. What can guests expect from a visit to your cellar door?
SP. We don’t have a cellar door as such, but we do run tastings by appointment. These tastings are one-on-one with either Janice or myself, and you get to taste the full range of wines. It is a very personal experience…and you get to pat the dogs.
Favourite local spot: My favourite place in Margaret River would have to be Boranup Forest. It is a spectacular collection of Karri trees on wonderfully undulating land. The drive through is stunning, but there are also plenty of lovely walking tracks. It is magical.
Wine to try
2022 Flowstone Queen of the Earth Chardonnay
A poised and refined chardonnay. Aromatic notes of honeysuckle and citrus blossom, along with hints of vanilla pod, lemon zest, nougat, flint and bread dough. The wine is delicate and supple on the palate with fruity notes of citrus, stone fruits, figs and melon, all seamlessly complemented by fine oak flavours and textures. The finish is chalky and citric, providing finesse, definition, length and balance to make this wine the perfect choice for graceful ageing.Best enjoyed: Pair with flathead tails in lemon butter sauce or ricotta gnocchi drizzled with a classic pesto. Just slightly cooler than room temperature (not too cold!) and in a special chardonnay glass.
RRP $63 | Drink to 2037 | flowstonewines.com | Shop this wine
Forester Estate
Winemaker Todd Payne says: Forester Estate was established in 2001 and is situated in the northern Margaret River region of Yallingup. We strive to showcase the distinct regional characters of northern Margaret River fruit, along with the natural complexity derived from the regional rocky soils. These soils often impart aromas of damp earth and gravel in our red wines. We produce a varied range of styles across the same varieties through our different tiers so there should be a wine to suit most people’s tastes.
H. What do you love about making wine in Margaret River?
TP. It would have to be the consistency of each vintage. We are blessed to have the majority of our rainfall in winter. The early sea breezes from our maritime climate help cool our vineyards in the late morning and early afternoon, helping to slow the ripening process during the day. This maritime climate, along with loads of sunshine, has a big influence on the fruit-driven styles of wine we produce.
H. How do you approach the winemaking process?
TP. Our approach is directed by the style of wine we are trying to make. Picking date is very important in achieving this, along with allocating the most suitable vineyard. The rest is straightforward: if we are aiming for a fruit driven style, then we will inoculate the juice with a yeast that will enhance this. Otherwise, if we are looking for more complexity, then will leave the juice to ferment naturally with the wild yeast that comes in on the grapes. Sometimes it’s a blend of the two.
Favourite local spot: It would have to be the white sandy beaches around Yallingup and Dunsborough. There are many to choose from, along with some rugged rocky beaches if that’s what you prefer. A nice place to waste away a summer’s day!
Wine to try
2023 Forester Estate Lifestyle Shiraz
Fragrant and concentrated with a ripe core of dark fruits, a floral perfume and a smattering of white pepper. There’s balanced toasty oak in support that allows the purity of fruit to shine through. Plump and textured with loads of silky tannin on the palate. There are ripe fruit characters of boysenberry and plum with pepper, aniseed and subtle toasty oak. A ripe and concentrated wine with plenty of fruit punch and complexity.Best enjoyed: Pair with fillet of venison with wild mushrooms and roasted root vegetables. Make sure the wine is not too warm (around 15–18ºC). This will help keep the fragrant aromatics smelling their best.
RRP $28 | Drink to 2029 | foresterestate.com.au | Shop this wine
Hamlin Bay Wines
Owner Andrew Pruyn says: Hamelin Bay Wines, established in 1992, is renowned for producing exceptional single vineyard, small-batch wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Karridale subregion in Margaret River. Our ethos centres on crafting high-quality wines that reflect the distinctive characteristics of the vineyard. 2024 has been a remarkable year for us as a small producer – we achieved 43 gold medals at wine shows, including eight trophies, and were recognised as the Most Successful Exhibitor at the recent W.A. Boutique and Single Vineyard Wine Show.
H. What do you love about making wine in Margaret River?
AP. The Karridale region offers a distinctive terroir with well-drained gravel soils and a cool maritime climate, which is ideal for producing high-quality grapes. This environment allows us to craft wines that are fresh, elegant and packed with varietal flavours, showcasing the true essence of the region.
H. What can guests expect from a visit to your cellar door?
AP. Stunning views (it's all about the view)! The cellar door is set in a picturesque location, offering breathtaking vistas of the vineyard, lush valleys and surrounding Karri forests.
Favourite local spot: Hamelin Bay. This stunning beach, known for its bright white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, offers not only breathtaking scenery but also a unique opportunity to interact with the friendly stingrays that inhabit the area. The stingrays at Hamelin Bay are a major draw for visitors, often swimming close to the shore and providing an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Wine to try
2023 Hamelin Bay Chardonnay
Lemon zest, sea spray and flint complexities lift from the glass. A balanced and delicate palate brings generous stone fruit, rockmelon and bright pink lady apple qualities. Core nuances of nougat, cashew and wet slate mineralogy create a light mid-palate finesse. Slight grip and charry oak tannin bring structure and form to the wine. This is complemented by a lively pithy Meyer lemon acid line to carry through to the finish.Best enjoyed: Goes perfectly with kingfish ceviche. Serve at 12ºC.
RRP $35 | Drink to 2034 | hbwines.com.au | Shop this wine
Lenton Brae Wines
Winemaker Vanessa Carson says: Lenton Brae produces a range of innovative and expressive wines, including approachable reds, interesting whites, and some alternative blends for the curious. As one of the founding wineries, it’s a must-try in the Margaret River region. At our cellar door, we offer a range of unique tasting experiences. Curate your own tasting at the bench or enjoy a seated wine flight. With more than 15 wines available for tasting, we have a suitable style for everyone, from wine newcomers to seasoned connoisseurs.
H. What do you love about making wine in Margaret River?
VC. The Margaret River region can be responsible for making wines of poise and finesse with depth of flavour. It’s an exciting region to see how this maritime and gentle climate concentrates the flavours so beautifully over a growing season. Patience can be rewarded here. Of course the region is ridiculously beautiful as well – nothing wrong with the view around here!
H. What can guests expect from a visit to your cellar door?
VC. Lenton Brae is perfect for the young and the young at heart. Kick back with your favourite people, play lawn games and be sure to bring your fur babies. Sample local produce from our on-site deli while sipping world-class wines with an incredible view across the vines and dam. Throughout the year, we invite our local community and visitors to join us for special events, live music, pottery workshops, paint and sip sessions and more.
Favourite local spot: I’m a sucker for the natural beauty of this region. In the summer, I adore snorkelling at The Aquarium in Yallingup; in winter I love going for a drive through the Boranup Forest in the south. It's truly a beautiful region.
Wine to try
2024 Lenton Brae Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
It’s like a lime sorbet for adults, given it’s a wine. In the mix, juicy tropical fruit (mainly pomelo and feijoa with crunchy star fruit) and lots of herbs (think just snipped basil and coriander). Lemony acidity, quite soft and very refreshing. Good summer drinking here folks. – Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion.Best enjoyed: Pair with prawns with a mango salsa. Enjoy COLD on the back of a boat.
RRP $24 | Drink to 2028 | lentonbrae.com | Shop this wine
Palmer Wines
Cellar door manager Josh Williams says: As one of the pioneering vineyards of the region, Palmer Wines has been crafting exceptional wines since 1977. To celebrate of new flights to Margaret River, for a limited time, we're giving away two exclusive holiday packages. Winners will fly free from Melbourne or Sydney directly to Busselton airport, where they will enjoy two luxurious nights' accommodation in our private Wilyabrup Villas, plus a meal for two in our award-winning restaurant and a complimentary hire car voucher. Visit our website and click 'Join the Club' before Feb 5, 2025 to enter.
H. What do you love about making wine in Margaret River?
JW. Palmer Wines is renowned for producing world-class chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon as well as sauvignon blanc, malbec and merlot. For over four decades, Stephen and Helen Palmer have led the way, drawn to Margaret River’s exceptional climate and natural beauty. As they often say, where else in the world would you rather make wine?
H. What can guests expect from a visit to your cellar door?
JW. At our Dunsborough cellar door and award-winning restaurant, guests are invited to experience the best of the estate. Full tastings of our celebrated range are always on offer and, from time to time, you may be lucky enough to sample a special vintage bottle. Our team will be on hand to share insights into our wines and to recommend their favourite places in the region, including our favourite secret beaches.
Favourite local spot: Included among those secret beaches is Eagle Bay beach.
Wine to try
2015 Palmer Wines The Grandee Reserve Cabernets
Cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec and cabernet franc. Well named, for this Bordeaux blend has all the flags of Margaret River flexing at the top of the mast. It is full-bodied, with a luscious array of cassis fruits held within a framework of tannins and French oak. It will be very long lived, with so much to feed on under the security of its screwcap. – James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion.Best enjoyed: Pairs well with grilled rib eye steak with shallot parsley butter and grilled oyster mushrooms.
RRP $42.50 | Drink to 2040 | palmerwines.com.au | Shop this wine
Top image credit: Cape Mentelle
