Get ready to uncork the delicious flavours of Western Australia’s top wine regions!
From the sun-drenched valleys of Margaret River to the rugged beauty of the Great Southern, Western Australia boasts an array of vineyards producing some of the finest wines in the world. Wine-lovers across the nation, and the world, make the journey to Western Australia to experience the country’s finest locally produced wine, great food and, an unparalleled lad-back atmosphere.
Whether it be for a relaxing weekend away, or even for a longer stay to explore these incredible landscape Australia’s west has to offer, Western Australia’s wine regions are a must-visit.
With an abundance of award-wining wineries to choose from, we’ve listed our recommendations for regions, and wineries too. A lot of them offer tastings, flights and tours of the vineyards, many of them run by the wine makers and producers. Even if you’re not a fan of wine, the landscapes of these vineyards are enough to visit the best wine regions in Western Australia!
Margaret River
McLeod Tours, Margaret River. Image via Tourism Western Australia
If you love your wine, the Margaret River is your holiday haven. A three-and-a-half-hour drive from Perth, Margaret River is one of the leading regions in Australian wine. With more than 120 world class wineries, here you’ll be able to sample a variety of local wines while meeting the winemakers themselves.
Known for its award-winning cabernet and chardonnay, wineries including Cape Mentelle Vineyards, Arlewood Estate Winery, and Vasse Felix demonstrate how Margaret River has built a reputation for one of the best wine regions in Western Australia, and even in Australia. And if you’re looking to stay a night or to, Cape Lodge in the heart of Margaret River is the perfect way to get close to the wineries and wine makers who have crafted our favourite blends.
Beyond the wineries, learn everything about the region with this Weekender Travel Guide to the Margaret River.
Peel
Grapes. Image by Ian Geraint Jones via Shutterstock.
The Peel wine region is only an hour’s drive from Perth, making it a popular day trip destination. Established in the 1850s by Italian immigrants, its grown into one of the best wine regions in Western Australia. Stretching from Baldivis in the north-west to Preston Beach in the south-west along the coastal strip, here you can experience 200 hectares of wine grapes and plethora of fantastic wineries on offer.
While white varieties such as chenin blanc and chardonnay are in abundance, the red varieties such as cabernet sauvignon and shiraz exhibit the greatest regional character. These red varieties showcase the regions unique and mesmerising character. While in the Peel wine region, be sure to sample the only savagnin produced in Western Australia.
Swan Valley
The Cheese Barrel, Swan Valley. Image via Tourism Western Australia
Only 20 minutes from the Perth’s CBD, Swan Valley is the state’s oldest wine region. Full of charm, Swan Valley features traditional and small wineries where the wine makers are the ones who greet you at their cellar door. Some of Australia’s best chenin blanc, shiraz and verdelho varieties are produced in this popular region.
If you’re looking for a relaxed and personal wine tasting experience, then Swan Valley is the place to be, including Olive Farm Wines, Tyler’s Vineyard, as well as Coward and Black. With the option for a hands-on tour of these wineries, you’ll get a first-hand look at the people and vineyards that grow some of our favourite wines from Western Australia.
Geographe
Vineyard. Image by Thomas Peham via Unsplash.
Established in 1999, the Geographe wine region has quickly grown its reputable status by becoming one of Western Australia’s most charming wine regions. Home to captivating native bushland and some of Western Australia’s best beaches, Geographe is the destination to relax and sample locally produced wines.
As well as serving excellent shiraz and semillon, the Geographe region is fast becoming known for its different varieties including tempranillo and nebbiolo. The majority of the wineries in the area are family operated, so you’ll always be drinking wine made with passion and heritage. So, whether you visit the boutique Vineyard 28, or the hand-crafted excellence of Whicher Ridge, this beautiful wine region is essential for anyone wanting to touch and taste Australian wines.
Blackwood Valley
Bridgetown, Blackwood Valley. Image via Tourism Western Australia
Situated in the southwest of Western Australia, Blackwood Valley is one of the state’s newest wine regions. Home to more than 50 vineyards and 15 cellar doors and wine producers, you won’t be short of finding delicious wine. The region produces unique and earthy flavours in the cabernet and shiraz varieties as well as delightful golden honey flavours in the white wines that are available. Explore one of the most scenic wine regions in Western Australia and visit the vineyards and cellar doors to get the full wine tasting experience.
Make a trip out of these wine tours with this guide to the Top 5 Most Scenic Drives around Western Australia. And for more tasty recommendations, make sure to visit the Best Craft Beer Breweries around Western Australia.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
