Margaret River
Margaret River
Australia's Premium Wine Region
Since the first vineyards were planted in 1967 this prestigious wine region has been receiving international recognition for wines of exceptional quality. From idyllic forests to pristine surf beaches, award winning wines and fresh regional produce, Margaret River has much to offer.
The essence of Margaret River
The brilliant idea of Margaret River as a wine growing region started as a “gut feeling”. Agronomist Dr John Gladstones knew the district well. He saw undulating, well-drained ironstone gravel soils carrying healthy marri trees (Eucalyptus callophylla) which were regarded in Western Australia as an indication of prime vineyard soils. Climate data suggested strong growing-season similarities to Bordeaux but warm, sunny Margaret River promised to be even better. The likely ripening period was drier, despite higher annual rainfall.
Temperatures were tempered by the maritime location and sea breezes from the Indian and Southern oceans. There was only a minimal risk of spring frost.
Gladstones recognised that the region possessed all the elements for growing Bordeaux grape varieties. Cape Mentelle, the Margaret River pathfinder, was one of the founding vineyards with planting beginning in 1970.
Some 50 years since the first vines were planted, the Margaret River wine region is recognised as one of the world’s finest. Today this thriving industry produces consistently high quality cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and semillon to delight connoisseurs around the world.
Margaret River wineries have a reputation for producing wines with delightful individual fruit character that conjure up the sense of place for one of the most spectacular environments on earth.