Margaret River's first vineyard was established in 1967. In the relatively short period since, by 'old world' standards, it has become internationally renowned for its top quality wines and has a food and wine culture second to none.

Dr John Gladstones, famous government agronomist, realised Margaret River’s potential for viticulture in 1965. He wrote: “Being virtually frost-free, and having a much lower ripening period, cloudiness, rainfall and hail risk than Manjimup and Mt Barker, it has distinct advantages over both those areas, and indeed over all other Australian vine districts with comparable temperature summations".

As a result of Dr Gladstones' report, Dr Tom Cullity established Vasse Felix in 1967 as the first vineyard and winery in Margaret River. Vasse Felix was soon followed, notably by Cullen Wines, Leeuwin Estate, Cape Mentelle and Moss Wood.

There are around 120 cellar doors, of which around 50 cater for children, with play areas and kids’ menus. It is also widely regarded as one of the most beautiful wine regions in Australia, offering a stunning coastline with sandy beaches and surf. Caves Road runs north-south through most of the region, providing access to enchanting caves and, in the southern area, winds through magnificent forest.

Margaret River (GI) covers an area of 2,137 km2 and has, as at 2020, 5,725 hectares of vineyards. That's more than all the other Western Australian wine regions put together. The average crush (2017-2021) was 21,447 tonnes.

Top Grape Varieties

The region is most famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, the latter of which includes Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc blends. In particular, the Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are regularly in the top rank on the world stage.

Climate & Soil

Margaret River is similar to Bordeaux in France, sharing almost identical growing conditions in terms of growing season, warmth, rainfall, and a maritime climate with strong maritime influences, which combined with deep well-drained gravelly loams, provides ideal grape growing conditions.

Altitude ranges from 0 - 234 metres. Growing season rainfall (Oct-Apr) is 210 mm. Growing degree days (Oct-Apr) are 1,853 with a mean January temperature of 20.7 C.