Dear Wine lovers,
Here is an introduction of Australian wines, which we will learn about region by region.
Let's start with a region next to Perth, still widely unheard of the "grand public", called MARGARET RIVER.
Because wine is not only about the tasting, but mostly about the atmosphere, let's take you through the environment you're setting foot in.
Landing in Perth, you rent a car and drive just three hours south, before discovering one of the most food and wine regions.With many world-class wineries and award-winning restaurants, Margaret River is one of Western Australia's most famous food and wine regions. Tour the cellar doors and taste local brews at the boutique breweries. Here you can eat fresh crayfish straight from the ocean or dine on the local organic beef and truffles. Visit the farmer's markets and try the artisan cheeses. Indulge in local handmade chocolates and delicious fudge. When you've finished your culinary journey, take time to explore Western Australia's Great South West. In a few hours you can go from wineries to stunning beaches with world-class surf breaks, snorkeling and diving or walk among ancient forests and caves.
With more than 120 wine producers in the region, Margaret River produces some of Australia's best Cabernet sauvignon, Chardonnay, semillon, Sauvignon blanc, Merlot and Shiraz wines. Start at the Margaret River Visitor Centre, which features interactive displays and information about wine. It's a great place to get a few tips from the locals to help plan your journey.
Leeuwin Estate Winery,Margaret River, WA
Some of Margaret River's premium wineries include Leeuwin Estate; Xanadu Wines; and Voyager Estate. Each winery offers a range of fine food and wine experiences from wine tastings to gourmet degustation dinners featuring seasonal menus. Many food and wine events are held throughout the year. One of the most popular is the four-day Margaret River Gourmet Escape in November which attracts the world's best international and Australian chefs and wine-makers.
Driving south from Perth is a great way to see Western Australia's Great South West. In a few hours you can go from award-winning wineries to stunning beaches, tall forests, world-class surf breaks and ancient caves. A number of great driving routes allow for many detours on the way.
Surfers, Conto Springs Beach,Margaret River, WA
Explore the long stretch of Western Australia's south-west beaches and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. Go swimming with dolphins in Bunbury and Rockingham. Spot migrating whales from the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse at Geographe Bay. A short distance away you can surf, fish and swim in the relaxed town of Yallingup. Walk along the southern hemisphere's longest timber jetty and see the colourful coral and fish in the Underwater Observatory at Busselton. Dunsborough features a stretch of secluded beaches perfect for swimming, surfing and diving, including the HMAS Swan wreck dive. Hike the dramatic coastline of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park or take a gentle walk through jarrah, marri and karri forests which bloom with colourful wildflowers in season. From Augusta, head inland to Manjimup, famous for its truffles and home to the Truffle Kerfuffle in June.
Margaret River is approximately 270 kilometres south of Perth.
My personal favorite was the Moss Wood winery, where I tried their Cabernet Sauvignon - a delight.
Planted in 1969, Moss Wood is an important, founding estate of the Margaret River wine region, located in the northern sub–region of Wilyabrup, Western Australia. Clare & Keith Mugford, as winemakers, viticulturalists & proprietors, have been making wine & tending the vineyard at Moss Wood since 1984 & 1979, respectively.
For the full review, see here.
