The best wineries around Margaret River
Just a few hours south of our fair city lies one of the world’s most heralded winery regions in Margaret River.
And there’s HEAPS of delights to be found. So many, that perhaps it can feel a little daunting when it comes to picking places.
Well here at Perth Is OK! we’re in the business of helping you make the tough decisions – below we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite stops around Margaret River and the south west region.
It’s by no means a definitive list (exploring and taking chances is half the fun!), and we’ve tried to look at a variety of places to suit different occasions:
Si Vintners
Si Vintners‘ focus is on natural farming, aiming to “truly express the land upon which our vines grow,” and one stop by their informal, rustic cellar door will have you feeling in naturally the right place. Their minimal intervention vineyard and winery makes some beautiful drops, and it’s very easy to find yourself chilling at the cellar door for a very long time.
779 Davis Road, Rosa Glen
Larry Cherubino Estate
One of Western Australian wines buzziest names is Larry Cherubino, and his Margaret River cellar door is one of the buzziest spots of the south west! They have a few different tasting range options to go through within the uber-cool surrounds of their wooden Wilyabrup warehouse, and don’t forget the spectacular fine dining you’ll find next door at Frui Momento.
3462 Caves Road, Wilyabrup
LS Merchants
From little things, big things grow – and that’s the tale of LS Merchants, which has grown from a young winemaker in Geelong trying to make his mark in the south west to one of the region’s most popular stops. One of the earlier proponents of the minimalistic winemaking approach, there’s a lot of experimentation to be found at LS Merchants, but most importantly, a lot of great wine backed up by good vibes at the cellar door.
163 Treeton Road North, Cowaramup
Fermoy Estate
Fermoy Estate is a premium winery nestled within the wonderful region of Wilyabrup, recently celebrating 35 years in the region with winning their third gold medal at the French International Competition Of Cabernets. Their cellar door is a beauty, and you can bring a picnic along to enjoy on the beautiful grounds after sampling a few drops of their finest Cab Sav.
838 Metricup Road, Wilyabrup
Wills Domain
Wills Domain has arguably one of the best views in the South West, taking in the rolling hills of Gunyulgup Valley in Yallingup. Fortunately they back it up with some stellar wines and food courtesy of Executive Chef Seth James. Clear your afternoon and lock in for a long lunch.
17 Brash Road, Yallingup
Blind Corner
Blind Corner is one for the natural wine set, and their cellar door is a chill AF. The staff are great and happy to guide natural beginners, and you can bring your own nibbles to enjoy with your new natty on the grounds.
105 Vasse-Yallingup Siding Road, Quindalup
Amelia Park Wines
One of the South West region’s most popular spots, Amelia Park‘s cellar door alone is a dramatic experience within itself. But if you can drag yourself away from the incredible views (and wine of course), their restaurant will feed all food requirements, and handsomely so with big servings.
3857 Caves Road, Wilyabrup
Marq Wines
WA winemaker Mark Warren has made a name for himself over the years thanks to his love of experimentation. It’s produced a fantastic selection across the board at Marq, and coupled with some of the best cheese platters down south, can’t be beat. Only open Thursday to Sunday from 10am-5pm, we recommend you book ahead.
860 Commonage Road, Yallingup
Aravina Estate
Aravina Estate is another place that you might find very difficult to leave. Along with their incredible wine selection and exceptional menu with a heap of gluten free options, there’s also a huge kids playground, antique car and motorbike collection, and surf museum. Cowabunga.
61 Thornton Road, Yallingup
Cullen Wines
One of the original wineries in the South West, Cullen is almost un-paralleled for its fine dining experience. Led by exec chef Iain Roberston, Cullen is a fully biodynamic, carbon neutral affair so you can feel good while you eat and drink very good.
4323 Caves Road, Wilyabrup
Hay Shed Hill / Rustico
Hay Shed Hill double up their own wines along with the equally delicious Pitchfork banner, which you can try before sliding into Rustico next door. There you’ll get some of the best tapas WA has to offer amidst a massive selection of gluten free-options, all while glancing out across endless valleys of vines.
511 Harmans Mill Road, Wilyabrup
Barnyard 1978
A truly unique winery, Barnyard 1978 is a self-described “development concept and a mix of modern and old architecture with a link between nature, landscape and ecological sustainability.” Sounds intense, but they’re super casual, make a mean signature pasta and some heavenly honey to go with some cruisy drops. If you feel like staying for a while, book in a stay next door at the Barn Hives tiny cabins.
12 Canal Rocks Road, Yallingup
Flametree Wines
For those chasing the coastal vibes, Flametree Wines’ awesome little beach house cellar door in Geographe Bay is a must. Check out their art gallery, dip into a locally sourced platter and enjoy their wide array of award winning wines in a very relaxed setting.
7 Chain Avenue, Dunsborough
Stella Bella
If you’re looking for something a little more intimate, Stella Bella is a local fave. Their cellar door has drops from all five of their vineyards around the region, and while they don’t do food, you’re more than welcome to set up a picnic on the grounds.
205 Rosa Brook Road, Margaret River
Voyager Estate
One of the biggest and most popular wineries down south, one wander around their Voyager Estate‘s grounds and you’ll instantly know why. But even more telling is their Cab Sav and Chardonnay selection, and if treating yourself is the order of the day, their 7- or 4-course Discovery Menus are a must.
41 Stevens Road, Margaret River
The Berry Farm
In the mood for some artisanal goods to go with your new wines? Berry Farm has an incredible array of jams, sauces, syrups and more. Their Cottage Café also makes for a ripping lunch spot in a relaxed garden setting. Dine out while you watch the kids wear ‘emselves out on the huge playgrounds or chase native birds.
43 Bessell Road, Margaret River
Header image credit: Aravina Estate