Margaret River Wine Region

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Inhabited by the Wadandi aborigines, over 50,000 years old, the Margaret River region of Australia had its first European settlement in 1830. Europeans have appreciated the beauty of its unique coastline and unspoiled nature.
Located in the southwestern corner of Australia, about 270 kilometers from Perth, the capital of Western Australia, Margaret River is one of the most geographically isolated wine regions in the world, endowed with a particular biodiversity: 80% of its plant species is not found anywhere else in the world.

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The geography, the soils and the Mediterranean climate create the ideal conditions for the cultivation of the vine which, combined with abundant winter rains, fresh sea breezes give vitality to the fruit and a long and dry ripening season, able to ripen the Cabernet Sauvignon, until the end of the season.

©Margaret River Wine Region

Tom Cullity, a Perth cardiologist, was the first to understand Margaret River’s high calling for viticulture, after studying a 1966 research of the University of Western Australia agronomist, Dr John Gladstones.

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The plant in Vasse Felix, in 1967, marks the beginning of the wine industry in the region, followed two years later by Moss Wood, Cape Mentelle in 1970), Cullen in 1971, Sandalford in 1972 and, the following year by Leeuwin Estate, Woodlands and Wrights.

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Let’s find out more from the words of Amanda Whiteland, Chief Executive Officer Margaret River Wines.

What services/activities do you use to promote the Margaret River wine region? 

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Could you briefly describe the areas of cultural and wine tourism interest in the region?

The Margaret River Wine Region is celebrated worldwide as a bucket-list destination, famous for its esteemed wines, gourmet produce and breathtaking beaches.  There are 100 cellar doors to visit with a broad array of experiences that fuse the region’s relaxed coastal lifestyle, gastronomic creativity and bohemian-like arts scene in wonderful ways.  Margaret River wine region is an easy drive from Perth, or fly from Melbourne with direct flights.

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What are the particularities of the territory and its wines?

Harvest:  Early February to late April

Soils:  Gravel loam on granite and gneiss.  Altitude 0-234mtrs

In less than fifty years, Margaret River has achieved a reputation as a world-leading fine wine region, particularly for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. One of Australia’s most desirable culinary travel destinations, the region’s worldly winemakers, chefs and creatives bring a vast background of expertise to deliver truly memorable experiences.

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The geographically-isolated environment features the most ancient soils on earth. The ecosystem is globally important as one of 32 biodiversity hotspots, home to abundant populations of endemic flora and flora.

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Wines tend toward the elegant and refined, and winemakers have a strong persuasion towards expressing Margaret River’s distinct terroir. In this pursuit, organic viticulture is on the rise with wineries of small to significant sizes.

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Why choose a wine tour in the Margaret River region?

The lure of this pristine, coastal region spreads far and wide.

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Winery tours can take you places where you can’t go by yourself. Some tours specialise in getting you behind the scenes, perhaps to meet the winemaker, have a barrel room tasting or even blend your own bottle of wine.

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What are the goals to be achieved in the future to make the wine specialties of this region even more popular?

Sustainable grape growing, winemaking, organics and biodynamics are on the rise with wineries across the region.

Our local government, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, is also pursuing Eco Tourism certification, to ensure our internal and external destination management practices are in line with international best practice sustainability standards.

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https://www.ecotourism.org.au/our-certification-programs/eco-destination-certification/

There are also a number of accommodation developments underway across the region that aim to attract the high yielding visitor. Direct flights with Jetstar from Melbourne to the Busselton-Margaret River Airport commence 14th February 2022.

©Margaret River Wine Region