Margaret River sits in the south-west corner of Western Australia, about 280 kilometres from Perth. It produces less than three per cent of Australia’s wine by volume, but accounts for an absurd proportion of the country’s premium bottles. For Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay especially, it’s untouchable.

Here’s why it matters, and which wineries to visit.

Why Margaret River is Different

The region has a maritime climate — close enough to the Indian Ocean that temperatures stay moderate year-round. That means slow, even ripening: grapes spend longer developing flavour without losing acidity. The result is wines with structure and freshness that warmer inland regions can’t replicate.

The soils are gravelly loam over clay, and the drainage is excellent. Cabernet Sauvignon in particular responds well to this — the vines stress slightly, concentrating the fruit without water-logging.

The Grapes That Define It

Cabernet Sauvignon is the headline act. Margaret River Cab is darker, more structured, and more age-worthy than most Australian examples. Expect blackcurrant, bay leaf, and fine tannins — not the jammy fruit-bomb you get from warmer regions.

Chardonnay here is consistently world-class. The best examples — Leeuwin Estate Art Series, Vasse Felix Heytesbury — are made in a Burgundian style: tight, mineral, and complex. Nothing like the buttery Chardonnays that gave the variety a bad name.

Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc blends are the region’s other signature white. Crisp, grassy, and good value compared to the prestige reds.

Wineries Worth Visiting

Leeuwin Estate is the benchmark. The Art Series Chardonnay is one of Australia’s greatest wines. The restaurant is excellent, and the estate is beautiful. Book ahead.

Vasse Felix is the oldest winery in the region (1967) and still one of the best. The Heytesbury Chardonnay and Cabernet are flagship-level wines. More accessible pricing than Leeuwin.

Cullen Wines is biodynamic and produces some of the most complex Cabernets in the country. Diana Madeline is the icon — it’s worth tracking down a bottle even if you can’t visit.

Voyager Estate has some of the most dramatic gardens in the region. Good wines across the range, especially the Coastal Drive Blanc de Blancs sparkling.

Cape Mentelle is Cloudy Bay’s sibling under the LVMH umbrella, but the Margaret River Cabernet is a genuine statement wine. The winery cellar door is relaxed and good for a longer tasting.

When to Go

The harvest runs from February to April — the most visually dramatic time, and when winemakers are on-site. Winter (June to August) is quieter, cooler, and good for longer cellar door conversations without the crowds. Avoid school holidays unless you’ve booked well ahead.

Find Margaret River wines at Dan Murphy's: They stock a solid range including Vasse Felix, Cape Mentelle, and Leeuwin Estate. Filter by region to explore.

Shop Margaret River Reds

The Shortlist

If you can only buy one bottle from the region: Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon (~$35). It’s the most consistent expression of what Margaret River does well, and it’s available at most good bottle shops.

If budget isn’t a concern: Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay. No further explanation needed.