GEOGRAPHE

Geographe, nestled in Western Australia, proudly stands as the region’s most diverse wine-producing area. This picturesque viticultural enclave boasts a remarkable tapestry of terroirs, microclimates, and grape varieties, making it a vinicultural gem. With a climatic spectrum spanning from maritime influences along the coast to warmer inland pockets, Geographe offers an ideal canvas for winemakers to experiment with a wide array of grape varieties. From the renowned Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs to distinctive Shiraz and Merlot, Geographe’s vineyards thrive, producing wines that showcase the region’s unique character. With this diversity, Geographe cements its status as a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts seeking a rich and varied tasting experience.

SWAN VALLEY

The Swan Valley wine region boasts Western Australia’s oldest vines. First planted in 1829, it has been under vine ever since. Vineyards were established and developed by a close community of multi-generational and multi-cultural families. Over time, this has created a passionate group of independent, hands-on winemakers, with deep ties to the region.

Being a natural food bowl, only twenty-five minutes from Perth city, the Swan Valley has always been home to growers and producers. The original market gardens have been joined by breweries, distilleries, chocolate and cheese makers and other ventures. Collectively, you have a rich diversity of “makers”.

While traditions endure, new ideas and sustainable practices are embraced as the Swan Valley pioneers Mediterranean warm climate styles. This is history in the making: building on the deep knowledge of both the indigenous and immigrant forebears, whilst continuing to be “makers” who explore new paths to excite and delight wine lovers.

A vast spectrum of wine styles is produced in the Swan Valley. Very few other wine regions would be able to say that they are able to produce a range of wines from sparkling through to fortified styles in the one region.

The Swan Valley has a strong record of producing whites that are simple, fresh and crisp as young wines and then age for a remarkable period of time of up to twenty years, gaining intense toasty flavours. The most widely grown varieties are verdelho and chenin blanc.

Deb Tucker

Swan Valley Winemakers Association

MARGARET RIVER

Margaret River is one of the Earth’s most pristine, geographically secluded, coastal wine regions. This breathtaking destination of ancient landforms, lush forests and distinct Ironstone gravel soils enjoys a ‘textbook perfect’ climate for fine wines, with its consistent Mediterranean climate and intense maritime influence – here, the Indian and Southern Oceans meet.

Scarce and sought-after worldwide, Margaret River wines represent only two per cent of the Australian annual crush. The elegant and powerful cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay expressions are most noteworthy and can be grown with a ‘light touch’ approach, as the grapes typically ripen with superb balance, refinement and structure. Artisan and family-owned producers dominate, and their preference for handcrafted winemaking and respectful creativity shines through.

A world-renowned wine destination, the region’s 100 cellar doors, gourmet culinary experiences, stunning nature and spirited arts scene attracts over 1.5 million overnight visitors per year.

MOUNT BARKER

Mount Barker is roughly around a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Perth, or thirty minutes north of Albany. The Mount Barker sub-region is one of the five sub-regions of the Great Southern Wine Region, which also includes the Porongurups, Frankland River, Denmark and Albany. It’s a great place to make camp and explore the five-wine producing sub-regions with its central location: effectively the heart of the region!

Mount Barker is not only the senior sub-region of the Great Southern but was the first to be declared in Australia. If this were not enough, it was also here that the first vines in the Great Southern region were planted. It is large-scale, gently undulating, largely open grazing country, with widely scattered vineyards separated by large distances, but there is a feeling of ‘oneness’ akin to that of a micro-terroir of France, a hundredth of the size of Mount Barker.

Mount Barker is generally regarded as the most important sub-regions of the Great Southern. Average ripening period sunshine hours at Mount Barker together with the whole season measure of sunshine hours are nearly identical with those of Bordeaux. Situated in the middle of Great Southern, with strong continental aspects
together with marri soils and lateritic gravely and sandy loams provided from the granite rock backdrop, the region is suited to several different varieties but specialises in riesling, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir.

ALBANY

An important sub-region of the Great Southern, Albany is arguably Western Australia’s most southernly wine district directly on the South Coast with the cleanest wind derived from the Southern Ocean.

Albany is a world-registered winegrowing GI region and has been able to achieve this recognition by having a unique climate and growing environment for growing speciality grapes such as sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and lighter reds such as the cool climate red of pinot noir. Warmer sections of Albany also grow riesling and shiraz in pockets, and Albany’s climate has been noted as a very similar climate as the famous Burgundy region in France. Our season is defined by a mild and wet winter, mild damp spring conditions and now dry summers of moderate temperatures’ with only a few days above thirty degrees experienced over the summer periods. The famous “Albany Doctor” sea breeze arrives daily at 1pm, subsequently cooling down the vines and fruit zone which is extremely important as this slows the ripening period and thus increasing flavours and colour, all with a high humidity of around eight-five per cent in vineyards which also has a significant effect on end quality.

PERTH HILLS

The Perth Hills is often referred to as Perth’s best-kept secret, just a short 30-minute drive from the CBD. This enchanting region offers a perfect escape, showcasing beautiful scenery alongside a variety of locally produced wines. Visitors can explore charming cellar doors owned by innovative winemakers dedicated to crafting exceptional, award-winning wines.

The wineries are nestled throughout the picturesque Chittering Valley, central Perth Hills, Bickley Valley, and Serpentine Valley. Each location boasts its own unique character, with regional specialties including Shiraz, Viognier, Tempranillo, Mourvèdre, Zinfandel, and Durif. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a scenic retreat, the Perth Hills promises an unforgettable experience filled with natural beauty and culinary delights.