Experience the great wines and history of Margs at these awesome wineries.
Boasting an incredible history and fine wines, a visit to Vasse Felix is not to be missed. As Margaret River’s founding wine estate, it was established in 1967 by Dr Tom Cullity, a cardiologist, who planted the region’s first modern commercial vineyard (the original cabernet sauvignon and malbec plantings still grow today). When they released the region’s first cabernet in 1972, it cemented the winery’s icon status within Australia and around the world.
As such, a visit to their cellar door more than lives up to this legendary status. Set among sweeping vistas of towering gums and rolling vines, the vine-covered tasting room and restaurant at Vasse Felix is pretty spectacular. And that’s before you set foot inside, where the friendly and knowledgeable cellar door team will present you with a range of experiences and tasting options. These include guided wine flights at the Cellar Door Bar and comprehensive tours of the estate and vineyards ‒ and the vault! ‒ as well as casual tasting and dining in the wine lounge. Finish off your visit with a glass of your favourite wine, perhaps on the verandah or on the lawns while soaking in the abounding natural beauty.
Stella Bella, meaning ‘beautiful star’ in Italian, came into being in 1996 with the establishment of the fabulously named Suckfizzle vineyard. Two decades and another five vineyards later, the estate is rated among the best wineries in Australia and a standard bearer for the Margaret River region. Led by winemaker Luke Jolliffe and viticulturist Steve Martin, the small, dynamic team works hard to produce wines that capture the essence of Margaret River, from signature regional styles to more adventurous drops. And we can't deny the results are absolutely stellar.
Housed in a charming stone cottage surrounded by vines, the Stella Bella cellar door strikes the perfect balance between cosy and rustic. In the tasting room, the cheerful staff will guide you through the portfolio, peppering the presentation with fascinating tidbits about the region. Chardonnay, cabernet and the classic sauvignon blanc semillon blend are particular standouts, with exceptional examples from both their Luminosa and Suckfizzle ranges. If you’re after more alternative varieties and styles, check out the core Stella Bella and Otro ranges, which offer serious quality and value. After your tasting, chances are you’ll find yourself drawn to the lush lawn surrounding the cellar door, so do yourself a favour and pack a picnic to enjoy alongside a glass of your new favourite wine.
As one of the five founding wine estates in Margaret River, a visit to Leeuwin Estate is worth pushing to the top of your list. With a grand two-storey cellar door buried deep in the region, it boasts a range of tastings and wine experiences, fine dining in their award-winning restaurant and an art gallery featuring the works of celebrated Australian artists such as John Olsen and Sidney Nolan.
One of the more unique tastings on offer is the Art and Wine Pairing, a thought-provoking, sensory experience that brings together two creative worlds in a fun and informative way (it also makes you feel super-classy in the process). The tasting kicks off with a morning tea and an introduction to Leeuwin Estate, its winemaking philosophy and enduring commitment to the arts fraternity. Your art and wine adventure continues with a guided tour of the gallery, showcasing several of the artworks featured on the winery’s iconic Art Series labels, followed by a tasting of five wines accompanied by West Australian delicacies.
Larry Cherubino is one of Australia’s most acclaimed winemakers, with experience across various wineries and regions around the globe. Today, Cherubino produces nine distinct labels working with top-quality sites in WA, including around Margaret River and Frankland River. Despite the incredible scale and reach of his winemaking, Larry and his team maintain an enviable reputation for producing high-quality, minimal-intervention wines that express the terroir of this small pocket of the world. Stylistically, they range from classic to playful, and aren't afraid to experiment with alternative varieties and mix things up in the winery.
This mix of tradition and innovation is reflected in the cellar door. With a rustic, terracotta facade and surrounded by cyprus trees, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to Tuscany as you approach. Inside, the aesthetic shifts to a more modern, minimalist vision that reflects their approach to winemaking. Settle in at one of the high tables and enjoy a seated tasting surrounded by large oak foudres, regional maps and local artworks. The passionate team will take you through wines from across the range, as well as a selection of special releases and cellar door exclusives.
Positioned on the highest point of the Leston vineyard, with sweeping views of the surrounding vines, Howard Park's cellar door is truly breathtaking. An elegant fusion of slanted angles, cool concrete, raw timber and sleek metals, the structure was designed to create a modern building that will grow old – a concept synonymous with crafting age-worthy wines.
From casual tastings at the bar and seated tasting flights to exclusive luxury tastings in the wine chapel, Howard Park offers an experience for everyone. Their wines are renowned for being elegant, expressive, and capturing the depth and breadth of Western Australia’s premier regions. For a truly memorable experience, try tasting these wines side by side to experience the distinct qualities of each region. Alternatively, indulge in some fizz with a sparkling wine flight – taste all four of the traditional method sparkling wines, as well as a Champagne. If the weather is on your side, take your bubbles and mosey out onto the lawn to enjoy it while taking in some spectacular views with the hum of the working winery around you.
