One of life’s rare pleasures is enjoying a bottle of fine wine in the beautiful region that produced it, and visitors travel from far and wide to Australia’s South West to experience this indulgence.The warm Mediterranean climate and rich fertile soils combine to provide an exceptional environment for growing grape vines. Around 26% of Australia’s premium wines are carefully crafted in the wineries of Australia’s South West, yet the region produces just 5% of the country's wine. A variety of wine styles and blends are produced here, from complex cool-climate cabernets to elegant dry chardonnays. Explore the regions and discover their notable varieties. Visit thetrail.com.au for further information on wine and food in Australia's South West.
| | | Cabernet, Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc
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| | | Cabernet, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Reisling
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| | | Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, Verdelho
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| | | Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
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| | | Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Shiraz, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
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Note: Wine tastings add to your blood alcohol concentration.
As a guide, within any one hour period, five standard 20ml tastes of wine will put you dangerously close to the legal limit (0.05%). So either buy a bottle for home, nominate a skipper or catch a bus tour.
Fine Food
Australia's South West has an abundance of fresh produce and one of the region’s great pleasures is buying freshly picked fruit, vegetables or berries direct from the farm. Other local delicacies include fresh farmed marron and trout, decadent chocolates, delicious cheeses, boutique beers, crisp ciders and Australia's first mainland truffles.The region’s rich harvest has lured a number of award-winning chefs to Australia’s South West, which means visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out. Dine in intimate top-class restaurants or cosy cafes, enjoy relaxed and tranquil outdoor settings, or stop at one of the many wineries offering fine dining experiences.
Manjimup near Pemberton in the South West of Western Australia, is home to Australia’s first mainland truffles and a very successful exporter. The renowned restaurants right through Australia’s South West use a lot of truffle in their dishes, from infused beef, venison and seafood dishes, raviolis, pates, butters, even scrambled eggs! The truffle season is June to August, however you can hunt for truffles year round (they plant them).