WINE TIME
The South West is one of the premium wine producing regions in Australia, with a Mediterranean climate and close proximity to the ocean creating near-perfect grape growing conditions for winemakers. There’s five distinct winemaking areas in the South West, meaning no matter where you plan to go, there’s a top drop just waiting to be discovered.
Geographe
Only one and a half hours south of Perth, this captivating and diverse wine region has more than 20 boutique, mostly family-owned wineries. Characterised by diverse micro climates from elevated rolling hills, with sheltered valleys and mild ocean breezes off Geographe Bay. You’ll find some interesting alternative varietals here, particularly tempranillo and nebbiolo.
Margaret River
More than 50 years’ old, this award-winning fine wine region is internationally acclaimed, with almost 100 cellar doors to experience, many with renowned on site restaurants. Specialising in cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, plus popular semillon sauvignon blanc blends, this region grows two percent of Australia’s grapes, but produces 20 percent of Australia’s premium wine.
Southern Forests
With its ancient towering karri forests, rolling farmland, this beautiful wine region is increasingly recognised for its sparkling wine styles and sauvignon blanc. Wines grown in the Pemberton and Manjimup wine regions combine southern latitude with high altitude and a relatively cool climate, making ideal conditions for growing pinot noir and chardonnay grapes.
Blackwood Valley
One of Australia’s newest wine regions, here you’ll find picturesque lush pastures, majestic trees and gentle winding rivers. It’s home to 15 cellar doors with boutique wine styles including cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, riesling, sauvignon blanc, semillion and shiraz, where you can experience charming country hospitality.
Great Southern
Australia’s largest wine region, the Great Southern is made up of five sub-regions; Albany, Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker and Porongurup. The region is blessed with a variety of ancient soil types, altitudes, and pristine conditions, creating a unique cool climate environment. Standout varieties are riesling and shiraz, with classic varieties chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir also performing well.
For more information on the grape-growing regions of Western Australia’s South West, visit winewa.asn.au or wineaustralia.com
