Known for its luscious cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, which put it on the world's wine stage, the Margaret River region of Western Australia was first planted with commercial vines in 1967 by Tom Cullity of Vasse Felix Winery fame. These iconic drops can be found at virtually every wine cellar door. The cabernet sauvignon is full-bodied with a balance of fine tannins, tasting like ripe black fruit with a touch of herbal nuances such as eucalyptus, mint, and tobacco. The shiraz tends to be smoother and has a subtle smoky influence with spicey aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, and toast melded with cassis, blackberries, mulberries, violets, and plum.
The Margaret River region is influenced by the Indian Ocean's cool climate. It has deep, well-drained soil of red gravelly loams. Set in the stunning south-western corner of Australia, approximately 270 kilometers from the capital city of Perth, with the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge running down the middle connecting Cape Naturaliste to the North and Cape Leeuwin to the south, it is the idyllic land for growing grapes. Relatively isolated, with ancient soil and rare biodiversity, the Margaret River area is also known as a surfing paradise with a dynamic arts scene set in a natural world where stunning vineyards greet a spectacular coastline. Created millions of years ago, limestone caves with mind-blowing crystal formations dot the rockface beneath the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge. The only Stuart forest in the world 'Ludlow Tuart Forest' sits in the northern area of Margaret River, and the magnificent Karri forest 'Boranup Karri Forest’ is in the south.
Grapes in the region blossomed after Vasse Felix first planted vines, with Moss Wood following in 1969, Cape Mentelle in 1970, Cullen Winery in 1971, Sandalford in 1972, and Leeuwin Estate, Wrights, and Woodlands following in 1973. Today, there are over 100 vineyards offering cellar door tastings—Margaret River has become a wine-growing hub.
In November 2025, the Margaret River Region will host the prestigious event, 'The World's 50 Best Vineyards' awards, which applaud the world's best vineyards, considering the wine, food, and visitor experiences. Held last year in Sussex, UK, it's an international event bringing wine talent from around the world to rank the best of the best in vineyard experiences internationally to celebrate excellent wine-making teams of a vineyard and exceptional world-leading wines. With over 700 judges voting (famous sommeliers, wine trade experts, plus travel and wine tourism experts) it's an award of exceptional standing in the wine industry.
The '50 Best' brand has become a hospitality marking card for anyone wishing to know what venues to dine at, what bar to sip a cocktail in, which hotel to put on your hit list, and which winery to linger at around the globe. It's a list of the must-do places that are trending and will give the guest a reason to salivate over the mere thought of venturing into one of these hallowed venues. It's like a global guide of decadence that was first instigated in 2002 with once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences and has grown to encompass a human aspect in 2020 when it held the quest for the '50 Best for Recovery' supporting the hospitality industry at the time of the coronavirus drama. This title raised $1.29 million for global non-profits and hospitality venues struggling to keep their doors open. The company's next quest demonstrating its commitment to hospitality businesses was in 2021, named '50 Next', celebrating upcoming and talented young people in the industry, which offered scholarship programs.
Margaret River is the first Australian destination to be chosen to hold the inaugural award 'The World's 50 Best Vineyards', which will happen on 19th November 2025. It's the precursor of almost a week of food and drink gluttony as the festival ‘Pair’d Margaret River’ begins on Thursday, the 20th, running until Sunday, 23rd November 2025. This event is a newbie on the festival calendar. It started in 2024 when it proved to be a resounding success for the region. From some of the best chefs in the region to sommeliers and winemakers collaborating and showcasing the region's incredible diversity at legendary wineries, it will be days packed with music, tastings, and sumptuous dining options.
Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.
