The Great Southern Wine Region
Exploring the Great Southern wine region is as much about the journey as it is about the wine. From the rugged coastline of Albany to the rolling hills of Mount Barker and the granite ranges of Porongurup, every subregion reveals its own character. With more than seventy wineries spread across this vast area, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
Based in the South West, I offer private wine tours for locals, Perth travellers, and interstate visitors flying in from Sydney, Melbourne and beyond. Whether you are seeking a focused introduction to a single subregion or a multi-day journey across the breadth of the region, each itinerary is thoughtfully planned to include premium tastings, distinctive cellar doors, and the people who bring the wines to life — all in the quiet luxury of my Lexus ES300h.
An Overview
The Great Southern is the largest wine region on the Australian mainland, stretching 100 kilometres north to south and 150 kilometres east to west along Western Australia’s south coast. It is a landscape of dramatic contrasts: rugged shoreline and towering forests, granite ranges and rolling farmland, historic towns and secluded bays. Five distinct subregions — Albany, Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker and Porongurup — shape the region, each with unique climatic and geological conditions that underpin the wines.
Despite its scale and relative isolation, the Great Southern has become a benchmark for cool-climate winemaking in Australia. It is Western Australia’s coolest wine region, with climates ranging from maritime to Mediterranean and continental. Rainfall and humidity rise in the southern coastal zones, while temperatures increase inland. Soils are predominantly lateritic gravelly and sandy loams or sandy loams derived from granite and gneissic bedrock
Historical Foundations
The modern story of the Great Southern was written through research and experimentation in the mid-20th century. In 1956, University of California viticulture professor Harold Olmo identified Mount Barker and Frankland River as areas of promise for producing table wines in the traditional European style.
In 1965, the Western Australian State Viticulturist planted a trial vineyard at Forest Hill near Mount Barker, predating Margaret River’s first vines. By 1972, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon from those vines were made commercially, and in 1975 a Riesling won multiple national trophies, establishing the region’s potential.
The Great Southern was registered as a Geographical Indication in 1996, with its five subregions formally recognised soon after. Today, more than seventy wineries – from pioneers to innovative newcomers – ensure stylistic depth, consistency and exploration across the region.
Climate and Soils
The Great Southern encompasses maritime, Mediterranean and continental zones.
- Albany and Denmark: coastal, with wet winters and mild summers moderated by sea breezes.
- Frankland River and Mount Barker: inland, more continental, with warm days, cool nights and strong diurnal variation.
- Porongurup: elevated, with a nocturnal thermal zone that promotes slow ripening and reduces frost risk.
Soils vary from lateritic gravels and granite-derived sandy loams to fertile karri and marri loams and ironstone gravels over clay. This breadth of terroir supports both classic and alternative varieties.
Wine Styles
Great Southern is most closely associated with Riesling and Shiraz.
- Riesling: purity, citrus intensity, and remarkable ageing potential; benchmarks from Frankland River, Mount Barker and Porongurup.
- Shiraz: perfumed, spicy and elegant; favouring finesse over weight.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: structured and long-lived, thriving in Frankland River and Mount Barker.
- Chardonnay: restrained, citrus-driven and often barrel-fermented for complexity.
- Pinot Noir: delicate and finely structured in Albany, Denmark and Porongurup.
Winemakers are also exploring varieties such as Tempranillo, Graciano and Gewürztraminer, further diversifying the region’s expression.
The Subregions
Albany
The oldest European settlement in Western Australia and the coastal hub of the region. Vineyards were first planted in the late 1970s, with Wignalls (est. 1982) pioneering premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Today, the subregion produces Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz, while inland areas are gaining recognition for Riesling. Maritime influence ensures delicacy and freshness.
Key producers include Wignalls Wines, Oranje Tractor, and Alkoomi (notably drawing fruit from both Albany and Frankland River vineyards).
Denmark
Nestled among karri forests and spectacular coastline, Denmark saw its first vines in 1974, followed by further plantings in 1976. After renewed activity in the 1980s, the subregion grew steadily, particularly in the Scotsdale Valley. Fertile karri and marri soils and a maritime climate support Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, with a rising reputation for sparkling.
Key producers include Singlefile Wines, Castelli Estate, Harewood Estate and Silverstream.
Frankland River
An inland landscape of rolling hills and river catchments, Frankland River was first planted in 1967, with Alkoomi following in 1971 and Frankland Estate and Old Kent River by the 1980s. Today, more than 1,600 hectares are under vine. Soils of ironstone gravels and duplex sandy loams over clay, combined with long daylight hours and cool nights, produce internationally acclaimed Shiraz and Riesling, alongside Cabernet, Chardonnay, Tempranillo and Gewürztraminer.
Key producers include Frankland Estate, Swinney, Alkoomi and Ferngrove.
Mount Barker
The cradle of modern Great Southern viticulture, with Forest Hill’s 1965 trial vineyard leading the way and further plantings at Denbarker in 1968. A continental climate, warm days, cool nights and 600–700 mm annual rainfall underpin Riesling, Shiraz, Cabernet and Pinot Noir. Some vineyards are dry-grown, adding to character.
Key producers include Forest Hill Vineyard, Plantagenet Wines, West Cape Howe, Howard Park, 3 Drops, Galafrey and Gilbert Wines.
Conclusion
The Great Southern is a region of scale and diversity. From Albany’s maritime freshness to Frankland River’s structured reds, from Mount Barker’s historic Rieslings to Porongurup’s granitic precision, and Denmark’s coastal vibrancy to its emerging sparkling wines, it offers a breadth unmatched in Australian cool-climate viticulture. Riesling and Shiraz remain its signatures, but the range of varieties and terroirs ensure constant discovery.
A private tour through the Great Southern is more than a tasting itinerary; it is an immersion in place, people and wine. With every package — one day, two days or three — you can expect discreet hosting, thoughtful planning, and access to some of the region’s most respected wineries.
If you are considering a private wine tour through the Great Southern, I invite you to contact me directly to discuss your interests. One-day, two-day and three-day packages are available, tailored to your preferences. To discuss your itinerary and receive a personalised price, please contact me directly.
Note: Tours commence from Perth, Busselton, Margaret River, Bunbury and surrounding South West locations.