Gilt Edge Chauffeurs
Great Southern Wine Region
The Great Southern is vast, diverse, and home to some of Western Australia’s most acclaimed wineries. Five distinct subregions – Albany, Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker and Porongurup – spread across dramatic landscapes of forest, farmland and coastline. The result is a region of scale and character, producing everything from elegant Riesling and Shiraz to refined Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.
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 Great Southern, each itinerary is thoughtfully designed 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.
The Region at a Glance
Stretching across Western Australia’s south coast, the Great Southern is the mainland’s largest wine region. Its five subregions each bring their own climate, soils and identity.
- Albany and Denmark are maritime, producing delicate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, with inland areas showing fine Riesling.
- Frankland River and Mount Barker are more continental, delivering Shiraz with perfume and spice, structured Cabernet Sauvignon and long-lived Riesling.
- Porongurup provides elevation and granitic slopes that yield pristine Riesling, alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The region’s reputation is built on Riesling and Shiraz, but its breadth extends to Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with increasing interest in Tempranillo, Graciano and Gewürztraminer.
For guests seeking a detailed background on the Great Southern – including its history, soils, climate and subregions – I have prepared a full guide in my Wine IQ section
Notable Producers
Albany
Wignalls
An Albany pioneer recognised for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, shaped by the maritime climate into delicate, fresh wines of subtle complexity.
Alkoomi Wines
A family estate established in 1971 at Frankland River, with a cellar-door presence in Albany, known for reliable Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Denmark
Singlefile Wines
A polished, contemporary producer known for refined Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, highly regarded by critics and visitors alike.
Castelli Estate
A Denmark winery focused on cool-climate classics, producing standout Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Harewood Estate
Respected for consistently high-quality Riesling across multiple subregions, along with balanced Chardonnay and reds.
Silverstream
A boutique producer making sparkling, Riesling and Pinot Noir, with a strong focus on cool-climate style and small-batch precision.
Frankland River
Frankland Estate
A benchmark winery celebrated for organic practices and single-site expression, with acclaimed Riesling and structured reds.
Swinney
Meticulous vineyards producing perfumed Shiraz and Grenache blends, recognised for concentration and finesse.
Alkoomi
A family estate established in 1971, known for reliable Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Ferngrove
Frankland River producer crafting a broad range, where cool inland conditions deliver depth and clarity of flavour.
Trevelen Farm
One of the most northerly vineyards in the Great Southern, known for crisp, lime-driven Riesling and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon.
Bunn
A small Frankland River producer with a hands-on approach to viticulture, crafting limited-release Shiraz and Cabernet that highlight regional structure and spice.
The Next Hundred Years
A boutique label exploring Great Southern terroir through patient, minimal-intervention winemaking. Shiraz and Riesling are produced in small quantities with purity and authenticity.
Mount Barker
Forest Hill Vineyard
The pioneer of modern viticulture in the region, now producing elegant Riesling, Chardonnay and Shiraz from mature vines.
Plantagenet Wines
The oldest commercial name in Mount Barker, renowned for classic Shiraz, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon.
West Cape Howe
A versatile estate producing Riesling, Shiraz and Pinot Noir that showcase the breadth of Great Southern terroir.
Howard Park
One of WA’s most respected names, sourcing from both Margaret River and Mount Barker, with Abercrombie Cabernet a standout.
3 Drops
A boutique vineyard producing elegant, food-friendly Riesling, Pinot Noir and Shiraz.
Galafrey
A family estate of dry-grown vines, delivering spice-laden Shiraz and crisp, characterful Riesling.
Gilbert Wines
A fourth-generation winery offering approachable reds and whites with a generous regional style.
Paul Nelson Wines
A family-run label producing small-batch Riesling, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo, combining traditional techniques with a progressive touch.
Plan B! Wines
With vineyards in Mount Barker and Frankland River, Plan B! crafts bright, fruit-driven wines — notably Riesling, Shiraz and Tempranillo — with a modern edge.
Delpeché Wines
A Mount Barker-based producer making small-batch Riesling, Riesling/Gewürztraminer and Syrah from sustainably farmed vineyards, defined by clarity of fruit and restraint.
Porongurup
Duke’s Vineyard
Duke’s Vineyard – A small, highly regarded producer at the western end of the Porongurup Range, known for benchmark cool-climate Riesling alongside finely structured Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The elevated, granitic soils and cool growing conditions contribute to wines of purity, tension, and longevity
Castle Rock Estate
Renowned for pristine, age-worthy Rieslings from granitic slopes, balancing intensity with finesse.
Zarephath
A boutique estate producing fragrant Pinot Noir and mineral-driven Riesling with artisanal character.
Your Private Wine Tour
A private tour of the Great Southern is more than a tasting itinerary – it is an immersion in a region defined by diversity and scale. I provide exclusive door-to-door service from your accommodation or residence in the South West, from Perth, or directly following arrival on flights from Sydney, Melbourne and other cities.
One-day, two-day and three-day packages are available, each tailored to your preferences. To discuss your itinerary and receive a personalised price, please contact me directly.
Why Choose Gilt Edge Chauffeurs
- Every tour is personally hosted and driven by Craig Douglas
- Exclusive use – never shared with other groups
- Immediate standby throughout the day, allowing flexibility and certainty
- Tailored itineraries shaped around your wine preferences and preferred pace
- Advance bookings and coordination with cellar-door hosts and restaurants
- Extensive familiarity with the Margaret River, Geographe, and wider South West wine regions
- Quiet luxury, discretion, and professional care throughout your experience
- Written itinerary confirming timings, venues, arrangements, tasting notes, and venue background
Learn more about the features that distinguish Gilt Edge Chauffeurs, including immediate standby, exclusive use, discretion, personalised service, and regional expertise.