Gilt Edge Chauffeurs

Regional Overview

Wine Styles and Subregions

• Wilyabrup

  • Home to many of the founding wineries and the heartland of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Produces structured, elegant reds and powerful yet balanced whites.

• Yallingup

  • Coastal vineyards influenced by sea breezes; wines display freshness and lifted aromatics, especially in Chardonnay and Shiraz.

Wallcliffe

• • – The southern zone near the Margaret River township; known for complexity in Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and alternative varietals.

• Karridale

  • Cooler and higher rainfall; ideal for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and sparkling bases.

Signature wine styles include:

• Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Margaret River’s flagship red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon here is medium-bodied, elegantly perfumed, and known for fine, powdery tannins and vibrant acidity. The region’s heritage Houghton clone contributes to the wine’s structure and ageability, producing flavours of cassis, cedar, and bay leaf.
    

    Descriptors: Perfumed, cassis/blackcurrant, redcurrant, cedar, bay leaf.

• Chardonnay

  • Internationally awarded and widely respected, Margaret River Chardonnay is complex, refined, and expressive. Natural fermentation in French oak barrels and maturation on lees develop the distinctive style – concentrated fruit, fine acidity, and textured finesse. Predominantly based on the low-yielding Gingin clone.
    

    Descriptors: Mandarin, grapefruit, nectarine, white peach, gunflint, nougat.

• Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (SSB) Blends

  • A hallmark regional white, SSB blends are vibrant and fresh, often undergoing barrel or skins-contact fermentation for added texture and complexity. Perfectly suited to the region’s seafood.
    

    Descriptors: Gooseberry, passionfruit, lime, lemon curd

• Shiraz

  • The region’s second-most planted red variety. Typically, medium-bodied, Margaret River Shiraz offers forest fruit flavours, spice, and floral lift – sometimes labelled as Syrah for its cool-climate style.
    

    Descriptors: Mulberry, blackberry, plum, spice, violets.

• Emerging Varieties

  1. Fiano, Vermentino, Arneis, Chenin Blanc – Crisp, textural whites suited to Margaret River’s climate
  2. Tempranillo, Malbec, Grenache, Petit Verdot – Supporting red blends or as single varietals.

Exploring Margaret River by Private Tour

The region’s modern era began in 1967 when Dr Tom Cullity founded Vasse Felix, followed by early plantings at Cullen, Moss Wood, and Cape Mentelle. Their pioneering efforts, later joined by Leeuwin Estate, established Margaret River’s reputation for fine wine worldwide.

Margaret River is now home to a remarkable collection of wineries ranging from pioneering estates to boutique producers, each reflecting the region’s distinctive terroir and philosophy. Depending on your preferences and the time available, featured tours can include visits to the following producers and cellar doors:

• Woodlands Wines – Wilyabrup;

  • one of the region’s founding family wineries, renowned for its elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Tastings are hosted in an intimate glass-walled cellar door overlooking the vineyard.

• Fraser Gallop Estate – Wilyabrup;

  • acclaimed for its single-vineyard Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Private tastings may include barrel samples or limited museum releases.

• Vasse Felix – Cowaramup;

  • Margaret River’s founding commercial winery (1967). The estate’s fine-dining restaurant, art gallery, and historic cellar door provide an exceptional visitor experience alongside flagship Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Cullen Wines – Wilyabrup;

  • biodynamic pioneer producing world-class Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cullen Restaurant offers an organic, seasonal menu paired with estate-grown wines.

• Wills Domain – Yallingup;

  • a leading contemporary producer known for its art-filled restaurant and award-winning Shiraz, Cabernet, and Chardonnay. The estate’s elevated setting offers panoramic valley views.

• Stella Bella Wines – Margaret River;

  • boutique producer celebrated for precision and vibrancy across Sauvignon Blanc–Semillon blends, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The flagship Suckfizzle range is among the region’s most highly rated.

• Xanadu Wines – Margaret River;

  • a cornerstone of the region’s fine-wine reputation, producing distinguished Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Shiraz. The on-site restaurant and cellar door are consistently recognised among Australia’s best.

• Domaine Naturaliste – Wilyabrup;

  • led by acclaimed winemaker Bruce Dukes, producing refined Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon that combine purity with texture. The relaxed cellar door offers structured tastings of the Discovery and Flagship series.

• Deep Woods Estate – Yallingup Hills;

  • part of the Fogarty Wine Group, Deep Woods Estate is among Margaret River’s most acclaimed modern producers. Chief Winemaker Julian Langworthy crafts benchmark Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon that consistently achieve national recognition, alongside one of Australia’s most awarded Rosés. The tasting room sits high in the Yallingup Hills with sweeping valley views.

• Cherubino Margaret River – Wilyabrup;

  • founded by winemaker Larry Cherubino, this premium estate focuses on Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc–Semillon blends that combine precision and texture. The Margaret River portfolio forms part of Cherubino’s broader Western Australian range, with wines regularly among the state’s most awarded.

• Cape Mentelle – Wallcliffe;

  • a pioneering producer and one of the region’s founding five wineries, Cape Mentelle played a pivotal role in establishing Margaret River’s international reputation. Its Cabernet Sauvignon remains a benchmark for structure and age-worthiness, while the estate continues to innovate through sustainable viticulture and limited-release styles that showcase the Wallcliffe subregion’s maritime influence.

• L.A.S. Vino – Wilyabrup;

  • innovative small producer focused on minimal-intervention wines that push the boundaries of regional style. Crafted by winemaker Nic Peterkin, these expressive, small-lot releases can be tasted at the Pierro cellar door by arrangement.

• Passel Estate – Cowaramup;

  • elegant, boutique producer with a tranquil nature-reserve setting. Tastings highlight premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay, complemented by chocolate pairings and small-lot exclusives.

• LS Merchants – Cowaramup;

  • creative and eclectic producer celebrated for expressive, small-batch wines crafted from across the Margaret River sub-regions. The relaxed cellar door reflects a youthful, modern approach to winemaking.

• House of Cards – Yallingup;

  • family-owned, single-vineyard producer specialising in hand-crafted Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Chardonnay. Known for its welcoming hosts and casual tastings among the vines.

• Marq Wines – Wilyabrup;

  • boutique estate led by Mark Warren, focusing on alternative varietals such as Fiano, Nebbiolo, and Tempranillo alongside classic Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Leeuwin Estate – Margaret River;

  • one of Australia’s most iconic producers, known for its Art Series Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The restaurant, art gallery, and outdoor concerts make Leeuwin a cultural as well as viticultural landmark.

These featured venues represent just some of the experiences that can be tailored within the region. Each itinerary is designed around pace, style, and preference — ensuring every visit aligns with your interests and the personality of the region’s hosts.

Stella Bella Wines

One of Margaret River’s most acclaimed producers, renowned for its expressive, finely crafted wines across all tiers.

The winery showcases Sauvignon Blanc–Semillon, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon, with the flagship Suckfizzle range and Luminosa ranges recognised among Australia’s finest.

With a focus on clarity, structure, and regional character, Stella Bella offers a cellar door experience that is both relaxed and informed – ideal for guests seeking wines that combine personality with pedigree.

Xanadu Wines

An acclaimed estate recognised for producing consistently elegant wines – particularly Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

With a legacy of critical acclaim and a picturesque setting, Xanadu offers a refined tasting experience, supported by one of the region’s most awarded wine portfolios.

Pierro Wines

Pierro is one of Margaret River’s most respected and enduring wineries, founded in 1980 by Dr Michael Peterkin and widely regarded as a benchmark producer for the region. The estate is particularly renowned for its Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a reputation built on depth, structure, and long cellaring potential.

The cellar door experience is intimate and highly curated, with tastings hosted by Jordan or Stuart, whose insight, warmth, and detailed knowledge bring the wines and the estate to life.

For guests seeking classic Margaret River elegance and pedigree, Pierro remains a defining stop on any refined wine itinerary.

Margaret River’s culinary identity is as rich as its wines. The region’s vineyard restaurants, artisan producers, and coastal landscapes make it ideal for immersive touring. From fine dining at Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, or Wills Domain to relaxed meals at Xanadu, the focus is always on local produce, seasonal ingredients, and regional expression.

Guests can enjoy cheese and chocolate tastings, explore farmers’ markets, or pause at galleries and scenic lookouts between cellar doors. Each tour balances discovery, comfort, and the quiet luxury that defines personally hosted travel.