Winter is the perfect time to spend a weekend exploring wineries in Western Australia. Shift gears on a scenic drive from Perth and discover wineries near Fremantle, where you can explore sculpted coastal vistas, sip silky reds and settle down for long fireside meals.
From the Margaret River wine region to the Great Southern wine region, Western Australia’s exquisite cool-wine regions are some of Australia’s best winter wine destinations. Nurtured by rich ancient soils and viticulture that dates back to 1840, these delicious regions will reinvigorate the senses with acclaimed cabernets, coastlines and more.
Great Southern
Inhale the fresh ocean breeze and savour the delights of the largest wine region in Australia. Flourishing with tranquil forests, quiet beaches and winding rivers, this unique region on Western Australia’s south coast is home to cellar doors stretching across five sub-regions: Albany, Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker and Porongurup. Great Southern wine producers specialise in an array of wines, making it the perfect wine region to explore with scenic views across the ocean.
Enjoy a cosy long lunch or dinner with views at one of the 40 notable cellar doors, such as Monty’s Leap. You can also settle down for some Parisian ambience at the Majuba Wine Bar in Albany.
Whale watching. This is the perfect time of year to spot some of the 300,000 migrating whales that swim past WA between May and December. Book a tour and get up close to this majestic phenomenon.
Scenic drives. This region is alive with refreshing ocean air and natural wonders. Explore awe-inspiring coastlines in Torndirrup National Park, including The Gap, Natural Bridge and the Blowholes.
Base yourself in the heart of Albany at Quality Apartments Banksia Gardens, where wineries and natural wonders are at your fingertips.
Margaret River
Quietly escape to a region famed for its world-class cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay – not to mention awe-inspiring ocean fronts and surf beaches. Three hour’s south of Perth, the celebrated Margaret River is home to over 90 cellar doors and vineyards that open onto sweeping panoramas of farmland and coastal scenery. The Margaret River wine climate is a maritime climate, similar to climates found in Bordeaux and the Mediterranean. The Margaret River wine region and has plenty of diverse wine on offer, from lo-fi, biodynamic and organic wine from Margaret River, to shiraz and pinot noir.
Tour the vineyards of Margaret River, which feature some of the best wineries near Fremantle and Perth. Treat the tastebuds with a tour or guided experience of some of the emerging local wineries as well as established names such as Vasse Felix, Voyager Estate and Moss Wood.
Get festive! A good way to immerse yourself in the wintry goodness is by timing your visit with the inspiring Cabin Fever Festival in July. Treat yourself to a lively showcase of awesome music, wine and food.
Explore Busselton Jetty. The historic 1.8km Busselton Jetty is famed for its train that takes you to the end of the pier, where you can disembark to explore an underwater observatory and behold the colourful marine life beneath.
Geographe
Button-down in a winter haven of soulful wines and delicious artisan produce. Just 40 minutes north of Margaret River, the spectacular Bunbury Geographe wine region is a delight in the cooler months, with crisp sea breezes that nurture the region’s cool-climate delights. Taste your way around Geographe Bay’s waterfront and discover some local treasures.
Tour the Italian-inspired vineyards of Geographe Bunbury. Home to established names such as Willow Bridge Estate and Capel Vale, you’ll also find award-winning boutiques such as Talisman. Take the Alternative Wine Trail to discover more.
Explore orchards ripe for fruit picking. Geographe is known for its fruit wine, so why not travel to the source? Stroll through Donnybrook’s Orchard and pick your fill of plums and crunchy apples.
Your Next Adventure: WA’s most loved wineries, distilleries, and breweries
Explore the Bunbury Wildlife Park. A beautiful attraction in the cooler months, stroll along this park’s scenic paths and hand-feed kangaroos and meet the birds that flourish in the free-flight aviary.
Book yourself into Bunbury accommodation and explore the gorgeous Geographe region at your leisure.
Blackwood Valley
Take a break in a historical region that’s home to heritage villages, wine trails and over 50 vineyards. One of Western Australia’s winter capitals, this cool climate is famous for its preservative free sauvignon blanc and shiraz, picturesque woodlands and Tuscan-like rolling green hills. Head inland from Margaret River and explore towns including Boyup Brook, Bridgetown, Balingup and Nannup.
Meet the winemakers. Dotted with vineyards specialising in shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and merlot, chat with the viticulturalists and enjoy a view at one of the many vineyards, including Whimwood Estate Wines Cellar Door.
Explore surrounding nature. Take a scenic detour through the Blackwood Valley Tourist Drive and discover vivid colours and historic milling towns alongside the Donnelly River.
Step back in time. Historic timber and mining town Greenbushes dates back to 1888. Take a detour through this fascinating town, situated between Balingup and Bridgetown in the Blackwood River Valley.