Margaret River Wine Region

Western Australia'S Premium Wine Region, Three Hours South Of Perth, Pairing Cellar Doors Of Chardonnay And Cabernet With Limestone Surf Caves, Karri Forest And Some Of The State'S Best Left Hand Breaks · Margaret River, Western Australia

Margaret River sits between Busselton and Augusta in Western Australia's south-west, about three hours south of Perth, and it packs an unusual combination into one small region: serious wine, world-class surf and a limestone cave system, all within a short drive of each other. The region's cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay are consistently ranked among Australia's best, produced by a cluster of wineries built mostly from the 1960s onward around a maritime climate locals compare to Bordeaux. Cellar doors range from small family operations pouring across a wooden counter to architecturally striking restaurants with vineyard views, and most pour a flight for a modest fee or sometimes free with a purchase. The coast runs from the surf at Prevelly to calmer swimming bays further north, and the karri forest and limestone ridge hide show caves, of which Lake Cave and Mammoth Cave are the most visited. The town itself is the obvious base, small enough to walk, with cafes and a Saturday market. A car is necessary for most wineries, beaches and caves, since public transport here is limited.

The wine region between Busselton and Augusta in Western Australia's south-west, about three hours south of Perth, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia

Most cellar doors open daily from around ten to five, though a number of smaller family wineries close on Mondays and Tuesdays outside the busy summer and harvest months, so it is worth checking ahead if a particular producer is the reason for the trip. Tastings are often free with a purchase or charge a small refundable fee otherwise; some of the region's best-known names require a booking for a seated or guided tasting, especially on weekends. The show caves - Lake Cave, Mammoth Cave and Jewel Cave - run guided tours on a fixed timetable through the day and are closed to independent entry; Mammoth Cave alone allows a self-guided walk with an audio guide. Margaret River town's shops and cafes keep normal daytime hours, with the Saturday farmers market running only in the morning.

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