Indulge in these luxury wine experiences in the South-West

A holiday to the Margaret River region of South-West Western Australia is not complete without a visit to a winery to taste the region’s most famous produce.

While tastings and cellar-door visits are a wonderful way to explore the flavours of the region’s reds, whites, rosés and sparkling wines, if you want something just a little bit more indulgent, then perhaps one of the experiences below sounds perfect for you?

A wine-blending and dining experience

Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River

Leeuwin Estate is one of the five founding wineries of Margaret River and has been receiving global attention for its Art Series Chardonnay since 1981. In the 2019 West Australian Wine Guide, Leeuwin Estate was named winery of the year and its winemaker, Tim Lovett, winemaker of the year.

So, a wine-blending and dining experience at Leeuwin Estate is a very special experience indeed. For wine and food aficionados, this is an extraordinary hands-on way to discover the Estate and all it has to offer.

Leeuwin Estate, tasting in the Art Gallery

You’ll learn about the Leeuwin winemaking philosophy and the winemaking process – including a behind-the-scenes tour of the winery. Take part in a red wine blending session, creating your very own Margaret River red. Afterwards, a tutored wine tasting and a five-course lunch in their award-winning restaurant.

You may also like to book for Leeuwin Estate’s New Years Eve Dinner – a decadent seven course degustation dinner with matched iconic Art Series wines and the beautiful jazz sounds of Cassandra Charlick.

Booking is essential for these incredible experiences. More information is available on the Leeuwin website.

A behind-the-scenes winemaking tour

Vasse Felix, Wilyabrup

Margaret River’s founding winery, Vasse Felix (Est. 1967) is renowned around the world for its cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. It’s 2014 Tom Cullity, named in honour of the estate’s founding father, was awarded 97 points in the 2019 James Halliday Wine Companion.

The winery has several special tour options available for those who’d like to learn more about this historic winery, its wines, and the Margaret River region.

Leeuwin-Naturaliste coastline

The Cape to Vine Tour starts as a walking tour, taking in one of the world’s most spectacular, untouched stretches of coastline. You’ll experience the unique and pristine flora and fauna of the South-West and incredible views of the Indian Ocean.

Afterwards, you’ll be invited to indulge your senses with a private, behind-the-scenes tour of Vasse Felix itself. You’ll meet with a winemaker and explore the winery and red barrel hall, before joining your host for a tasting of the wine collection. Afterwards, enjoy a five-course tasting menu, paired with wines, before selecting a bottle to take home with you.

Vasse Felix also has a Cellar Experience Tour and an Epicurean Tour. For more information on all the tours available and to book, see the Vasse Felix website. Booking is essential.

An estate tour and seven-course discovery menu

Voyager Estate, Margaret River

Over four decades Voyager Estate has become one of the most recognisable Margaret River wine labels – receiving five red stars from respected wine critic, James Halliday.

The estate has several tour options for the food and wine connoisseur, including The Estate Tour – a five-hour wine tasting and decadent seven-course lunch. It starts with a tour of the vineyard, winery and underground cellar, where you’ll taste wine straight from the barrel.

Voyager Estate, discovery in the vines

At the cellar door you’ll be guided through a tasting of some of Voyager Estate’s famous vintages, before moving into the restaurant to experience their signature Discovery Menu. Each dish will be paired to an aged or limited release wine.

Booking is essential, and this tour is not suitable for children. Book, find out more and learn about Voyager Estate’s other tours here.

World-class wine and charcuterie

Domaine Naturaliste, Wilyabrup

If you don’t feel like fine dining but love your food and wine, Domaine Naturaliste has recently opened with a unique experience that is sure to please.

The new cellar door is not just a place to taste the winery’s world-class wines, it also provides a different offering, but very traditional – charcuterie boards. The dry-cured, smoked and cooked meats are the perfect accompaniment to Domaine Naturaliste’s award-winning wines.

Domaine Naturaliste cellar door, Wilyabrup

“The idea is to take the experience back from a sit-down meal to something more intimate with the wines,” winemaker Bruce Dukes told The Sydney Morning Herald back in July. “We’ve got beautiful soils here, a great view; we’re going to give it a go.”

Domaine Naturaliste’s 2017 Discovery Chardonnay won 96 James Halliday points and the winery’s labels are celebrated around the world. You can visit the Domaine Naturaliste website here.

Five courses with matching estate wines

Cullen Wines, Wilyabrup

Another of the founding wineries of Margaret River, Cullen is renowned for its food as much as its incredible wines. The restaurant has won two hats in the Good Food Guide Australia.

Cullens Restaurant, Wilyabrup

A Premium Cullen Food and Wine Experience teams Cullen’s award-winning wines with five courses created with produce from the winery’s own biodynamic garden and carefully chosen local ingredients.

Both current and museum vintages will be enjoyed during the tasting experience, and you’ll learn all about the Cullen family’s philosophy.

Find out more and book on the Cullen Wines website. Booking is essential.

Enjoy a private winery visit

Moss Wood, Wilyabrup

When it comes to an indulgent South-West wine experience, there’s special and then there’s exclusive.

Another founding estate, based in the heart of the region in Wilyabrup, Moss Wood welcomes members for tastings and private visits by appointment only.

Cabernet Sauvignon vines at Moss Wood

The winery prides itself on unhurried tours, with knowledgeable and experienced guides who take you through the winery and introduce you to its history, philosophy, vineyards and wines. On this exclusive tour, you’ll taste wine from barrel and visit the museum where the earliest vintages are kept.

Visits to Moss Wood are by request, between 10am and 4pm every day except Sunday, with at least two days’ notice. With a bit of luck, Moss Wood will be able to accommodate your request. Find out more and request a visit, here.

If you’re holidaying in the Margaret River region, Private Properties has over 100 stunning homes available to help ensure your getaway is indulgent and memorable. View our portfolio of here.

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Image Credits: Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix, Voyager Estate, Domaine Naturaliste, Cullen Wines, Moss Wood and margaretriver.com