Best Wineries in Margaret River: A Guide to the Region's Top Cellar Doors

Private Tasting at Vasse Felix, Margaret River

After spending over a decade working at founding Margaret River wineries and guiding wine enthusiasts through this remarkable region for 16 years, I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand what makes each cellar door unique. As a WSET-qualified sommelier and founder of Bonjour Margaret River Tours, I've tasted my way through hundreds of vintages and discovered the stories behind the wines that have put this corner of Western Australia on the world wine map.

Margaret River produces less than 3% of Australia's wine, yet accounts for over 20% of the country's premium wine market. The secret? A rare maritime climate, ancient soils, and winemakers who've perfected their craft over four decades. Whether you're a seasoned wine collector or enjoying your first cellar door experience, this guide will help you discover the best wineries Margaret River has to offer.

The Iconic Estates: Where Margaret River's Story Began

Vasse Felix

As Margaret River's founding wine estate (established 1967), Vasse Felix holds a special place in the region's history. Their cellar door experience combines award-winning wines with an exceptional art gallery and restaurant overlooking the estate vineyards.

What to taste: The flagship Heytesbury Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are benchmark examples of what Margaret River does best. These wines demonstrate the perfect balance between power and elegance that defines our region.

Leeuwin Estate

Leeuwin Estate's Art Series Chardonnay is legendary – consistently rated among the world's finest. The estate's commitment to excellence extends beyond the wines to their art collection and concert series that has attracted international performers for decades.

What to taste: While the Art Series Chardonnay is the star, don't overlook their Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling. The progression through their tier system (Prelude, Siblings, Art Series) offers an education in how site selection and winemaking decisions impact quality.

Cape Mentelle

Cape Mentelle pioneered Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay plantings in Margaret River and continues to produce wines of exceptional quality and consistency. Their relaxed, welcoming cellar door atmosphere makes wine tasting accessible without sacrificing sophistication.

What to taste: The Wallcliffe Sauvignon Blanc Semillon is a regional classic – crisp, herbaceous, and perfectly suited to Western Australian seafood. Their Cabernet Sauvignon shows remarkable aging potential while their Zinfandel will surprise even the most avid wine enthusiast.

Boutique Discoveries: Hidden Gems and Artisan Producers

Woodlands

Family-owned Woodlands produces some of Margaret River's most age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon, yet remains refreshingly unpretentious. The Watson family's dedication to quality over quantity results in wines of extraordinary depth and complexity.

What to taste: The Reserve de la Cave Cabernet Franc is a masterpiece – structured, elegant, and built for the cellar. Their Chardonnay is equally impressive, showcasing wild fermentation and extended lees aging.

Moss Wood

Moss Wood's Cabernet Sauvignon is consistently rated among Australia's best, and for good reason. The Wilyabrup terroir (gravelly loam over clay) produces wines of remarkable concentration and finesse.

What to taste: The Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon is essential tasting. Their Semillon demonstrates why this variety deserves more attention in Margaret River – citrus, lanolin, and incredible aging potential.

McHenry Hohnen

Biodynamic farming and minimal intervention winemaking define McHenry Hohnen's philosophy. Their wines express pure fruit character and genuine sense of place – what the French call "terroir."

What to taste: The Rocky Road Cabernet Sauvignon shows what biodynamic farming can achieve: vibrant fruit, natural balance, and transparent expression of site. Their Calgardup Brook range offers exceptional value.

Experiencing Margaret River's Wineries with a Private Guide

While these wineries welcome visitors for cellar door tastings, exploring Margaret River with a knowledgeable guide transforms the experience from pleasant to unforgettable. Here's why:

Access to winemakers and insider knowledge: Many appointment-only wineries and special tastings require advance booking. A private guide facilitates these experiences while sharing stories and context that bring the wines to life.

Safety and relaxation: Margaret River wineries are spread across a vast region. A private driver allows you to taste freely without worrying about driving, explore multiple sub-regions in a day, and truly relax into the experience.

Customized itineraries: Cookie-cutter group tours visit the same wineries on the same schedule. Private wine tours adapt to your preferences, whether you're passionate about biodynamic wines, want to focus on cellar-worthy Cabernets, or prefer lighter, food-friendly styles.

Local expertise: As someone who's worked at founding Margaret River wineries and holds WSET qualifications, I can explain the nuances of maritime climate influence, terroir differences between Wilyabrup and Wallcliffe, and how winemaking decisions impact what you're tasting.

Planning Your Margaret River Wine Tour

The wineries I've featured represent different expressions of Margaret River's terroir and winemaking philosophy. A well-planned visit might include:

• One iconic estate for context and history

• One or two boutique producers for distinctive, small-batch wines

• One food and wine pairing experience to understand how the wines work with Western Australian produce

Most cellar doors operate 10am-5pm daily, though some require appointments. Weekends are busier, while midweek visits offer more relaxed, personalized attention.

Seasonal considerations: Margaret River's wine tourism operates year-round, but each season offers something special. Vintage (February-April) buzzes with harvest energy. Kambarang (October-November) brings wildflowers and new releases. Makuru (June-July) offers cozy cellar door experiences perfect for contemplating age-worthy reds.

Why Margaret River Produces World-Class Wines

Our maritime climate, cooled by the Indian Ocean and moderated by the Southern Ocean, creates ideal growing conditions. Warm, dry summers allow fruit to ripen slowly and evenly. Cool nights preserve natural acidity. Ancient gravelly soils provide excellent drainage while forcing vines to develop deep root systems.

The result? Cabernet Sauvignon with structure and elegance. Chardonnay with power and finesse. Wines that age gracefully for decades while remaining approachable in youth.

After 16 years living in Margaret River and over a decade working in Margaret River's wine industry, I remain in awe of what this region produces. Every vintage reveals something new, every winery tells a different story and the achievements made from a relatively young wine region that is Margaret River keep blowing me away.

Experience Margaret River's Best Wineries with Bonjour Margaret River

Ready to explore these exceptional wineries with a knowledgeable local guide? I offer private wine tours tailored to your preferences, whether you're seeking iconic estates, boutique discoveries, or the perfect food and wine pairing experience.

With WSET qualifications, 16 years of Margaret River knowledge, and over a decade working at founding regional wineries, I provide insider access and genuine wine expertise. Travel in comfort in a luxury Kia Carnival Platinum while I handle the driving, bookings, and creating an unforgettable day exploring Western Australia's premier wine region.

Private wine tours from $350/half day – fully customizable to your interests and schedule.

Visit bonjourmargaretriver.tours to book your Margaret River wine experience, or contact me to discuss creating your perfect day among the vines.