In the lush southwest corner of Western Australia lies a place where rolling vineyards meet salty sea breeze, where bold reds and refined whites are born from ancient soils, and where a simple wine tasting becomes an unforgettable experience. Welcome to Margaret River.
Renowned around the globe for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and cool-climate varietals, Margaret River is one of the most exciting wine regions in the world. But it’s not just the wine that draws visitors, it’s the total experience. Think architecturally stunning cellar doors, farm-to-table restaurants, art galleries, forest walks, and sweeping coastal views.
Here are five must-visit wineries that will have you falling head over heels with Margaret River.
1. Vasse Felix: The Trailblazer of Margaret River
📍 Caves Road, Wilyabrup
Established: 1967
Signature Wines: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon
Every great story starts somewhere, and for Margaret River wine, that story begins with Vasse Felix. As the region’s very first winery, this iconic estate set the standard for excellence. Today, it remains a flagship producer and an essential stop on any wine lover’s itinerary.
The cellar door is a beautifully designed, contemporary space where guests can sample a range of flights, including their Premier and Icon tiers. Upstairs, the Vasse Felix restaurant offers one of the finest dining experiences in the region, championing seasonal local produce and creative pairings.
What makes it special:
- Home to Margaret River’s original vines
- Onsite art gallery and wine museum
- Award-winning fine-dining restaurant with vineyard views
Don’t leave without trying: The Heytesbury Chardonnay, a benchmark wine in Australian Chardonnay.
2. Leeuwin Estate: Art, Elegance & Exceptional Chardonnay
📍 Stevens Road, Margaret River
Established: 1973
Signature Wines: Art Series Chardonnay, Shiraz
Equal parts winery, art gallery, and concert venue, Leeuwin Estate delivers a rich and immersive experience. It’s known internationally for its Art Series wines, particularly the Art Series Chardonnay, which consistently ranks among Australia’s top whites.
Stroll through the estate’s art gallery showcasing Australian contemporary works featured on Leeuwin’s wine labels. Book a tasting with a guided flight or go all-in with a wine and food pairing experience that highlights local ingredients.
Each summer, Leeuwin’s lush lawns transform into an open-air amphitheatre for iconic music events. Imagine sipping Chardonnay under the stars while a symphony plays.
What makes it special:
- Fine art and wine fused into one elegant experience
- One of the top Chardonnay producers in Australia
- Beautiful landscaped grounds with sculpture walk
Don’t leave without trying: A full vertical tasting of the Art Series wines for a deep dive into their craftsmanship.
3. Voyager Estate: Wine Meets Architectural Splendour
📍 Stevens Road, Margaret River
Established: 1978
Signature Wines: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon
As you arrive at Voyager Estate, you’re greeted by manicured gardens, rose-lined driveways, and imposing Cape Dutch architecture that feels straight out of Stellenbosch, South Africa. But once you step inside, it’s all about modern, sustainable winemaking and luxurious hospitality.
Voyager focuses on organically grown fruit and minimal intervention winemaking. Their tasting experiences go beyond the usual pour-and-go. From guided estate tours to immersive food-and-wine journeys, this is a place to slow down and savour.
The onsite restaurant delivers a standout degustation menu inspired by the wines themselves. Truly a “vine to table” experience.
What makes it special:
- Unique architecture and lush gardens
- One of the most immersive tasting experiences in the region
- Sustainability at the heart of winemaking
Don’t leave without trying: The Voyager Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - elegant, structured, and age-worthy.
4. Oranje Tractor Wines – Sustainable Wine with Soul
📍 Link Rd, Marbelup
Established: 2003
Signature Wines: Field Blend Red, Tempranillo, Riesling
In the cool-climate Great Southern region, Oranje Tractor Wines is a certified organic and regenerative winery that embraces a hands-on, sustainable approach to winemaking. Specialising in low-intervention techniques, the wines are crafted with minimal additives and maximum care, resulting in fresh, expressive bottlings that reflect both place and philosophy.
Tastings are relaxed and intimate, often held in a cosy, lived-in farmhouse filled with vintage charm. You’re likely to be hosted by the winemakers themselves, making for a warm, personal experience that feels more like visiting friends than a formal cellar door. It’s rustic, authentic, and thoroughly delightful.
What makes it special:
- Organic and biodynamic practices
- Intimate, home-style tastings
- Unique field blends and natural methods
Don’t leave without trying: Field Blend Red, a fresh and juicy wine with unmistakable character.
5. Amelia Park Wines – Grandeur, Warmth & Seriously Good Shiraz
📍 Caves Rd, Wilyabrup
Established: 2009
Signature Wines: Shiraz, Cabernet Merlot, Chardonnay
With a dramatic entrance through a darkened barrel hall, Amelia Park Wines sets the tone for an immersive and grand experience. Inside, the cellar door opens to panoramic views of the Wilyabrup vines, where guests can enjoy tastings of bold yet beautifully balanced wines. From the first pour, there’s a sense of polish without pretension - this is premium winemaking with a relaxed, welcoming edge.
Though one of the younger wineries in the region, Amelia Park has made a swift and confident rise. Known especially for its powerful reds and approachable style, it’s also home to one of the region’s best restaurants, located just next door. Whether you’re there for the wine, the view, or the food - you’ll likely stay for all three.
What makes it special:
- Striking architectural entrance and cellar door
- Rich, full-bodied wines with finesse
- Excellent onsite restaurant nearby
Don’t leave without trying: Reserve Shiraz, a bold and velvety expression of Margaret River red at its finest.
Plan Your Tasting Adventure
With so many incredible cellar doors to explore, Margaret River is more than a wine destination, it’s a way of life. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious first-timer, these five wineries offer unforgettable flavours, immersive experiences, and a deep connection to the land.
Travel Tips:
- Book ahead: Tastings and dining experiences often require advance reservations, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons.
- Consider a tour: Hiring a local wine tour company lets you taste freely and discover hidden gems.
- Don’t rush: Spend a few days in the region to truly unwind and take in the stunning scenery between sips.
Start Planning Your Margaret River Escape
At Holidays of Australia, we specialise in handcrafted travel experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Let us help you plan a tailored Margaret River tour from wine tastings to luxury stays, coastal walks to gourmet dining. Get in touch today!
1300 854 897 | holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
