Top 10 Wineries in Margaret River
Margaret River is the most isolated of the major Australian wine regions, sitting on a peninsula in the far southwest of the continent, three hours' drive from Perth. The climate is mild and Mediterranean — moderated by the Indian and Southern Oceans on three sides — and the soils are gravelly loams over granite. The region was virtually empty of vineyards before the 1960s. Today it is Australia's premier source of structured, elegant Cabernet-Bordeaux blends and Chardonnay, and the world's most remote serious surfing-and-winery destination.
Vasse Felix
The first winery in Margaret River, founded in 1967 by Dr Tom Cullity. The Heytesbury Cabernet and Heytesbury Chardonnay remain reference points; the entry-level Filius bottlings are honest expressions of the regional style.
Cape Mentelle
Founded in 1970 by David Hohnen (who later founded Cloudy Bay in New Zealand), Cape Mentelle is now owned by LVMH but retains a distinct Margaret River identity. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are both regional benchmarks.
Cullen Wines
Founded by Diana and Kevin Cullen in 1971 and now run by their daughter Vanya Cullen — one of Australia's most respected winemakers. The estate has been biodynamic for over a decade. The Diana Madeline Cabernet blend is the flagship.
Leeuwin Estate
Founded in 1973 by Denis and Tricia Horgan with Robert Mondavi as consultant. The Art Series Chardonnay, with a different painting on each vintage's label, is regularly named among Australia's greatest Chardonnays. The Margaret River Concert Series, held annually in the vineyard, draws international classical and pop acts.
Moss Wood
Founded by Bill and Sandra Pannell in 1969. The Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the longest-lived Cabernets in Australia. The estate is small and the wines are produced in modest quantities.
Voyager Estate
Owned by the Wright family. The Tom Price (red Bordeaux blend) and Project Chardonnay are at the top of the range; Voyager's vineyards are now in conversion to biodynamic.
Pierro
A small, family-owned estate that has been particularly influential for Chardonnay. The LTC (low-toast Chardonnay) bottling sets the benchmark for the elegant, unoaked-style fine Chardonnay in the region.
Howard Park
Family-owned with vineyards in both Margaret River and the Great Southern. The Riesling — from Great Southern vineyards — is among the most respected dry Rieslings in Australia; the Margaret River Cabernet sits comfortably in the regional top tier.
Xanadu
Founded in 1977. The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Stevens Road Chardonnay are both estate flagships; the cellar door and restaurant make Xanadu one of the more visitor-oriented estates of the region.
Woodlands
A small family estate that has built a quiet reputation for very long-lived Cabernet from old vines. The Eleanor and Nicolas Cabernets are some of the most age-worthy reds in Western Australia.
Visiting Margaret River
The region is laid out along three roads (Caves Road, Bussell Highway, and Carbunup Road) and is easily explored in two or three days. Most estates open cellar doors daily. Find them on the interactive map — filter to Margaret River.