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Western Australia

Winegrowing in the Australian state of Western Australia is concentrated in its southwest and Great Southern areas. Margaret River has a maritime climate and makes Cabernet Sauvignon reds, Chardonnay whites and fresh Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc blends. Great Southern has five subregions, from coastal Albany and Denmark to more inland sites, and grows Riesling, Shiraz and other grapes.

Place
Western Australia, Australia
Explore next
Great Southern · Margaret River
Producer profiles
4
Atlas locationWestern Australia · Australia32.76° S · 116.26° EOpen in Atlas

In Western Australia, Margaret River has wet winters, long dry summers and strong maritime influence. Its Cabernet Sauvignon reds can be medium-bodied and perfumed, with fine drying tannin and balanced acidity. Chardonnay can have concentrated flavour, while white blends of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc are often crisp, fruity and made to drink young. Great Southern is a cooler wine region with five subregions. Albany and Denmark have more maritime conditions; Mount Barker, Porongurup and Frankland River are more continental. Principal grapes include Riesling, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Shiraz from Great Southern can have liquorice, pepper, black-cherry and plum flavours.

2 named areas

Inside the region

Explore the wine-growing areas of Western Australia.

  1. 01Great Southern1 producerGreat Southern is Western Australia's coolest wine region, spread across five subregions with maritime and continental influences. Riesling and Shiraz are good places to begin, alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
  2. 02Margaret River3 producersMargaret River's oceans bring wet winters, dry summers and strong maritime influence. Begin with its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, then try the crisp, fruit-driven Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc blend.

Producer profiles

Producer profiles

Every producer profiled in Western Australia so far.

  • Frankland EstateA remote organic estate in Frankland River, Western Australia, making cool-climate Riesling, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon with a light-touch cellar philosophy aimed at aromatic purity.
  • Juniper EstateMargaret River producer with Wilyabrup and Karridale vineyards and Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines.
  • Leeuwin EstateA family estate in Western Australia, founded by Denis and Tricia Horgan.
  • Woodlands WinesWatson family estate in Wilyabrup, founded in 1973 and built around Cabernet from two Margaret River vineyards.
Sources for this guide1 source

Sources for this guide are listed below. Featured producers are a selection, not a ranking.

  • World of Wine Atlas and learning records

Where to go next

mapSee Western Australia in the AtlasSee Western Australia and its wine-growing areas on the map.placeContinue to Margaret RiverMargaret River is one of Western Australia's wine-growing areas.learningUnderstand Cabernet SauvignonRead the Cabernet Sauvignon guide.