Why every oenophile should discover Australia’s remote wine paradise

Margaret River is one of the most remote wine regions in the world, a strip around 60 miles long and 20 miles wide on the south-west tip of Australia, surrounded on three sides by the Indian Ocean. It’s also one of the newest, established less than 60 years ago when it was noticed how similar its climate and soils were to the best sites in Bordeaux.

Margaret River's main grape varieties

Margaret River – or Margs as the locals call it – has established itself among the most respected wine regions in the world. As in Bordeaux, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc and sémillon thrive brilliantly, the latter two often blended to make wonderful, opulent whites that get better with a bit of bottle age, while chardonnay is perhaps its shining star, making dazzling wines that really sing of the region’s unique terroir.

The geology here predates that of almost every other winemaking region by around 500 million years. Its well-drained gravel soils retain heat to help with the ripening of the grapes, while the clay beneath holds moisture during the dry summers. But its proximity to the ocean and its cooling sea breezes is the real key to the characteristic freshness, minerality and savoury salinity of the wines that distinguishes them from those from other, hotter parts of Australia.

Margaret River's wine making

While Australia’s wine industry is dominated by a few huge companies, Margaret River is very much a boutique region, accounting for only 2 per cent of Australia’s total production. Here, the focus is on small, often family-owned producers making high-quality wines, many of them organic or biodynamic, which aren’t cheap enough to compete with supermarkets’ budget bottles but generally offer great value when you’re prioritising quality over quantity. Margs has a thriving community of dynamic, innovative growers and winemakers who embody the pioneering spirit of the region, and their wines will rarely let you down.

Want to stay over?

Cape Lodge

Margaret River is a long schlep from anywhere but well worth the journey. It’s often described as a paradise by winemakers and this holds true for wine-loving tourists too, as you’re never far from great wineries, excellent eating options, unspoilt forests or the majestic coast with pristine beaches that lure surfers from around the world.

Cape Lodge is a luxurious retreat hotel set among gorgeous grounds, including its own lake and a vineyard producing award-winning wines. Quietly luxurious with airy, elegant rooms, a swimming pool and tennis courts, as well as a top-tier restaurant with a fantastic wine list, it’s secluded but within easy reach of Margaret River’s many charms. capelodge.com.au

Best Margaret River wine to buy 2026

Vasse Felix Filius chardonnay

Available from Majestic (£16.50)

Felix was the first winery to be established in Margaret River, in 1967, and continues to be one of its finest. This is consistently delicious and is great value for the quality: juicy melon and nectarine fruit run through with a nutty warmth and a zesty acidity. Look out for its well-priced sémillon/sauvignon blanc blend in Tesco, too.

Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay wine bottle

Howard Park Margaret River Miamup cabernet sauvignon

Available from Tesco (£12.50)

Lots of bang for your buck here in this crowd-pleasing cab. Full-bodied and fruity but with Margaret River’s trademark freshness and vitality, it’s full of blackcurrant and plummy fruit, along with a savoury herbaceous finish. As good with pizza as it is with a steak.

Howard Park Margaret River Miamup Cabernet Sauvignon

LS Merchants Margaret River chenin blanc 2023

Available from The Wine Society (£17.50)

Chenin blanc fell out of favour in Margaret River a while ago but is now enjoying a welcome revival with wines such as this. Lemon curd, pink grapefruit and zingy lime juice softened by honeysuckle, creamy and slightly waxy notes along with the region’s distinctive and delicious streak of salinity. Lots going on here, a wonderful gastronomic wine.