The South West region of Western Australia, encompassing Margaret River and Geographe Bay, has gained recognition for its flourishing wine industry. These areas enjoy a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, influenced by the coast to create optimal conditions for cultivating premium wine grapes.
Margaret River, located about 270 kilometers southwest of Perth, spans 2,137 square kilometers and houses 5,725 hectares of vineyards. Key grape varieties in this region include Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, and Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon is particularly renowned for its medium to full-bodied wines with earthy, gravelly undertones and rich blackcurrant and violet aromas. Chardonnay, often featuring the Mendoza or Gin Gin clone, produces intensely flavored wines with a lively acidic profile.
Margaret River's climate, similar to Bordeaux during dry vintages, offers an ideal environment for a diverse range of grape varieties to thrive. The region's unique geography, climate, and soil composition support remarkable biodiversity, with 80% of plant species found exclusively within the area.
The neighboring Geographe wine region, situated near Geographe Bay, showcases varied soil types and microclimates due to its proximity to the Darling Range and multiple river valleys. This diverse topography allows for a wide selection of grape varieties, including Chenin Blanc, Tempranillo, Barbera, Zinfandel, as well as lesser-known Australian varieties like Bastardo, Monduese, Pignoletto, Planta Fina, Pinotage, and Verdejo.