ABOUT MARGARET RIVER

Viticulture Region of Margaret River Western Australia

Welcome to the world of Margaret River wines! Our seven wineries are located in this world-renowned viticulture region in Western Australia. These family-owned and operated wineries produce premium wines from premium vineyards. Margaret River is famous for its great Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot, and for its outstanding Chardonnay, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc blends.

Margaret River has a strong maritime climate, as might be expected in an area surrounded by the sea on three sides. It is bordered to the east by the Indian Ocean, to the South by the Southern Ocean, and to the North by Geographe Bay. It is located at 34 degrees South latitude, perfect for viticulture.

With its lowest mean annual temperature of 7.6°C (45.7°F), it has a marked Mediterranean climate. Prime features are mild to wet winters and warm to hot, dry summers. Less than 25 percent of its annual rain falls between October and April, (Spring and Summer in the Southern Hemisphere). The low diurnal and seasonal temperature variation means an unusually even accumulation of warmth annually. The maritime location and the mild temperature of the Leeuwin ocean current flowing along the coast ensure an absence of both frost and extreme temperatures in summer and winter. Summer humidity is relatively high, providing an excellent growing environment. In terms of warmth, the overall climate is similar to that of Pomerol and St. Emilion in a dry year, hence the quality of its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and others.

The varied landscape is given character by the abundance of small creeks and gentle valleys, as well as the profusion of native trees, shrubs and flowers. In physical terms, this provides a degree of protection from winds blowing in from the ocean.

The principal soil type is that of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge which extends 90 kms south from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin. It is predominantly iron rich gravelly clay or gritty sandy loam that has formed in situ directly from the underlying granite and gneissic rock landmass, which is two billion years old. The soil is highly permeable when moist, but with low retention of water on slopes. This emphasizes the need for irrigation, which is widely practiced and well managed to provide optimum growing conditions in the vineyards.

Margaret River has become synonymous with fine and premium wines from Australia and throughout the world. The region’s 100+ wineries in the appellation have achieved this distinction through many years of consistently high quality vintages. Our five Margaret River wineries are all located in the northern part of the region, which many consider the optimum microclimate of the region.

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