Australia · Wine Region
Margaret River – Australia’s Bordeaux
Margaret River is Australia’s most acclaimed premium wine region, producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay that rival the finest from Bordeaux and Burgundy. Despite producing just 3% of Australia’s total wine output, it accounts for over 20% of the country’s premium wines.
History & Heritage
Margaret River’s viticultural history began only in 1967, when Dr. Tom Cullity planted Vasse Felix—making it one of the world’s youngest premium regions. Agronomist John Gladstones had identified the area’s unique maritime climate as ideal for Bordeaux varieties. Within a decade, pioneers like Cullen, Moss Wood, Cape Mentelle, and Leeuwin Estate proved his theory spectacularly. Today, the region is home to over 200 producers.
Terroir & Vineyards
Margaret River occupies a narrow coastal strip between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, bounded by the Indian Ocean on three sides. This maritime influence creates one of the most temperate wine climates on earth—warm enough for Cabernet but cool enough for Chardonnay. Soils are ancient, free-draining gravel-loam over granite and gneiss. The northern sub-region around Wilyabrup excels with Cabernet; the south around Karridale suits Chardonnay.
Wine Style
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon is structured, perfumed, and age-worthy: blackcurrant, bay leaf, graphite, and fine-grained tannins with a distinctive eucalyptus edge. Chardonnay is elegant and Burgundian: citrus, stone fruit, subtle oak, and a long, mineral finish. The region also excels with Sauvignon Blanc–Sémillon blends (in a dry, Graves-like style) and is increasingly producing compelling Syrah.
Available Wines
No wines from this region are currently listed on House Wine.
Be the first to list your bottles from this region. Sign up free and add your wines in minutes.
List your wines free