From Swan Valley to Margaret River, there are so many iconic wine regions of Western Australia.
And with more than 500 cellar doors to choose from, there’s truly a place for everyone to embark on a wine tasting journey. Here’s our pick of the best.
Sandalford
Sandalford has been making wines for over 180 years, and is now a staple of the Swan Valley. All you need to do is sample the renowned Cabernet Sauvignon to find out why. One of the most well-regarded wineries in the region, the winemakers produce six stunning ranges, each with their own unique taste and feel.
If you’re visiting the area, stopping by the cellar door is a must. It’s one of the largest in WA, offering a broad range of tastings and winery tours run by friendly, expert staff. They also provide wine appreciation sessions, allowing your palate to explore all the delicious wines Australia has to offer.
The Sandalford restaurant is run by executive chef Alan Spagnolou, who curates a menu of modern Australian and contemporary European cuisine using only the best seasonal produce. Each dish is blended with an amazing selection of wines, cocktails, ciders, and more. Whether you’re in the mood for market fish, hand-rolled pasta or a cheese board, Sandalford is there to provide.
Sittella
Just a 30-minute drive from Perth, Sittella is located on 5 hectares of gorgeous countryside. The tranquil setting offers valley and vineyard views from the main homestead, and is perfect for a relaxing afternoon in the sun.
At the cellar door you’ll have the option to taste four wines of your choice, or plump for the “leap of faith” and let your tasting be guided by the experienced cellar door host. For a limited time, they are also offering a prestigious sparkling flight, for a tasting of their newly released Grand Vintage Sparklings. Sittella is nationally acclaimed for its collection of sparkling wines, meaning this is an opportunity not to be missed.
Guests also have the chance to join the wine club, perfect for lovers of all things food and wine. Sign up to receive a quarterly shipment of six bottles of mixed sparkling wine, as well as an invitation to Sittella’s Wine Club Cocktail Party, and much more.
Voyager Estate
Established in 1978 in the Margaret River region, Voyager Estate boasts a collection of award-winning Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Sitting in Stevens Valley, the stunning estate is surrounding by bushland and caves, creating the perfect backdrop for your wine tasting experience. Visit the wine room and curate your own tasting of six beautiful wines, or try the Origins Tasting, which includes a guided tasting experience of the key varieties of the region.
Those wishing to immerse themselves further can book the Unearthed Experience, a two-hour deep dive into the winemaking process. It includes a tour of the grounds and the vineyards, as well as Voyager’s signature Discovery Menu lunch. This seven-course meal is a journey for your eyes and taste buds, making it the perfect degustation experience.
Aravina Estate
For a winery with a difference, try the family-friendly Aravina Estate, nestled among rolling hills and natural bushland in the Margaret River region.
Parents can enjoy an amazing wine selection paired with a generous menu of tastings while kids explore the giant children’s playground. There’s also a range of dining experiences to suit both families and couples, including a pizza bar, an à la carte restaurant and the Taphouse, which serves the estate’s own 8 Waves Brewing Co craft beer.
Plus there’s plenty more to explore on the property, including the manicured and kitchen gardens, an antique car and motorbike collection, and WA’s first ever official surfing museum. And with the 2018 completion of its onsite wine making facility, Aravina can boast all its wines are grown, produced and bottled on the estate.
Mandoon Estate
A relatively new winery, established in 2010, Mandoon Estate has already made a name for itself as an award-winning boutique vineyard. The facilities cater to any desire, from a casual picnic with beautiful views of the vines, to fine dining and cellar door tastings. The estate’s Sauvignon Blanc has received its fair share of rave reviews, too.
For a unique tasting experience, Mandoon Estate offers The Perfect Blend workshop. You’ll work alongside expert winemakers to explore and combine different wine varieties to create the perfect taste for you. At the end you’ll be presented with your own winemaker’s blend and a personalised label. Guests can also embark on a bush tucker tasting and talk, led by an Indigenous guide, which explores local Indigenous food and culture.
If one day doesn’t sound like enough time to pack everything in, you can stay onsite at The Colony. There are 32 rooms to choose from, each overlooking the vines and the banks of the Swan River, and they’re conveniently located beside the cellar door for the ultimate tasting experience.
Plantagenet Wines
Taking things back to basics, Plantagenet Wines can be found in the heart of Mount Barker. Family owned since 1968, the team of highly experienced winemakers works tirelessly to produce wines that reflect the beauty and potential of the Great Southern wine region.
The rustic cellar door and cafe are perfect for sampling wines or enjoying a meal with friends. You can book a guided tasting of the rare museum and limited release wines, or snack on a cheese plate and indulge in delicious wood-fired pizza. If you’re lucky the winemakers might even stop by for a chat, giving guests a unique insight into the winemaking process.
If you’re impressed by Plantagenet’s stunning wines sign up to the wine club and receive a delivery straight to your door twice a year, plus invitations to members-only events and special offers.
Still thirsty? Check out our go-to foodie guide to the best foodie experiences around Australia!
Getting to WA
Rex flies to many destinations throughout WA. Book your flights here and check out the route map below.
