Wines of Margaret River

Wines of Margaret River Margaret River is much more than stunning beaches, majestic forests and spectacular caves - it offers some of the best wines in Australia By: John Nielsen Some people associate Australia's Margaret River with water and the outdoors - others, says John Neilsen, with its glorious wines.
 
The French wine region of Bordeaux is well known for producing some of the world’s great Cabernet Sauvignon wines - but in recent years boutique producers from Australia’s Margaret River region have begun to convince Cabernet lovers to look elsewhere.

I had the pleasure of meeting the passionate founder of Leeuwin Estate’s Dennis Hogan a few years back and ever since have always wanted to visit the Margaret River. Dennis explained that it was the in 1972, following an extensive search for the area most suitable to produce the best varietal wines in Australia, legendary American winemaker, the late Robert Mondavi, identified the future site of the Leeuwin vineyard. Originally a cattle farm, Leeuwin Estate evolved with Mondavi acting as consultant, mentor and life-long friend.

It was with great excitement that I set off south from Perth and headed along the coast. After a four-hour drive the scenery began to change and vineyards appeared. Names including Brooklyn Valley, Devils Lair & Howard Park appeared on signs and the excitement began to grow.

Western Australia (WA) is the biggest of all six States in Australia. Known for the pristine beaches, rugged coastline, wine regions, the rich mineral fields and the capital of Perth are often missed by many Australian on their travel plans. Perth is a five-hour flight from Sydney and six from Brisbane.

For visitors to WA, the rewards are rich and fascinating. Perth is located on the coast and a great place to be based as you explore. The state has in many ways changed the Australian economy with the huge mining resources found in the northern part of WA. Global mining giants, BHP Billiton, Fortescue Metals and others have made fortunes come true for many Australians, exporting large amounts of natural minerals to China and India. Another natural export of great significance has been the in form of bottles of wine. The regions of Great Southern, Frankland River, and the Margaret River, are regarded by wine experts as some of the finest in Australia. The words ring true when 20 percent of all fine wine exported is from the Margaret River.

The climate of WA is warm with maritime climate having excellent effects on the soils around the wine regions. The spectacular scenery and stunning coastline with wide beaches and warm waters has also made WA a favorite with surfers. Cape Leeuwin is one of the most famous places and bears the name of one of the region better wine producers. It is not only wines that Leeuwin Estate’ is known for, each year Leeuwin stages a series of spectacular alfresco concerts in the picturesque grounds of the Estate as part of the Winery's ongoing association and sponsorship of the Arts. The tradition of the Leeuwin Concerts began in 1985 when Leeuwin Estate provided financial support for the London Philharmonic Orchestra's tour to Australia. As part of the visit the orchestra performed in this unique vineyard setting, thereby launching what was to become an institution - the annual "Leeuwin Concert Series. Leeuvin in fact produces a Chardonnay “Art Series”, a reflection its label and the music. Australian country & blues singer Kasey Chambers performed at Leeuwin Estate with her full band on December 30th, 2008.