Western Australia

The state of Western Australia extends across the western third of the continent, its wine regions are almost entirely situated in the cooler climate of its
south-western tip. Western Australia produces less than 5% of the country’s wine output, but in quality terms it is very much near the top. Viticulture
started in 1829 to the north of the current vine growing areas but the success of the cooler areas like Margaret River to the south has meant these early
vineyards are disappearing quickly.

Margaret River is the most prominent region in southwest Western Australia, with more than 5,017 hectares under vine and around 215 wineries. Margaret River wine region is made up predominantly of boutique size wine producers without the bulk wine producers of easterly regions. The climate of Margaret River is more strongly maritime influenced than any other mainland Australian region. It has the lowest average temperature of only 7.6 °C, and as well as the most marked Mediterranean climate in terms of rainfall, with only 200 millimetres. The narrow seasonal temperature range means it is usually relatively mild. Overall the climate is similar to Bordeaux in a dry vintage, although the region produces just three percent of total Australian grape production, it produces over 20 percent of Australia’s premium wine market. The principal grape varieties are evenly split between red and white; Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Sémillon, Shiraz, Merlot and Chenin blanc.