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Boutique hotels in Margaret River

Margaret River, Australia

Margaret River Overview

Australia

Countryside
Coastlines, Cabernets and culture
Country Life
Wine tasting and wave riding

If Margaret River didn’t exist, someone would have to make it up. Just three hours south of Perth, the region combines natural beauty with phenomenal dining and over 120 wineries that produce a quarter of Australia’s top wines.

Your options here are endless; the empty coastline offers clear waters and world-class surfing, the cellar doors are always open and the area’s arty heritage is displayed in the many galleries. As far as holiday destinations go, it’s near perfect.

Marvellously Margaret River

Despite being one of the great wine-producing regions of the world, the first vines were only planted in Margaret River in the late 1960s. In 1967 Dr Tom Cullity successfully planted his first acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Malbec and Hermitage on his property resulting in the birth of the Vasse Felix vineyard (www.vassefelix.com.au). Just four years later the vineyard won its first award and subsequently released its first commercial wine, and with that the Margaret River wine industry was born.

Local knowledge

Taxis
You’re more likely to catch a ride on The Bommy (Margaret River’s fast, peeling right hand surf break) than flag a cab down on the street. Better to book one in advance through the Margaret River Taxi & Tour Service (+61 (0)8 9757 3444).

Tipping culture
A 10 per cent tip for waiters is customary if you're happy with the service.

Siesta and Fiesta
Most wineries open their cellar doors between 10am and 5pm daily. The shops in the region's towns keep standard 9am to 5pm hours.

Packing tips
A picnic rug and corkscrew for al fresco ploughman's lunches, a snorkel and mask for exploring the waters and a camera (for snapping the surf gods!).

Recommended reads
The Australian Wine Annual 2009, by one of Australia's foremost wine writers and presenters Jeremy Oliver, will help you tell your Semillons from your Sauvignons. Ray Jordan's WA Wine Guide 2009 rates and reviews the state's best wines and wineries.

Regional specialities
It's only been just over 40 years since the first vines were planted in this region but already the Margaret River wineries are producing world-class premium wine. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet blends are the region's most celebrated wine varieties but you’ll also uncork splendid Shiraz and more unconventional varietals like Sangiovese and Viognier.

Currency
Australian dollar (AU$).

Time zone
GMT +8.

Dialling codes
Country code for Australia: +61; Margaret River: (0)8.

Do go/don't go
The Mediterranean climate makes the Margaret River an ideal destination year-round. In summer temperatures rarely rise over 32°C and in winter average around 18°C during the day, although it can be a touch chilly at night. This is a popular holiday destination and so gets very busy at Easter, Christmas and during major events, so be sure to book well ahead at prime times.

Don't go home without

Visiting a local winery. Big names such as Leeuwin Estate, Xanadu and Voyager are here but it’s worth exploring the smaller cellar doors too. If you’re unfamiliar with the region’s wines, the Regional Wine Centre (www.mrwines.com) can point you in the right direction. Some of our favourites include Cape Mentelle (www.capementelle.com.au), which offers a superb ploughman’s lunch to accompany your Viognier or Sangiovese, Windance (www.windance.com.au) which produces one of the best Semillon Sauvignon Blancs in the region and Amberley Estate (www.amberleyestate.com.au), worth visiting for the views alone.