SENSORY INDULGENCE OF MARGARET RIVER

A wine, food, culture and nature discovery, Highly regarded as a producer of powerful yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River is also famous for its white wines, especially its Chardonnay and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends. 

A three-day, two-night sensory introduction to the Margaret River region, showcasing two of Margaret River’s Ultimate Wineries with experiences based around world class wine and food, combined with an aboriginal cultural discovery and participation on one of the Great Walks of Australia. There is an option to either fly into and out of the region or to transfer both ways by road in the comfort of a luxury vehicle.

Geographically isolated and spectacular, Margaret River specialises in memorable regional cuisine and spectacular scenery, where rolling vineyards sit against a backdrop of ocean and forest.

Day 1
The journey starts with a luxury vehicle transfer from your Perth CBD hotel to the Perth domestic airport to board a private air charter flight to the Margaret River wine region.

On arrival at Leeuwin Estate’s private airstrip you will be collected for the short journey to the Restaurant and cellar door where you will indulge your senses in the ‘Ultimate Leeuwin Estate Wine Blending and Dining Experience’. This is an extraordinary, hands-on way to discover the Estate and all it has to offer. You will enjoy a private viewing of the unique collection of contemporary artworks that feature on the labels of Leeuwin’s premium “Art Series” range of wines, accompanied by chef’s selection of canapés. Next you will be invited to take part in a hands-on red wine blending session, the ‘Discovery of Winemaking’, during which you will have the opportunity to blend your own Margaret River red wine, a commemorative bottle of which will be presented to you at the experience’s end. A tutored wine tasting of five Leeuwin Estate wines will follow, each accompanied by perfectly matched seasonal food before you indulge in a special ‘Icons’ five course degustation menu in the award winning restaurant.

You will then be driven to your beautiful Lakeside Chalet at Cape Lodge for a chance to freshen up, before being driven to the coast for sunset drinks and nibbles overlooking the spectacular Southern Indian Ocean. A superb 3 course dinner or 6 courses trust the chef menu awaits upon your return or perhaps enjoy a Cape Lodge prepared hamper whilst relaxing under the stars at a Cape Mentelle outdoor movie (subject to screening and weather conditions).

Day 2
Today you will explore the world of food and wine at Margaret River’s founding wine estate, Vasse Felix. This tour takes you behind the scenes on winemaking, sharing unique historical insights into the region and all facets of wine production at Vasse Felix. Meet with the winemaker as you explore the winery and red barrel hall, before joining your host for a tasting of the Wine Collection. Next, step into the world of food and wine matching, gain insights into Margaret River’s local produce and the philosophies that guide the Vasse Felix Chefs in their creation of dishes to match with the region’s wines. Meet the Chef and enjoy the ultimate treat of a five course tasting menu, paired with wines. Finally select your choice of a bottle of Vasse Felix Premier wine to take away and share with your friends and family.

A leisurely drive will meander through the vineyards and valleys of the Wilyabrup and Yallingup sub regions, before arriving at Ngligi cave on the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge. Whilst here you will embark on a private twilight Didgeridoo cave tour with ‘Koomal Dreaming’ Wadandi custodian Josh “Koomal” Whiteland.

This is a focused, heart-opening 90-minute cultural tour with powerful Aboriginal learnings. Enjoy a short guided bushwalk identifying traditional medicine plants and learning local Noongar knowledge about the region. Next you will venture into Ngilgi Cave where the good spirit Ngilgi dwells, to hear Josh relate the Dreaming legends with his unique way of storytelling.

Deep inside the Earth, Josh delivers a mesmerising didgeridoo performance in the stillness of the cave. Guests say it is an experience to treasure for all time. As you depart the cave, you’re likely to see a glowing WA sunset to seal the memory.

You will be returned to your Cape Lodge accommodation for a well-earned rest and respite from the day’s indulgences.

Day 3
Get ready for a scenic 5 to 6 hour private guided walk along a spectacular section of the Cape to Cape track between pristine Redgate beach to Boranup Forest. Your walk will take you south past vibrant granite formations, lagoon-like coves and limestone cliffs. The track then continues through scenic elevated bushland taking in the impressive turquoise ocean, white beaches and coastal cliffs overlooking Conto’s beach before finishing under the towering karri forests that run through the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. A lunch hamper and morning tea will be supplied on the track and daypacks are available upon request.

After your walk you will be transferred to the waiting aircraft for the return journey to Perth, including a flyover of Rottnest Island, Perth’s idyllic island playground. And upon landing you will be driven to your Perth CBD accommodation.

Images © Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia used with permission

Over the next few months I will aim to get a catalog of Vine Experiences online for you to look through.

Ed is accredited with Tourism Australia and has direct contacts for the best experiences in our own back yard.