By world standards this region is definitely the new kid on the block with barely 50 years under its belt!
It’s not like Bordeaux or Tuscany going back centuries but what it can pride itself in is a handful of wineries (and growing every year) that produce world class wines. The very first winery to be established in the area was Vasse Felix in 1967.
Before 1967 it was famous for wildlife and one of the best surfing spot’s in the world. About the same time, a young couple by the name of Denis and Tricia Horgan purchased a cattle farm not far from Vasse Felix. As the story goes Dennis convinced Tricia to purchase the property for a quite peaceful lifestyle. Apparently, Denis, a keen surfer forgot to mention about the classic surf breaks in the area. While in town one day, a neighbor told them there was an American snooping around town asking questions about purchasing their property to plant grapes. Dennis said no way and decided to plant his own grapes and in 1969, Leeuwin Estate was born (1974 has been cited as establishment date). That American was Robert Mondavi who was instrumental in assisting in the establishment of the winery.
As of 2012, the region boasts 215 wineries and produces just three percent of Australia’s wines but produces a staggering 20 percent plus of Australia’s premium wine market. The principal grape varieties are fairly evenly split between red and white; Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Shiraz and Merlot with small quantities of Chenin Blanc and Verdelho.
Wines coming out of the region reflect the six sub-regions based on climate and soil differences namely: Yallingup, Carbunup, Wilyabrup, Treeton, Wallcliffe and Karridale* but the over-riding character is restrained elegance with depth and complexity.
In 1965 Dr John Gladstones presented a paper pinpointing the potential of Margaret River region and references similarities in climatic data from Bordeaux. In a further paper in 1999 he suggested the above list.
Source: Margaret River Wine Seminar and www.wikiapedia.org
Vine to Table 