Premium Wines, the Ocean, and Olives: Savoring Nature's Bounty in Margaret River

TRAVEL | Western Australia

A three-part series. Journey to Western Australia, a paradise where nature and city coexist. Part 2

Once my trip to Perth was decided, my greatest anticipation was visiting Margaret River. The very name evokes a sense of wonder. This resort area, overlooking the Indian and Southern Oceans, is located about a three-hour drive south of Perth, the capital of Western Australia. Its appeal also lies in its pleasant climate year-round. Above all, it is globally renowned as one of Australia's premier wine-producing regions. In 2019, the UK's leading travel guide, Lonely Planet, ranked it first among the top 10 destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Text by HASEGAWA Aya

A sacred, undiscovered land for Japanese wine lovers: Margaret River

Margaret River produces only about 5% of Australia's total wine volume. Yet, it accounts for roughly 30% of Australia's premium wines – what's going on? Is this some kind of glitch?

Research before my trip revealed that the first commercial vineyards were planted in Margaret River over 50 years ago, thanks to its long daylight hours and low rainfall. The Mediterranean climate and well-draining limestone soil are also ideal for viticulture, and today, over 200 wineries are scattered throughout the region. Each produces wines with unique characteristics, so my expectations were sky-high. Honestly, I wish I could stay for about a month (laughs). In reality, Margaret River lived up to its reputation as a delightful place.

Premium Wines, the Ocean, and Olives: Savoring Nature's Bounty in Margaret River | TRAVEL

Leeuwin Estate
Address | Stevens Rd, Margaret River WA 6285
Tel. | +61-8-9759-0000
https://leeuwinestate.com.au/

I visited two wineries this time. Of the two, "Leeuwin Estate" was the one I had the highest expectations for even before arriving. I was determined to taste their Chardonnay here! Leeuwin Estate's story began in 1972 when Robert Mondavi, who introduced Californian wines to the world, sought land suitable for producing high-quality wines and found this location.

Under Mondavi's guidance, the Hogan couple, founders of Leeuwin, began winemaking on this land, which was originally their pasture. While their first serious wines were from the 1979 vintage, by 1982, their Chardonnay was already selected as the world's best by Decanter magazine in the UK. Furthermore, Australia's Wine & Spirit Magazine featured Leeuwin's Chardonnay vineyard, "Block 20," as one of Australia's top 25 vineyards.

I had the chance to taste the "Block 20" Chardonnay, and I was captivated by its elegant aroma even before sipping. The clean, sweet notes of honey-like yet refined fruit were exquisite, and I immediately rushed to the shop (laughs).

The winery also features an art gallery (free admission) showcasing paintings by Western Australian artists. In 1981, they launched the "Art Series," featuring Australian artworks on their wine labels. It's understandable that many collectors are drawn to this series, as the artwork changes with each vintage.

Many wineries in Margaret River have attached restaurants where you can enjoy pairings of dishes made with Western Australia's finest produce and their own wines. Leeuwin Estate is no exception. While all the pairings were superb, the chilled appetizer of locally sourced scallops, paired with the "2023 Art Series Riesling," left a particularly lasting impression.

Swings & Roundabouts Cellar Door Yallingup Vineyard
Address | 2807 Caves Road Yallingup WA 6282
Tel. | +61-8-9756-6640
https://www.swings.com.au/

I also visited "Swings & Roundabouts" in Yallingup, a town in the northern part of Margaret River known for its many gourmet spots. This is a relatively new winery, established in 2004. In addition to a restaurant in Margaret River town, they opened a restaurant and cellar door on their vineyard site overlooking Yallingup in 2020.

The restaurants at the wineries I visited this time had terrace seating, creating a wonderfully open atmosphere. There were also children's play areas in the gardens, and I saw many families. Enjoying a wine-paired lunch in a swing chair, where a pleasant buzz of intoxication would surely follow, must be a blissful experience.

The wines, crafted from grapes grown in two distinctive vineyards – Wildwood Vineyard, with vines over 40 years old, and Brush Road Vineyard, which has sustainability certification – are characterized by their freshness and rich flavors. They are perfect as accompaniments to meals, but I suspect they are also enjoyable on their own.

While I've focused on wineries this time, Margaret River is a resort area highly popular with Australians, offering a chance to fully enjoy the dramatic natural beauty of Western Australia. The sights (and tastes) are endless.

Busselton Jetty
https://www.busseltonjetty.com.au/

Busselton, located north of Margaret River, is a seaside town where time flows at a leisurely pace, boasting a beautiful, calm blue sea and pristine white sandy beaches stretching endlessly. The solar-powered light railway that runs along the approximately 2km-long wooden jetty, jutting out into the vast ocean, is rumored to have been the inspiration for the water train in Hayao Miyazaki's film 'Spirited Away'.

Cape to Cape Explorer Tours
https://capetocapetours.com.au/

If time permits, I would also love to walk the "Cape to Cape Track," a trail that follows the coastline once traversed by Aboriginal people. This approximately 140km trail along the Indian Ocean has gentle slopes and takes about a week to complete the entire distance, but it can also be enjoyed by walking just a section.

Smiths Beach Resort
Address | 67 Smiths Beach Rd, Yallingup WA 6282
Tel. | +61-8-9750 1200
https://www.smithsbeachresort.com.au

This time, I participated in a tour with Cape to Cape Explorer Tours, based at the luxurious resort facility "Smiths Beach Resort" in Yallingup. The approximately two-hour trail experience, guided by a local expert, was a precious time that allowed me to feel the breath of nature and gain vitality. And guess what! At the end of the trail, we encountered wild kangaroos. While this might not be uncommon here, we were ecstatic coming from Japan (laughs)!

Speaking of wildlife, at Hamelin Bay, you can get up close to observe curious wild stingrays that come into the shallow waters.

Olio Bello
Address | 36 Armstrong Rd, Cowaramup WA 6284
Tel. | +61-8-9755-9771
https://oliobello.com/

Gabriel Chocolate
Address | Corner Caves & Quininup Roads, Yallingup WA 6282
Tel. | +61-8-9755-9771
https://gabrielchocolate.com.au/

There are also several spots that will stimulate your desires for shopping and dining. Olio Bello, an organic olive farm with 14 varieties of olive trees spread across 320 acres, offers glamping bungalows where you can stay overnight. Gabriel Chocolate, Western Australia's first bean-to-bar chocolaterie, is perfect for picking up souvenirs!

Pullman Bunker Bay Resort
Address | 42 Bunker Bay Road Naturaliste WA 6281
Tel. | +61-8-9756-9100
https://www.pullmanbunkerbayresort.com.au/

I covered the main highlights of Margaret River in a rush this time, but I wish I could have stayed longer, without being constrained by time. There are several accommodation options for a relaxing stay surrounded by nature. I stayed at "Pullman Bunker Bay Resort." This hotel brand, part of the Accor group based in France, also has a hotel in Tamachi, Tokyo. Pullman Bunker Bay Resort is perfectly located along Bunker Bay beach. The bungalow-style villas also enhance the resort's ambiance.

Margaret River is a place where you can live in harmony with nature and enjoy its bounty while experiencing comfort. There are still many wineries I'm curious about. While long-distance buses run from Perth, you can also join a tour to visit the wineries (and enjoy tastings!). (To be continued)

With the cooperation of Tourism Western Australia and ANA
https://nonbiri-perth.com
https://www.ana.co.jp/ja/jp/international/theme/new_journey/

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Premium Wines, the Ocean, and Olives: Savoring Nature's Bounty in Margaret River | TRAVEL

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