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S taring at a map of MargaretRiver wineries can beoverwhelming. With morethan 200 spectacular cellardoors to choose from, loversof the grape have their work

cut out for them. Most are lured by the cachet of name-recognition wineries such as Voyager Estate, Vasse Felix and Leeuwin Estate. But as frequent visitors to the region of grapevines, surf breaks and towering forests will know, these poster girls aren’t the only star performers. Here are five lesser-known wineries all producing revelatory drops.

Arimia Estate is one of the appellation’s youngest cellar doors. Surrounded by native scrub and cackling kookaburras, the airy, patina-rich restaurant is almost as

enticing as the awarded grenache shiraz mourvedre blend. “It’s modelled on Chateauneuf-du-Pape,” says owner Ann Spencer.

Arimia’s consultant winemaker isMark Warren, who heads the grape-crushing team at Happs winery, itself a distinguished player. He’s also the alchemist behind the Marq label, which is gaining him kudos as one of a new wave of WA winemakers. It’s no wonder Arimia’s petit verdot, spicy zinfandel, buttery chardonnay and salmon-pink grenache rosé all serenade the tastebuds.

A short spin leads to biodynamic gem, Marri Wood Park. The winery reflects its owner: the wildly passionate and charmingly eccentric Julian Wright, who has thrown his energy into the chenin grape.

“Nobody’s trying to make a statement with chenin blanc,” he says. “We’ve set out to be the number one chenin (producer) in Australia.”

Wright has created not one but fourstyles: sparkling chenin, regular chenin, chenin reserve and a chenin dessert wine. The quality of his drops is undoubtedly linked to his legendary winemakers. Bob Carwright, who is celebrated in the history books of Leeuwin Estate, and Ian Bell, of another icon winery, Moss Wood, blend the label’s wines.

Nearby, is the region’s original cellar door: Gralyn Estate. Husband and wife team, Graham and Merilyn Hutton siphoned off part of their cattle farm to establish the property in 1975.

The fortified wines they specialisein are decidedly new-school and they’ve made an art of aged reds, with Merilyn arguing their 2001 cabernet sauvignon is on par with Henschke’s Hill of Grace and Penfold’s Grange. It’s $500 a bottle and apparently there are plenty of takers.

The couple sell an annual 3000 cases of wine only at the cellar door and online. They like people to come in and try the 19 styles poured. “There are no T-shirts, pickles or chutneys

here,” she says. “We’re all about the wine-tasting experience.”

Brown Hill Estate is the antithesisof Gralyn’s shiny outfit. The tasting bar is found behind a corrugated iron shed door, which is creakily rolled back each day. It sits among stainless-steel wine vats, a grape crusher and press; the sweet smell of fermentation stains the air. Owner Jim Bailey is often inside, his humour as dry as the non-irrigated grapes he has tended since the mid-1990s. Prices for the label’s excellent reds have barely changed since he and wife, Gwen, started, ranging between a bargain $17 to $55 for the bottle he’s “proudest” of – a big rich red named after his Uncle Bill.

Si Vintners is down the road. Producing “natural” biodynamic wines with minimal intervention – filter-free and cloudy – this wine is as pure and honest as it gets. The bare-bones cellar door is open by appointment only; requests should be texted as mobile service range is patchy out in the vineyards, where owners Iwo Jakimowicz and Sarah Morris are usually found. As with all of these under-the-radar wineries, the couple delivers a warm, ringside style experience – one you’d be silly to miss.

THE FIVE BEST LITTLE WINERIES YOU MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OFF L E U R B A I N G E R

O N T H E V I N E

A R I M I A E S TAT E 242 Quininup Rd, Yallingup.

Ph 9755 2605. See arimia.com.au

M A R R I W O O D PA R K Cnr Caves and Whittle roads.

Ph 9755 2343. See marriwoodpark.com.au

G R A LY N E S TAT E 4145 Caves Rd, Willyabrup.

Ph 9755 6245. See gralyn.com.au

B R O W N H I L L E S TAT ECnr Rosa Brook and Barrett roads.

Ph 9757 4003. See brownhillestate.com.au

S I V I N T N E R S779 Davis Rd, Rosa Glen.

See sivintners.comMORE

margaretriver.com

W I N E R I E S

W H E R E T O G O

Save up to 30% on 3 night stays!Plus….. Enjoy 2 bottles of Margaret River region wine on arrival, one $25 day spa voucher and 10% off meals at Bamboo Spice. Location, location,

location… Just a 2 minute walk to the pristine waters of the bay, the resort provides a range of accommodation styles, from spa apartments, (mostly fully self-contained), cosy cottages/chalets and executive style villas to ensure there is an accommodation style to suit everyone. An exquisite day spa, heated indoor pool and pool spa, sauna, restaurant, bar, barbeques, children’s playground, FREE in-room movies and FREE WIFI, complement the resort’s unique location. Cons apply and offer valid to 22 Sep 16.

Call us now 1300 138 258 or visit www.bayvil.com

Home The Resort Day Spa Facilities Accommodation & Rates Specials & Packages Reservations Activities Contact Us

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A R I M I A E S TAT E 242 Quininup Rd, Yallingup.

Ph 9755 2605. See arimia.com.au

M A R R I W O O D PA R K Cnr Caves and Whittle roads.

Ph 9755 2343. See marriwoodpark.com.au

G R A LY N E S TAT E 4145 Caves Rd, Willyabrup.

Ph 9755 6245. See gralyn.com.au

B R O W N H I L L E S TAT ECnr Rosa Brook and Barrett roads.

Ph 9757 4003. See brownhillestate.com.au

S I V I N T N E R S779 Davis Rd, Rosa Glen.

See sivintners.comMORE

margaretriver.com

W I N E R I E S

W H E R E T O G O

C R E A T I V E T O U C H

With so many cellar doors to visit and different wines to try in the Margaret River region, a great way to get around is a tour with a designated local chauffeur.

A new tour company that focuseson sparkling wines is the Margaret River Bubbles Tour, which was started by Mark and Angela McCabe five months ago when Angela realised there wasn’t a tour specialising in the sparkling wines the region produces.

“You will get to see this world-famous picturesque region at its best, enjoy some lovely sparkling wines, champagne and bubbles, sample top-class gourmet food and a whole lot more,” Mark said.

“It’s the perfect day for couples and groups of friends who want to combine bubbles and lunch with some shopping … and did we say chocolate?

“And of course they can also try other wines at the wineries we visit.”

Tourists can be picked up from their accommodation for a range of tours, or a “design your own” experience of the region and what it has to offer.

For more information see margaretriverbubblestour.com

Another tour company that has hit the road in the past 12 months is A Touch of Glass.

Alison and John Wallis offer toursranging from three hours to all day.

As well as wineries, the tours can stop at breweries, the Margaret River Chocolate Factory and Vasse Virgin Natural Olive Oil Soap Factory and Gourmet Condiments.

“Or, with over 150 wineries to choose from, we can arrange a luxury charter that suits your style.”

M O R E I N FO R M AT I O N , S E E ATO U C H O FG L A S STO U R S .CO M . AU

TOUR THE VINES

If you’ve been tossing up whether to visit Margaret River for a cold-climate getaway, this might help you decide. The Your Margaret River Region Winter Play Pass grants discounts to winery

lunches, gourmet platters, beer, food, wine purchases and more, and it’s free to download. Just go to margaretriver.com/play where you’ll also see the full list of participating venues.

W I N T E R B R E A K W I T H B E N E F I T S

Iwo Jakimowicz of Si Vintners

P I C T U R E : F L E U R B A I N G E R

Save up to 30% on 3 night stays!Plus….. Enjoy 2 bottles of Margaret River region wine on arrival, one $25 day spa voucher and 10% off meals at Bamboo Spice. Location, location,

location… Just a 2 minute walk to the pristine waters of the bay, the resort provides a range of accommodation styles, from spa apartments, (mostly fully self-contained), cosy cottages/chalets and executive style villas to ensure there is an accommodation style to suit everyone. An exquisite day spa, heated indoor pool and pool spa, sauna, restaurant, bar, barbeques, children’s playground, FREE in-room movies and FREE WIFI, complement the resort’s unique location. Cons apply and offer valid to 22 Sep 16.

Call us now 1300 138 258 or visit www.bayvil.com

Home The Resort Day Spa Facilities Accommodation & Rates Specials & Packages Reservations Activities Contact Us

Nestled in a tranquil garden setting in the heart of town, Dunsborough Central Motel is ideally located on the doorstep of world renowned beaches, premium wineries, art galleries, caves and the incredible coastal scenery of Cape Naturaliste Just a 600 metre stroll to the beach or a short drive to surf beaches, the Dunsborough Central Motel is adjacent to restaurants & cafes, wine bars, supermarket shopping centre, beauticians, banks and a very well informed Visitor Centre. Simply relax in style by our outdoor pool and BBQ area, indulge in the Bali Style Gazebo Spa, or just kick back with a good book and a glass of wine in the privacy of your well appointed room.Offer valid May to September (excluding long weekends)Subject to availability and can not be used in conjunction with any other offer

Phone: 08 9756 7711Email: reservations@dunsboroughmotel.com.auWeb: www.dunsboroughmotel.com.au

2 Nights iN a superior Motel rooM for $159INCLUDING A BOTTLE OF WINEPhone bookings only and mention this ad to qualify for this deal

Your Private Winter Escape....

T +61 (08) 9755 7110 E reception@forestrise.com.au W www.forestrise.com.au

Centrally located in the heart of the Margaret River wine region, Forest Rise provides a luxury adult escape, where couples can enjoy peace, privacy and the opportunity to rest, relax and reconnect.

BEACH RESORT

ABBEY Enjoy fully serviced, self contained

apartments and studios, each with a private double spa and balcony.

595 Bussell Highway, Busselton WAFreecall 1800 017 097 | Phone 61 8 9755 4600Email info@abbeybeach.com.au | www.abbeybeach.com.au

ABBEY BEACH RESORT is a 4.5 star leisure resort with countless facilities and amenities.

The Resort has an atrium restaurant, pool side café, several bars, a 25 metre indoor heated swimming pool, 2 outdoor pools, tennis and squash courts, spa, gym and

sauna for your enjoyment.Stroll to the beach, tour wineries, art galleries and many other local attractions. For a

holiday or short break you are assured of comfort and style at Abbey Beach Resort.

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W ith an estimated30,000-35,000 whalevisits to the South-West twice a year, it’sno wonder whalewatching operators in

the region boast a viewing success rate of almost 100 per cent.

From June to August each year, thehumpback and southern right whales are sighted around Augusta, having left the freezing waters of Antarctica for breeding and mating in the warmer waters of northern WA.

Scott Cross, owner of Naturaliste Charters, says Augusta’s location makes it the premier place in the world to view the whales.

And he says that the playful, trusting and inquisitive nature of the mammals often allows for close encounters for passengers on tours.

“As the whales travel north, they hitFlinders Bay, which faces south and it becomes a bit of a catchment area for them; the first rest place for them after making the migration to the coast,” he said. “There is such a large volume of whales visiting and while there are regulations in regards to interactions, they are only a few hundred metres from the coast.

These mammals can live to 70 years of age and they are interacting with us twice a year. Once they are born in WA, they never leave the coast.

“So they get to know the boats andknow the sounds and know that we’re not here to hurt them. That’s why they are consistently there all of the time.”

After spending time resting deep inthe Bay, the whales push off around the corner of Cape Leeuwin and then, due to current temperatures and speeds, they are forced a bit further off shore as they travel north.

There are options for morning andafternoon tours with most companies operating out of Augusta. While viewings are almost guaranteed, the later in the season you leave your visit, the greater the likelihood that you will be disappointed.

Cross said that the rare days that they go out and don’t see whales are always in the last days of the season.

Whale watching is one of those activities that you take part in where you should have a camera. The size of the animals allows for some terrific snaps when they breach, even if the boat isn’t sitting alongside them.

Cross said that the playful activityof the whales that provide the most

A whale breaching close to the boat in Flinders Bay in WA’s South-West (above); and up close with the whales in Flinders Bay (right).

P I C T U R E S : L E G E N D C H A R T E R S , N A T U R A L I S T E C H A R T E R S

B I G L E A P A PERFECT PLACE TO CATCH A LOOK AT THE TITANS OF THE OCEANB R A D E L B O R O U G H

wander wonder laugh learn

Well here’s an opportunity to

satisfy your curiosity and book an

EXCLUSIVE “Behind the Scenes”

tour of the Busselton Jetty.

Descend 8 metres down into our

Underwater Observatory to learn

about it’s structure, wave energy

and important marine research

studies that are happening now

at the end of longest timber pile

jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.

For more information and to book

your tour, please call 08 9754 0900

www.busseltonjetty.com.au

Do you wonder

Why? What? or How?Darby Park Margaret River

On the edge of the forest and in the centre of town

Located in the centre of Margaret River and overlooking the forest, we offer contemporary studio rooms and one, two and three bedroom fully self contained apartments. Facilities include: free WIFI, heated swimming pool, barbeque area, tennis court, secure parking, conference facilities, restaurant charge back and lounge bar. It is an easy wander down the street to enjoy restaurants, cafes, local shops and the buzz of the town.

Tel: 1800 807 667Corner Bussell Highway and Tunbridge Street, Margaret Riverrelax@darbypark.com.auwww.darbypark.com.au

Book a Studio Room and receive a free upgrade to a One Bedroom Apartment.Valid until 31 July 2016

This offer may only be booked via telephone.Conditions apply.

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C L O S E E N C O U N T E R S

TOUR OPERATORSPrices start at about $50 for children; $90

for adults and you can usually get discounts for family and senior passes.

Visit the various tour operators for actual prices, departure times and places

and inclusions:

NATURALISTE CHARTERS whales-australia.com.au

LEGEND CHARTERS legendcharters.net.au

WHALE WATCH WESTERN AUSTRALIA

whalewatchwesternaustralia.com

ALL SEA CHARTERS whalewatchingcharters.com.au

S I G H T S E E I N GT O U R S

E S C A P E R O U T E

These mammals can live to 70 years of age and they are interacting with us twice a year. Once they are born in WA, they never leave the coast.

“So they get to know the boats andknow the sounds and know that we’re not here to hurt them. That’s why they are consistently there all of the time.”

After spending time resting deep inthe Bay, the whales push off around the corner of Cape Leeuwin and then, due to current temperatures and speeds, they are forced a bit further off shore as they travel north.

There are options for morning andafternoon tours with most companies operating out of Augusta. While viewings are almost guaranteed, the later in the season you leave your visit, the greater the likelihood that you will be disappointed.

Cross said that the rare days that they go out and don’t see whales are always in the last days of the season.

Whale watching is one of those activities that you take part in where you should have a camera. The size of the animals allows for some terrific snaps when they breach, even if the boat isn’t sitting alongside them.

Cross said that the playful activityof the whales that provide the most

CAPE LEEUWIN LIGHTHOUSE At the most southwesterly point of Australia, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia and is still a vital working lighthouse for vessels navigating the treacherous cape where the Indian and Southern oceans meet.

The spectacular views at Cape Leeuwin won ita spot in National Geographic’s “top three ocean views in the world” in 2014.

It’s also one of the best land-based vantage points for spotting some of the 35,000 whales that swim past from May to September.

CAPE NATURALISTE LIGHTHOUSE Only 13km from Dunsborough, visitors to the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, Cape Naturaliste, the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and the beautiful Geographe Bay coastline.

Easier than most lighthouses to climb, with only 59 steps, the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse was the last manned lighthouse on mainland Australia.

Walking trails lead from the lighthouse around the stunning bays and beaches of the cape, providing amazing views over the ocean and of the local wildflowers, while a platform and shelter provide magnificent whale watching from September to December.

Guided tours run every day of the year, exceptChristmas Day, at both lighthouses.FOR MORE INFORMATION, INCLUDING TOUR S AND BOOKING S, SEE MARGARETRIVER .COM

SHINE A LIGHTspectacular sites is often males fighting for the honour of the female whales.

“Among those not pregnant are the males fighting for the right to mate with the females. The gestation period for a whale is 11.5 months, so those not pregnant one year usually are when they come past the next.”

A PERFECT PLACE TO CATCH A LOOK AT THE TITANS OF THE OCEAN

Darby Park Margaret River

On the edge of the forest and in the centre of town

Located in the centre of Margaret River and overlooking the forest, we offer contemporary studio rooms and one, two and three bedroom fully self contained apartments. Facilities include: free WIFI, heated swimming pool, barbeque area, tennis court, secure parking, conference facilities, restaurant charge back and lounge bar. It is an easy wander down the street to enjoy restaurants, cafes, local shops and the buzz of the town.

Tel: 1800 807 667Corner Bussell Highway and Tunbridge Street, Margaret Riverrelax@darbypark.com.auwww.darbypark.com.au

Book a Studio Room and receive a free upgrade to a One Bedroom Apartment.Valid until 31 July 2016

This offer may only be booked via telephone.Conditions apply.

OPEN EVERYDAY FOR EVERYONE11am - 5pm

ph: 08 97553554eaglebaybrewing.com.au

Open daily 10am to 5pm 08 9750 1111 61 Thornton Road, Yallingup WA www.aravinaestate.com

Cosy up this Winter at Aravina Estate

RESTAURANT l CELLAR DOOR l WEDDINGS FUNCTIONS l SPORTS CAR GALLERY

STAY FOR 3 PAY FOR 2 WINTER SPECIAL

Winter is a stunning time of year to explore the Margaret River Region. With cosy Jetmaster fireplaces, luxurious freestanding bathtubs and Lamont’s Gourmet Deli and Restaurant on site, Smiths Beach Resort is the perfect setting for your winter escape. Just picture watching the storms roll in over the ocean while enjoying a glass of fine red - bliss!

Smiths Beach Resort, Yallingup

Phone (08) 9750 1200

reservations@smithsbeachresort.com.au

smithsbeachresort.com.au

T&C’s - Subject to availability at time of booking. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Valid for stays to 30th September.

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The specialists in the tapas style of dining are already popular at their Rockingham Beach location.

The shared plate, Mediterranean-stylefare has now taken the place of the Hay Shed Hill Cafe and Deli.

While the local produce is one of the main reasons why visitors enjoy dining in the Margaret River region, chefs are finding many different ways of presenting it.

For example, one of the newest cellar doors, Fishbone Wines, on Harmans Mill Road (across from the chocolate factory) has produced a sushi and Japanese-style menu.

And for those who don’t feel like a wine, you can get a pint of Eagle Bay Brewery beer to wash down your beef tataki or karaage chicken.

One of those great products mentionedearlier is cheese; and cheese tastings are just as high on some people’s “do list” as wine tastings.

Yesterday, the Yallingup Cheese Company opened its new premises because it had outgrown the previous one. Now at Abbey Vale, 1071 Wildwood Rd, Yallingup, more visitors will now be able to enjoy the cheese and wine tastings that they offer.

However, they have extended their learning experience, with offers of weekly classes on cheese and wine pairing,

M A R G A R E T R I V E R R E G I O N ¿ S P E C I A L F E A T U R E

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R U S T I C O A T H A Y S H E D H I L L

fondues (over the winter months) and cheese making classes (monthly).

STILL TO COMEAfter concentrating on its winemaking and sales since opening its cellar door in 2009, Amelia Park is now turning part of its attention to a new restaurant that is scheduled to open its doors in January of next year.

For more information, including menus check out the sites for these recent

additions:

RUSTICO AT HAY SHED HILL hayshedhill.com.au

FISHBONE WINESfishbonewines.com.au

YALLINGUP CHEESE CO yallingupcheese.com.au

AMELIA PARK WINESameliaparkwines.com.au

M O R E

E ven the most regular andknowledgeable visitors to theMargaret River region should dotheir homework before makingthe trek.

The tourism landscape isregularly changing and a part of that is new restaurants.

One of the toughest decisions to makewhen visiting the region is where to dine for lunch or dinner and it’s not getting any easier.

Some of the new offerings already havea familiar name and loyal following elsewhere, such as Rustico, which is now at the privately owned Hay Shed Hill.

NEW PLACES TO DINEB R A D E L B O R O U G H

Linger longer at Dunsborough Ridge Retreat during winter and take more time to enjoy all the Margaret River region has to offer during this wonderful time of the year

Valid for stays 29 May - 31 August 2016 inclusive

08 9755 3521 • Promo Code DRRWD16 www.dunsboroughridgeretreat.com.au stay@dunsboroughridgeretreat.com.au

Stay 4 NIGHTS and ONLY PAY FOR 3 with our

FABULOUS WINTER DEAL!

Come and try the NEW wine tour in

Margaret river!

Check out our range of tours online www.margaretriverbubblestour.com or call us on 0437 618559

10% Discount if you mention this advert.

“Enjoy the best spas in the heart of

Margaret River”

Mention this ad and receive 10% off

our winter website rates plus robes

and a bottle of local wine

www.prideaus.com.auMOBILE PHONE 0438 587 180

WINTER SPECIALFOR 2 NIGHT STAYS ONLY

VALID TILL 22/09/16

Just 10kms from Margaret River town in a beautiful coastal location

Free WIFI, Foxtel, bike hire, sauna, The Common onsite restaurant and bar

Margarets Beach Resort 4 Star Apartment

Accommodation by the Sea

STAY 2 SAVE 20%Travel now to 22 Sept 2016, N/a 3-5 June

Valid for all room types, subject to availability

Must be booked direct at www.margaretsbeachresort.com.au

or ring 08 9757 1227

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T he degustation dining experience has become popularthroughout Western Australia,but nowhere more than in theMargaret River region.

Several restaurants andwineries in the iconic South-West destination, including well-known names, are providing this indulgent way of tasting larger parts of their menus.

Voyager Estate sommelier Claire Tonon says Margaret River is the perfect spot for the degustation format.

“Holiday-makers usually have more time to enjoy a properly curated food and wine experience, not to mention the region’s reputation for fresh produce and world-class wines,” she said.

“Over six courses, our guests are takenon a journey of discovery. We craft dishes that use fresh seasonal produce sourced from our very own kitchen garden, yet more importantly, each course is perfectly paired with our wines.”

Near Yallingup, Aravina Estate offers afive-course degustation for groups of between four and 10 people. Each course is matched with a 100ml pour of wine and guests can choose from the current menu, honed by executive chef Ben Day – and enjoy views across the beautiful 73ha estate with its lake and gardens – for $160 a person.

Degustation menus vary from five courses at Black Brewing Company on a Friday night from $45 a person, to the seven-course lunches at Wills Domain, from $99. Like most venues, Wills Domain also offers options where the food is paired with wines, often from the cellar door that the restaurant belongs to, or a nearby winery.

THE MORE THE MERRIER

M A R G A R E T R I V E R R E G I O N ¿ S P E C I A L F E A T U R E

fondues (over the winter months) and cheese making classes (monthly).

STILL TO COMEAfter concentrating on its winemaking and sales since opening its cellar door in 2009, Amelia Park is now turning part of its attention to a new restaurant that is scheduled to open its doors in January of next year.

For more information, including menus check out the sites for these recent

additions:

RUSTICO AT HAY SHED HILL hayshedhill.com.au

FISHBONE WINESfishbonewines.com.au

YALLINGUP CHEESE CO yallingupcheese.com.au

AMELIA PARK WINESameliaparkwines.com.au

M O R E

V A S S E F E L I X

Vanessa Phillipson, general managerof Rustico at Hay Shed Hill, says diners are after an overall experience when they choose the degustation option. “The option to enjoy multiple dishes ... with the option to pair with world-class wines, is simply irresistible,” she said.

Rustico has packaged 12 of its most popular dishes into a six-course degustation. Some venues, such as Vasse Felix, run their degustation menu as special events, or as long table lunches. The five-course menu, like most of the venues in the region, includes some of the amazing and fresh produce that Margaret River and its surrounds have become famous for.

To get you started, check out some of the degustation offerings at these venues

ARAVINA ESTATE aravinaestate.comVOYAGER ESTATE voyagerestate.com.au

LEEUWIN ESTATE leeuwinestate.com.au

VASSE FELIX vassefelix.com.au

RUSTICO AT HAY SHED HILL hayshedhill.com.au

BLACK BREWING CO blackbrewingco.com.au

WILLS DOMAIN willsdomain.com.au

M A R G A R E T R I V E R T A S T E S

E S C A P E R O U T E

As the cold weather starts to hit the South-West, the venues that offer respite from the chill – especially with an open fireplace – become more popular. There are several venues in the Margaret River region that still stack their fireplaces full of wood and allow the crackling of the flames to add to the ambience.

One of these is Aravina Estate, whichhas an open fireplace during winter. The estate’s communications manager Bridget Tighe said guests can enjoy a glass of wine and choose from the starters menu in front of the fire, before a long lunch or browsing through the estate’s Sports Car gallery.

The Margaret River Hotel will also launch a winter menu to entice guests to “come in and stay for a while”.

The Settler Tavern offers a much better chance of getting close to a fire while sitting and enjoying a meal, or a drink, with three of them in full burn during the winter months.

And Vasse Felix has one in the restaurant and one also in the wine lounge for those just wanting to be comfortable while they enjoy a tasting.

Watershed Wines has a similar setup,with one in the restaurant and one in the cellar door. “We enjoy nothing better than being warmed by a nice drop of red and the open fire during the chilly and wet winter months,” said Dave Targett from Watershed Wines.

The fireplace is not just a feature of the older venues either, with new establishments, such as the Black Brewing Company, centering the design of their restaurant around them.

FLICKERING FLAMES KEEP CHILLS AWAY

If you’re looking for somewhere to warm up during a winter in the WA’s South-West,

try these venues:

VASSE FELIXvassefelix.com.au

WATERSHED WINES watershedwines.com.au

COLONIAL BREWINGcolonialbrewingco.com.au

SETTLERS TAVERNsettlerstavern.com

THE COMMONthecommonbistro.com.au

BLACK BREWING COMPANYblackbrewingco.com.au

THE WHITE ELEPHANT whiteelephantcafe.com.au

THE MARGARET RIVER HOTEL margaretriverhotel.com.au

W A R M U P

pasta factory, casual classy restaurant with cellar door & barn store featuring Barnyard Bees honey

Barnyard1978

12 Canal Rocks Road, Yallingup. barnyard1978.com.au

OPEN DAILY& come along!Sheep can fly

Explore the true nature ofMargaret River

MARGARET RIVER WINERIES

& BREWERIES TOUR

WINTER DEAL$40 OFF

• Enjoy tasting premium wine, craft beer, chocolate and cheese!

• Gourmet winery lunch

• Fun guides

• Great music

• Margaret River

• Busselton

• Dunsborough

FREE PICKUP

7 Estates plus hosted lunch

T 9757 9084 M 0419 911 971 E info@bushtuckertours.com $100 pp

www.bushtuckertours.com

Private & Personalised Wine ToursMargaret river

Based in the heart of the Margaret River Wine Region Cape To Cape Wine Tours have been bringing personalised tours to people all over WA since 2004.• Our fleet of luxury sedans, people movers, stretch limos, mini buses and limobuses.• Rates start from $85 per hour includes pick up and drop off from your accommodation.• We are also available for airport, lunch & dinner transfers.• Please visit our website for our packages.• Our professional team are friendly, knowledgeable and go the extra mile. Phone 0427 294 212 Email bookings@capetocapewinetours.com.auWebsite www.capetocapewinetours.com.au

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F R E S H O P T I O N S

listening to an audio tour through one of the MP3 players and headsets available.

Mammoth Cave is also one of just a fewcaves in the South-West that contains fossils, being home to ancient fossil remains of long-extinct giant animals known as Australian megafauna.

A visit to Mammoth Cave finishes witha winding walk through the beautiful marri forest, with whistling birds and stunning flora displays.

Self-guided tours run every day of theyear, except Christmas Day.

NGILGI CAVE Discovered in 1899, Ngilgi Cave is one of the Margaret River region’s best-known tourist attractions and is home to stunning stalactite, stalagmite, helicitite and shawl formations.

The fascinating association with a rich Aboriginal legend describing the battle between a good spirit (Ngilgi) and an evil spirit (Wolgine) gives Ngilgi Cave its name.

Explore the cave at your own pace on the popular semi-guided show cave tour or choose your own Ngilgi adventure, with a range of guided adventure tours available.

JEWEL CAVE Jewel Cave is the biggest show cave in WA,with three massive chambers. It is also home to one of the longest straw stalactites found in any tourist cave in the world.

Visitors can admire creations that havetaken thousands of years to form – stalactites and helictites stretching and suspended across the ceiling like vines and dancing cobwebs.

Several fossilised Tasmanian tigers, and their preserved footprints, are also in the cave.

The awe-inspiring crystal journey is perfectly complemented by the karri walk outside.

Home to the spectacular Jewel Cave Preservation Centre that features a cafe and an interpretative area, Jewel Cave was awarded a gold medal in the Tourist Attractions category at the WA Tourism Awards, as well as a silver in the Eco Tourism Category in 2011.

Guided tours run every day of the year,except Christmas Day.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CAVES’ LOCATIONS AND TOURS SEE MARGARETRIVER.COM

Jodie Lane at Fair Harvest (right); loaves at Yallingup Woodfired Bread (far right); and vines at Brookwood Estate (right below).

P I C T U R E S : E L A N A H A L V O R S O N

LAKE CAVE A mirrored wonderland, Lake Cave is home to the “suspended table” – a spectacular crystal decoration weighing several tonnes that hangs from the ceiling, almost touching the waters of the permanent lake.

Outside is an interpretative centre designed to help visitors learn about the formation, thought to be the only one of its kind in the world, and history of the caves in the Margaret River region, as well as throughout Australia and around the world.

Guided tours run every day of the year,except Christmas Day.

MAMMOTH CAVEMammoth Cave is the most easily accessible of all the show caves in the Margaret River region. The first chamber can even be reached by wheelchair.

Visitors can explore the majestic chambers of the cave on their own while

EXPLORE THE UNDERGROUND

Enjoy absolute beachfront accommodation on the shores of Geographe Bay. You can experience a range of tours and attractions

from ancient caves, hertiage lighthouses, and wineries to nature walk trails through Meelup Regional Park. Dunsborough is truly a

special place to visit during the winter months.

Dunsborough Beach Cottages95 Gifford Road

Tel: +61 9756 8885 Toll Free 1800 816 885dbcottages@netserv.net.au

www.dunsborough-beach.com.au

WINTER HOT DEALSStay 7 nights and pay for 5

Stay 4 nights and pay for 3 and receive a bottle of Margaret River Wine on arrival!

Nestled in a peaceful natural bushland setting Caves Road Chalets offers the perfect base from which to explore the many Delights and natural wonders of the south west.

Situated on 64 acres the property is a nature lovers paradise with a huge array of Birdlife, wildlife and seasonal wild flowers. 1 and 2 bedroom loft style chalets, private and peaceful. Caves Road Chalets is Pet Friendly.

Caves Road Chalets

www.cavesroadchalets.com.au08 9755 5266

admin@cavesroadchalets.com.au

Our absolute beachfront location makes Whalers Cove the perfect

choice for couples, groups and families. The 2, 3 and 4 bedroom

self-contained villas are free standing, private and have a friendly

village style atmosphere. Enjoy a glass of wine by the log fire or

dine at one of the many fine wineries in the area. Walking distance

to Dunsborough town to the shops and cafes.

Winter Special: Stay for 4 nights/pay for 3. Prices

start from $295 per night. Offer excludes school

holidays and long weekends.

“Closest accommodationto the beach in Dunsborough”

Phone 08 9755 3699Email whalers@whalerscove.com.au

Web www.whalerscove.com.au

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M argaret River is twofaced (and it’s a goodthing). Turn one cheekand there’s the glossyprofile of fancypantscellar doors, multi-

course lunches, noses shoved in fine stemware and those fairytale views of this vine-etched, surf-lashed lands.

But guide her chin the other way and you glimpse a rosier-cheeked aspect that’s decidedly more homespun.

This Margs is devoted to small-batch farming, season-worshipping and nature-above-all living.

So if you love to know where your produce comes from and like to meet who makes it, jump in the car for a self-guided food and wine tour of this green goddess.

STOP 1: Yallingup Woodfired Bread 189 Biddle Rd YallingupThe biodynamic bakery doesn’t have a shiny shop window or even a till: loaves sit on outdoor racks metres from volcanic rock ovens, and a small bowl collects payment in an astonishingly earnest honesty system. The bakers – German-born Gotthard Bauer, his wife, Marion, and their team – keep “normal” hours so they’re never far away. Try the crusty ciabatta.

STOP 2: Windows Estate4 Quininup RdYallingupSurfing viticulturist Chris Davies and his wife, Jo, awake to vines each day, living just 5m from their vineyard.

ON THE FOOD AND WINE TRAILF L E U R B A I N G E R

M A R G A R E T R I V E R R E G I O N ¿ S P E C I A L F E A T U R E

JEWEL CAVE Jewel Cave is the biggest show cave in WA,with three massive chambers. It is also home to one of the longest straw stalactites found in any tourist cave in the world.

Visitors can admire creations that havetaken thousands of years to form – stalactites and helictites stretching and suspended across the ceiling like vines and dancing cobwebs.

Several fossilised Tasmanian tigers, and their preserved footprints, are also in the cave.

The awe-inspiring crystal journey is perfectly complemented by the karri walk outside.

Home to the spectacular Jewel Cave Preservation Centre that features a cafe and an interpretative area, Jewel Cave was awarded a gold medal in the Tourist Attractions category at the WA Tourism Awards, as well as a silver in the Eco Tourism Category in 2011.

Guided tours run every day of the year,except Christmas Day.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CAVES’ LOCATIONS AND TOURS SEE MARGARETRIVER.COM

N G I L G I C A V E

The pair hand pick and press their grapes, serving tastings at a beachy cellar door on the property. They stick to organic fertilisers and add nothing more than oak and sulphur to their wines.

STOP 3: Bahen and CoMargaret River Farmers Market Josh Bahen is a new-breed chocoholic. He’s tracked down 1930s machinery to grind and roast cacao beans, which he sources from century-old heirloom variety trees growing on Madagascan islands and in Brazilian rainforest. Josh doggedly follows old-school practices, guided by ancient Spanish recipes. What’s more, there’s no fat added. “Only a handful of people in the world do that,” he says.

STOP 4: Bettenay’s Wine and NougatTom Cullity DriveWilyabrupAt the cellar door, winemaking veteran Greg Bettenay cheekily spruiks wine while his son Bryce folds nuts, fruits, petals and honey into nougat, visible through a wall window. His is the French chewy kind, using unconventional flavours: there’s the blueberry, white chocolate and macadamia bar, the salted caramel stick or a limoncello creation. Bryce invents a new style every six months.

STOP 5: Brookwood Estate430 Treeton RdCowaramup“We’re here for a good time, not a long

time,” booms the jubilant voice of Trevor Mann, head of small-batch winery, Brookwood Estate. His tasting table is tucked out of view, with floor space devoted to restaurant tables, but his enthusiasm draws everyone in. Start with their sparkling “Bubbles”, which his daughter, Bronnley makes with grapes he grows in a herbicide, insecticide-free vineyard.

STOP 6: Fair Harvestcnr Carters Rd and Burnside RdMargaret RiverFair Harvest is a sprawling permaculture farm run by Jodie Lane and her partner Dorothee Peraz. Chooks and geese roam beside crops of kale, leek and broad beans, while anolive grove, orchard, cattle and a timber plantation hem in the

perimeters. The doors open to the lunch crowd on Thursdays. Ninety per cent of what they serve is grown on the property.

STOP 7: Margaret River Farmers Markets, Margaret River Education Campus 272 Bussell Hwy, Margaret RiverAt the Saturday morning markets, locals sport a wholesome, country chic look as they wander between the 50-ish stalls of 100 per cent locally grown produce. There are stalls of grass-fed beef, local potatoes, fresh picked avocados, fabulous coffee and much, much more.MARGARETRIVERFARMERSMARKET.COM.AU

FOR A LIST OF PRODUCERS YOU CAN VISIT, SEE: MARGARETRIVER.COM/WINE-GOURMET/PRODUCE-MARKETS

ENJOY THE ULTIMATE OLIVE OIL EXPERIENCE

SOAPS | GOURMET FOOD | SKIN CARE | WORKSHOPS

WILYABRUPSoap Factory & Workshops

Ph: (08) 9755 6111135 Puzey Road, Wilyabrup WA

MARGARET RIVERRetail Outlet

Ph: (08) 9757 29992 Rosa Brook Road, Margaret River WA

Open 7 Dayswww.vassevirgin.com.au