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Wine Tour of Margaret River: Day one
Our journey started in Perth and a short drive to the Swan Valley. Breakfast at Guildford filled us ready for the day. Sandalford Wines was a relaxing start but we are fascinated by the high quality artists who have performed amongst the vines such as Crowded House, Spandau Ballet and Michael Buble just 20 minutes outside Perth.
Houghton's, Kosovich and Pinelli wines are on the agenda and the good banter shared between the hosts provided continuity for each visit and highlighted the good natured competition and passion for wine they share.
A drive to Bunbury is a good overnight stopping point on the way to our main destination. Dinner at Mojo's received a mixed reaction but fair fare was enjoyed. We slept well at the Lighthouse beach resort with the ocean views the best aspect here.
Day 2: our first stop is Capel Vale and we eagerly arrive before the cellar door officially opens so given its still early we have a slow start before moving on.
The Margaret River app on my iPhone is a godsend making the selection of endless wine stops easier to navigate.
The border collie at Evans and Tate provided the most entertainment and nothing is purchased until we hit Fermoy Estate where the bargain of all bargains tempts us. A tasty Chardonnay and Shiraz gets most of us at $90 a dozen box down from $220. Now we're on a roll!
Lunch is on our minds so we venture to the well credentialed Vasse Felix and Cullen Wines but are disillusioned by the pretentious menus on offer and using our app we try Providore at Coward & Black vineyard. A great find; lunch superb, wine great (and bought a few cases) and don't miss the garlic infused olive oil in conjunction with Balsamic & wild onion vinaigrette. Yum!
Day 3: you can't afford to miss Leeuwin Estate and Voyager wineries. Exquisite wineries that enchant visitors with majestic gardens and surrounds before you even get near the cellar door. However we watch out as most of the wine can be bought at Dan Murphy's $3 cheaper per bottle.
Cape Mentelle is not a match aesthetically as the previous estates but their wine is a hit with some scrumptious Sangiovese and Botrytis.
All wined out we drive back to Fremantle satisfied we have done out best for the WA economy impressed by the riches of the Margaret River. You could spend a month in the region and still not visit all the high quality wineries let alone enjoy the scenery!
- comments
Margaret Sounds like great trip. Hope we get to sample some of the wine.