Margaret River

The town of Margaret River is considered the center of the South-West's wine region, though vineyards and wineries stretch from well north of Bunbury to the south coast. Nevertheless, close to Margaret River are some 90 wineries offering tastings and sales of some of the world's best wines. The region, often compared to France's Bordeaux for its similar climate and soils, produces only around 1% of Australia's total wine grape crush, but this is spread into around 25% of the country's premium and ultrapremium wines. Both red and white vintages here are exceptional, the most notable labels toting Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon, and Cabernet-Merlot blends.