Best Margaret River Wineries: Where to Go (Plus the Best Wine Tours)
Margaret River is one of Australia’s most respected wine regions, producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay alongside dramatic coastline, forests, and relaxed cellar doors.
With 200+ wineries spread across the region, deciding where to go — and whether to drive yourself or book a tour — can feel overwhelming. The truth is, you don’t need to visit many wineries to have an excellent experience. You just need to visit the right ones.
This guide covers the best Margaret River wineries to visit, plus when it makes sense to book a wine tour instead of driving.
👉 New to the region? Start with my Margaret River travel guide or see more things to do in Margaret River.
This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.
🍷 Want to Skip Driving?
Before diving into the winery list, it’s worth knowing that many visitors choose a tour — especially on short trips.
👉 See the Best Margaret River Wine Tours
(You can still self-drive — we’ll help you decide below.)
What Makes Margaret River Wine Special?
Margaret River produces only a small percentage of Australia’s wine, yet it accounts for a huge share of the country’s premium labels.
The region is known for:
- Elegant Cabernet Sauvignon
- High-quality Chardonnay
- Boutique, family-run wineries
- Scenic cellar doors with a relaxed pace
Unlike larger wine regions, tastings here are often more personal, with less focus on crowds and more on quality.
Best Margaret River Wineries to Visit
These wineries stand out for wine quality, atmosphere, and visitor experience. You don’t need to visit all of them — choose a few that match your style.
🍷 Leeuwin Estate
Best for: Iconic wines & fine dining
Leeuwin Estate is one of Margaret River’s founding wineries and internationally recognised for its Art Series Chardonnay.
Why visit:
- Award-winning wines
- Beautiful grounds
- Highly regarded restaurant
Good to know:
- More polished than casual
- Best for a longer visit rather than a quick tasting
🍷 Vasse Felix
Best for: First-time visitors
As Margaret River’s oldest winery, Vasse Felix offers a great introduction to the region.
Why visit:
- Excellent Cabernet Sauvignon
- Scenic vineyard setting
- Easy, approachable tasting experience
Ideal if you’re short on time and want a reliable stop.
🍷 Cullen Wines
Best for: Organic & biodynamic wines
Cullen Wines is known for its sustainability focus and expressive wines.
Why visit:
- Organic and biodynamic practices
- Elegant wine styles
- Peaceful, refined cellar door
A great choice if you’re interested in how wine is made, not just how it tastes.
🍷 Voyager Estate
Best for: Stunning setting & classic wines
Voyager Estate is one of the most visually impressive wineries in the region.
Why visit:
- Beautiful gardens
- Excellent Chardonnay
- Strong food-and-wine experiences
Very popular — booking ahead is recommended in peak season.
🍷 Xanadu Wines
Best for: Relaxed tastings with quality wines
Xanadu offers a more casual atmosphere while still producing excellent wine.
Why visit:
- Friendly cellar door
- Consistently good wines
- Easy to pair with nearby wineries
How Many Wineries Should You Visit in a Day?
More is not better in Margaret River.
- Self-drive: 2–3 wineries maximum
- Wine tour: 4–6 wineries (transport included)
Trying to squeeze in too many tastings usually leads to rushing — or skipping the best experiences.
If you’re planning multiple days in the region, space winery visits out across your stay.
👉 See how to structure your time in my Margaret River itinerary.
Should You Do a Wine Tour in Margaret River?
For many visitors, yes — especially if you don’t want to worry about driving.
Wine tours are ideal if you:
- Want to taste without driving
- Are short on time
- Want local knowledge
- Are visiting Margaret River for the first time
If you prefer flexibility and plan to visit only a couple of wineries, self-driving can work — but you’ll need a car.
👉 Here’s what to know about renting a car in Western Australia.
🍇 Best Margaret River Wine Tours ⭐
If you decide to book a tour, these are the main types available.
Full-Day Margaret River Wine Tours
Best for: First-time visitors
Typically include:
- 4–6 winery visits
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
👉 Check the Best Full-Day Margaret River Wine Tours
Boutique / Small-Group Wine Tours
Best for: Couples & wine lovers
Why choose these:
- Smaller groups
- More personalised tastings
- Often include boutique wineries
👉 Boutique Margaret River Wine Tour
Private Wine Tours
Best for: Special occasions
Perfect for:
- Honeymoons
- Anniversaries
- Groups travelling together
👉 Private Margaret River Wine Tour
👉 Planning to stay overnight? Choosing the right base makes tours much easier — see where to stay in Margaret River.
Self-Drive vs Wine Tour: Which Is Better?
Self-Drive Is Better If:
- You want flexibility
- You plan to visit just 2–3 wineries
- You’re staying centrally
Wine Tours Are Better If:
- You don’t want to drive
- You want to taste freely
- You want expert insight
For short visits, wine tours are usually the easiest and most enjoyable option.
Best Time to Visit Margaret River Wineries
- Spring & Autumn: Best overall balance
- Summer: Lively but busiest
- Winter: Fewer crowds, cosy cellar doors, great food scene
Where to Stay Near Margaret River Wineries ⭐
Staying in the right area saves time and makes winery visits far more relaxed.
Best bases:
- Margaret River town (central & convenient)
- Yallingup (coastal scenery)
- Countryside vineyard stays
👉 Find the Best Places to Stay in Margaret River
Tips for Visiting Margaret River Wineries
✔ Book popular cellar doors in advance
✔ Eat before tastings
✔ Don’t overpack your schedule
✔ Consider a tour if you’re unsure
🍷 Ready to Plan Your Margaret River Wine Trip?
Whether you prefer a relaxed self-drive day or a guided wine tour, Margaret River delivers some of the best wine experiences in Australia — when you choose the right pace.
👉 See the Best Margaret River Wine Tours
👉 or Find the Best Place to Stay in Margaret River
Choosing the right wineries — and how you visit them — will make all the difference.