7 Incredible Wine Experiences in Western Australia
Today on the blog, I invited the team from Skydive Geronimo to share with us some of their favourite wine experiences in WA – including their awesome skydive and wine tour package down south!
Good food and wine top the list for 36% of travellers when choosing their next holiday destination, according to a survey conducted by Tourism Australia. If you’re looking for epic wine experiences, Western Australia is a great place to find them.
Australia’s largest state is blessed with nine wine regions, all within the reach of Perth.
Margaret River is world famous for its Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Swan Valley is best known for Chenin Blanc, Shiraz and fortified wines.
Wine tourism is definitely a thing in Australia and many wineries and tourism operators offer unique packages that highlight the country’s best features.
We’ve found seven incredible wine experiences in WA that will inspire you to indulge in a tipple. Enjoy.
Screaming Wine Pleasures
There’s no better way to see Margaret River’s wine country than from the sky. Skydive Geronimo has a tandem skydive and wine package for anyone who wants a side of adrenaline with their wine. Take in the sweeping coastal views of Cape Naturaliste and the lush countryside that’s home to 95 cellar doors on your scenic flight to 15,000 feet above sea level. You’ll still be buzzing when you leave Busselton en-route to your first winery. This skydive and wine tour includes everything for an epic day: a tandem skydive, a celebratory drink at The Equinox, wine tours and tastings; lunch and all transportation from your South West accommodation. That’s a big day out in the Margaret River region – one you are sure to remember forever.
PS: Skydive Geronimo Instructor – Jake – is also a winemaker!
A Gourmet Food and Wine Experience
Wine and gourmet food are the gems of the Margaret River region so it’s not surprising to find many mouth-watering dining and wine experiences here. You don’t have to be a connoisseur to enjoy Voyager Estate’s Wine Discovery Menu, you just need to love the finer things in life. The six-course degustation menu lets your taste buds take a walk through the winery’s viticulture history. Each course is created from fresh, seasonal produce and paired with wines from their Estate Range and project wines. If you are a wine connoisseur, you may choose the top of the line and opt for wines chosen from the aged, limited and exclusive ranges. Bon appétit.
How Does Your Wine Garden Grow?
Mix horticulture with viticulture at Whicher Ridge’s Wine Sensory Garden in the Geographe wine region. Wine novices may not know that there’s more to wine than just some fermented grapes – different grape varietals & winemaking techniques (amongst many other factors) can give off an abundance of different aromas and flavours. At the sensory garden, specific fruits, vegetables and herbs along the edges showcase the descriptors of each grape, while the garden’s affinity beds show which foods go best with each bouquet. Olive and lilly-pilly trees border the plot that includes flowers and various other plants. It’s a nature and wine-lover’s paradise.
A One-of-Kind Wine Tasting
The Mann family of Mann Winery in the Swan Valley have been major players in the wine industry for a long time. They specialise in sparkling wine and are well-known for their Cygne Blanc, made from White Cabernet (which is not the same as Cabernet Blanc). The patented vino translates to ‘White Swan’. The story goes that an experiment by Mrs Mann produced this unique to Australia varietal and well, the rest is history. The Mann’s small cellar door is open from August to January (check before you go to confirm) so if the timing is right, do stop in for a taste. Chances are you’ll leave with a bottle toting a white swan. PS: We have also noticed you can sometimes pick up a bottle or two from the Chateau Guildford Cellarbrations on Swan Street in Guildford.
A Wine Flight that Doesn’t Include an Airplane
A wine flight has nothing to do with aviation and everything to do with drinking. A flight is a term used by wine connoisseurs and tasters to describe the selection of wines on offer. A flight contains three to eight samples of wine presented at the same time. Head to the Perth Hills for an Italian-Australian fusion of wine and food at La Fattoria. In keeping with Italian tradition, La Fattoria’s cellar door wine tasting experience includes nibbles and a good old chat with owners, Eric and Lucy. Cin cin.
Forget Bed & Breakfast, How About a Bed and Wine Stay?
If an afternoon of wine sampling isn’t enough, stay the night. You can at Upper Reach Wines in the Swan Valley, the only vineyard with guest accommodation in the Swan Valley currently. This adorable, self-contained character cottage sleeps up to five people and has everything you need for a relaxing stay – it even has a spa bath. Don’t worry about noisy neighbours, there’s only one cottage so remember to book ahead.
A Helicopter Wine Tour That Will Impress
Go for the total rock star treatment and arrive at your wine tasting in style with Corsaire Aviation. Your heli-wine tour starts with chauffeur pick-up from central Perth. Upon arrival to Jandakot Airport, let the wine pour with a bottle of Moet Chandon Champagne. Hop aboard one of Corsaire’s luxury helicopters and be whisked away to Margaret River for a day of wine touring and tasting. You’ll visit three cellar doors, including Aravina Estate where you’ll have a delicious three-course lunch (with wine of course). Helicopters, adventure, food and wine. What more could you want?
There’s no doubt that Western Australia is one of the leading wine producers in the country. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, having a wine experience in WA is a must, even if you don’t consider yourself a wine lover. Who knows, after tasting the best wines of the regions, you may change your tune.
Author bio: This article is written by Jennifer Morton, who writes for Skydive Geronimo – Perth’s best beach skydiving over Rottnest Island and Busselton.
