Margaret River's Leeuwin Estate where the wines are so good

Just imagine you are sitting on the patio sipping a Chardonnay, one of the best you have ever tasted. Then imagine it is a Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay. Right from the beginning of our Australian adventure we kept hearing about Margaret River wines. Now, here we were at Leeuwin Estate, one of the top wineries in Western Australia's best-known wine region. We were about to discover some very special wines. Never had I tasted such a refreshing Chardonnay. Just in case you are wondering where the Margaret River Region is, it is just 275 km drive south of Perth. 

Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River © Spaswinefood

Yes, Leeuwin Estate is located in a very special wine-growing region. While the region only produces 3% of Australia’s wine it produces 20% of Australia’s premium wines. The Margaret River Region is home to over 215 wine producers, with over 95-cellar door (tasting rooms). Since the first commercial vineyard was established at Vasse Felix by Dr. Tom Culity in 1967, the number of wine cellars has grown. Throughout the area the most common white grape varietals include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon; whereas the most common red grape varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. This Spaswinefood enthusiast was thrilled to visit the Leeuwin Estate.

Leeuwin Estate
We soon discovered that Leeuwin Estate wines are absolutely delightful. 

Our wine tasting began with a Leeuwin Estate sparkling wine.

Leeuwin Estate Brut 2011 © Spaswinefood

Next, we were introduced to their Art Series.

Art Series

Leeuwin Estate, Art Series Riesling 2014 © Spaswinefood

Leeuwin Estate, Art Series Sauvignon Blanc 2013  © Spaswinefood

Leeuwin Estate, Art Series Sauvignon Blanc Semillon  © Spaswinefood

Leeuwin Estate, Art Series Chardonnay 2012  © Spaswinefood

Leeuwin Estate, Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 © Spaswinefood

Let me not forget Leeuwin Estate Shiraz. I tasted two Shiraz wines that the winery produces. The first was from the Art Series, and the second was from the Sibling Series.

Leeuwin Estate, Art Series Shiraz 2012 © Spaswinefood

The Siblings Series

Leeuwin Estate, Siblings Shiraz 2011 © Spaswinefood

Prelude Vineyards Wines
But of course, we tasted wines from their amazing Prelude Vineyards, their Chardonnay and Cabernet  Merlot wines.

Leeuwin Estate, Prelude Vineyards Chardonnay © Spaswinefood

Leeuwin Estate, Prelude Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2011 © Spaswinefood

YES, the Leeuwin Estate does wines well. The winery's key wine varietals include Chardonnay, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon. From their Classic White and Red wines, to their Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon and their Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz I was totally impressed. I loved all of their wines. I did not need anyone to explain to me why their Chardonnay is one of the best in Australia, and the world. You only have to taste it once to see why it is on the top wine awards lists. Just in case you can not get to Margaret River then you must taste their wines. Leeuwin Estate wines are widely distributed throughout the world. They are available in the US from Old Bridge Cellars.

While at the Leeuwin Estate
Leeuwin Estate is a beautiful wine estate. Not only does it have an award winning wine cellar (tasting room) but fabulous art gallery and an award winning winery restaurant.

Leeuwin Estate Art Gallery © Spaswinefood

If time permits take a tour of this wine estate.

Margaret River's Leeuwin Estate © Spaswinefood

In addition to tasting wines Leeuwin Estate offers opportunities to have a wine and food experience.

Leeuwin Estate © Spaswinefood

For those wanting a more in-depth food and wine experience you can also dine at their award winning winery restaurant. 

Leeuwin Estate Restaurant © Spaswinefood

It is restaurants like the Leeuwin Estate that contribute to making Margaret River, a culinary hotspot. What makes this wine region such a culinary hotspot is that it is home to over 30 wineries with a restaurant. Moreover, you will also find a wide range of restaurants throughout the region. Area chefs use the best of ingredients to prepare dishes that compliment the local vintages. The main towns where you can check out culinary delights include Busseltown, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Cowaramup, Margaret River and Augusta. This compact wine region is easy to explore. It is only 110 km from Busseltown at the north end to Augusta at the south end. However, the challenge in Margaret River is to make decisions on where to go. During Spaswinefood's three-day stay in the Margaret River Region we sampled some amazing local cuisine and wine. 

Visitors to Margaret River will soon discover what makes Leeuwin Estate one of the top wineries. This winery has been described by critics as setting the benchmark for Margaret River wines. Margaret River is accessible by car, bus and train from Perth. Perth is served by domestic and international flights. There is so much to do and see in Western Australia. I invite you to join me in my travels in West Australia and elsewhere at Spaswinefood. 

Sharon

April 2015

Margaret River

Western Australia

© Spaswinefood

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