We began our Margaret River gastronomic explorations at Voyager Estate. The wine estate, founded in 1991, is located in the best-known wine region of Western Australia, 275 km drive south of Perth. It is a compact wine region. From Busseltown at the north end to Augusta at the south end it is only 110 km, with a maximum width of 27km. Other main towns include Dunsborough, Yallingup, Cowaramup and Margaret River. While the wine region only produces 3% of Australia’s wine however, it produces 20% of Australia’s premium wines. Voyager Estate in the Stevens Valley is an area, which has been referred to as Margaret River's "golden triangle". Not only is Voyager Estate known for its premium wines but also it has an excellent winery restaurant. Hence the perfect place to begin our Margaret River adventure.
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Voyager Estate, Margaret River © Spaswinefood
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| Entrance to Voyager Estate © Spaswinefood |
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Ever since Dr. Tom Culity planted the first commercial vineyard in 1967, the number of Margaret River wine cellars has grown. This wine region is now home to over 215 wine producers, with over 95 cellar doors (tasting rooms). The most common white grape varietals grown in this region include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, whereas the most common red grape varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. Throughout the area you will find cellar doors (tasting rooms), ranging from amazing architectural designs, like Voyager Estate, to rustic sheds.
An introduction to Margaret River wines and culinary happenings
We were indeed introduced to some of the best Australian wines at Voyager Estate. Voyager Estate's winery and vineyard is certified by EntWine Australia for its sustainable practices.
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| Fall Time, Voyager Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood |
From the moment you arrive at the entrance and drive pass the expansive vineyard to the cellar door (tasting room), you get a sense of a place where good wines are made.
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| Voyager Estate Cellar Door © Spaswinefood |
Our wine tasting included a wide range of Voyager Estate Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon; and Voyager Estate red wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. Some of the wines from their Estate, Project and Tom Price wine series that we tasted included the following:
Voyager Estate White Wines
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| Voyager Estate, Blanc de Blanc 2012 © Spaswinefood |
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| Voyager Estate, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2014 © Spaswinefood |
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| Voyager Estate, Chardonnay 2011 © Spaswinefood |
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| Voyager Estate, Chenin Blanc 2014 © Spaswinefood |
Voyager Estate Red Wines
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| Voyager Estate, Cabernet Merlot 2012 © Spaswinefood |
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| Voyager Estate, Shiraz 2011 © Spaswinefood |
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| Voyager Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2010 © Spaswinefood |
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| Voyager Estate, Project U12 North Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 © Spaswinefood |
We were indeed introduced to some of the best Australian wines at Voyager Estate. We also checked out their winery restaurant.
Dining at Voyager Estate Restaurant
Our first Margaret River culinary outing was lunch at the Voyager Estate restaurant.
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Voyager Estate Restaurant, Margaret River © Spaswinefood
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After our wine tasting we ate lunch at the Voyager Estate Restaurant. Our lunch table had a great window view onto the estate.
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Voyager Estate Restaurant © Spaswinefood
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First, we decided on wines for lunch.
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Deciding, Voyager Estate Restaurant © Spaswinefood
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I selected a white wine flight for lunch.
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Wine Time, Voyager Estate Restaurant © Spaswinefood
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Voyager Estate White Wine Flight © Spaswinefood
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Our lunch orders that day included.
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Gnocchi, Voyager Estate Restaurant © Spaswinefood
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Pork Dish, Voyager Estate Restaurant © Spaswinefood
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We also ordered a quinoa salad to share.
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Quinoa Salad, Voyager Estate Restaurant © Spaswinefood
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Dining at Voyager Estate Restaurant was indeed a culinary delight.
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| Voyager Estate Sign © Spaswinefood |
I loved both Voyager Estate wines and our dining experience at their restaurant. It was an awesome introduction to Margaret River Region. You may already know but the whole area is indeed a gastronomic delight, with over 30 wineries with a restaurant. You will also find a wide range of other restaurants throughout the Margaret River wine region. Foodies will fall in love with this "culinary hotspot" where chefs use the best local ingredients to prepare dishes to compliment the local vintages. While Spaswinefood was in Margaret River we so enjoyed sampling the local cuisine and wines. During our three-day stay we dined at a number of other Margaret River restaurants.
Do not forget to put Voyager Estate on your list. The Margaret River wine region is easily 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 Margaret River, West Australia and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.
Sharon
April 2015
Margaret River
Western Australia
© Spaswinefood
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| Voyager Estate Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
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