Initially Juniper Estate was not on my list of Margaret River wineries to visit. However, that all changed after we ordered a Juniper Estate Tempranillo at Morries Restaurant for dinner. We had come to Margaret River because it is the best-known wine region of Western Australia. Just in case you curious to know Margaret River Wine Region is located just 275 km drive south of Perth. While this region only produces 3% of Australia’s wine it produces 20% of Australia’s premium wines. The fact that Margaret River is well known for its premium wines, makes it a very special wine-growing region. Last April we excited to discover first hand what is so special about Margaret River wineries, such as Juniper Estate.
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| Juniper Estate, Margaret River © Spaswinefood |
Dr. Tom Culity planted the first commercial vineyard at Vasse Felix in 1967. Juniper Estate, right next door, was founded in 1973 when Henry and Maureen Wright planted their first vineyard. Then known as Wrights vineyard, it was one of the first six Margaret River wine producers. Later it was named Juniper Estate. Since that time the number Margaret River wineries has grown. Today the region is home to over 215 wine producers, with over 95-cellar door (tasting rooms). These cellar doors range from amazing architectural designs to rustic sheds. 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. Spaswinefood was thrilled to discover some of the special wineries in this wine region.
Juniper Estate
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| Juniper Estate, Margaret River © Spaswinefood |
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| Juniper Estate Cellar Door © Spaswinefood |
We were first introduced to Juniper Estate wines at Morries Restaurant, Margaret River. Also while touring the wineries it was recommended that we put this winery on our list.
Discovering Juniper Estate at Morries
Morries Restaurant located in Margaret River is a great place to dine.
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| Morris Restaurant, Margaret River © Spaswinefood |
When we asked for recommendations of where to dine in the town of Margaret River Morries was one the restaurants that was recommended. We decided to have dinner there. We were not disappointed.
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| Dining at Morries © Spaswinefood |
For dinner that evening we tried a Juniper Estate Tempranillo. It was a good choice.
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Juniper Estate, Tempranillo 2013 © Spaswinefood
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| Juniper Estate, Tempranillo 2013 (Back label) © Spaswinefood |
You may already know but Margaret is also gastronomic delight, with over 30 wineries with a restaurant. You will also find a wide range of restaurants throughout the Margaret River wine region. Area chefs use the best South West ingredients to prepare dishes that compliment local vintages. Given that Margaret River is known as a culinary hotspot visitors will find many awesome places to explore food and wine.
Juniper Estate
Juniper Estate is located in Wilyabrup, one of the most successful sub-regions in Margaret River. This sub-region is known for its premium wines, particularly for reds. Wilyabrup is also known for its famous small vineyards. The historic Vasse Felix winery is next door to Juniper Estate. After visiting Vasse Felix we dropped by to sample more Juniper Estate Tempranillo. This boutique winery produces handcrafted premium wines in small batches.
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| Juniper Estate Vineyards, Margaret River © Spaswinefood |
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| Juniper Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood |
While at Juniper Estate we also sampled some of their white wines.
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| Tasting at Juniper Estate, Margaret River © Spaswinefood |
We had come to Juniper Estate to taste their wines. We were not disappointed. In addition to their Tempranillo I also liked their Chardonnay. In a wine region known for its (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz) Juniper Estate is one of the few wineries in the area growing Tempranillo. In this sense their wines are unique.
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| Juniper Estate Tempranillo 2013© Spaswinefood |
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| Off to Juniper Estate, Margaret River © Spaswinefood |
Our visit to Juniper Estate winery certainly added to our appreciation of Margaret River wineries. Juniper Estate wines are available in the US at Red Earth Wines.
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| Picnic Area, Juniper Estate © Spaswinefood |
The Margaret River wine region is accessible by car, bus and train from Perth. Perth is served by domestic and international flights. The main towns include Busseltown, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Cowaramup, Margaret River and Augusta. The wine region is quite compact. It is only 110 km from Busseltown at the north end to Augusta at the south end. 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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| Autumn Flowers, Juniper Estate © Spaswinefood |
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