One beautiful April morning we pulled into Xanadu Winery in Margaret River, Western Australia. I must admit that whenever I hear the word Xanadu my thoughts often shift to thinking about utopia. You know that place of wonderment, contentment and great joy. My thoughts are obviously influenced by Samuel Taylor Coolridge's poem Kubla Khan, which inspired movies, musicals and so much more. My memories of our Xanadu visit similarly conjured up synonyms like Shangri-la, heaven and paradise.
 |
Through the Gates to Xanadu © Spaswinefood
|
Xanadu Winery, Margaret River
During our Australian adventure we were first introduced to Xanadu wines at Yarra Valley's Yering Station. Both Yering Station and Xanadu Winery are a part the Rathborne Wine Group. So naturally during our Margaret River wine country explorations we just had to visit Xanadu. How can you resist visiting a winery named Xanadu?
 |
| Xanadu Winery, Margaret River © Spaswinefood |
When we arrived at the entrance to Xanadu Winery, Margaret River we could not help but be impressed. From the very moment you drive through the front gates you get a sense of the expansive vineyards. The grandeur of this vinous landscape is quite stunning.
 |
| Xanadu Vineyard © Spaswinefood |
We stopped to take in the fall vineyard views (fall in Australia is March-June). Yes, it is hard not to be impressed by Xanadu's expansive vineyards.
 |
Xanadu © Spaswinefood
|
Besides the vineyards were in full fall colors.
 |
| Fall Vineyard, Xanadu Winery © Spaswinefood |
Once side the gates of this expansive estate we followed the directions to the cellar door (tasting room).
 |
| Xanadu Winery Cellar Door & Restaurant © Spaswinefood |
Soon we arrived at the cellar door.
 |
| Xanadu Winery Cellar Door © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Cellar Door, Xanadu Winery © Spaswinefood |
Xanadu Wines
During our Xanadu Winery visit we did a wine tasting from the menu.
 |
| Xanadu Winery, Margaret River © Spaswinefood |
As I noted earlier this was not our first introduction to Xanadu wines. In fact, it was an opportunity to reflect on our earlier visit to Yering Station in the Yarra Valley.
 |
| Yarra Valley, Australia © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Yering Station, Yarra Valley © Spaswinefood |
 |
| Patio Yering Station, Yarra Valley © Spaswinefood |
Earlier at Yering Station we tasted our first Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, a Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon. From that moment we put a visit to Xanadu Winery, Margaret River on our list. We had hoped that it would be possible to visit. Now months later, after driving 4,000 km or more, here we were at Xanadu.
 |
First Intro to Xanadu Wine, Yering Station © Spaswinefood
|
While at Yering Station we also tasted a Xanadu Fortified Shiraz.
 |
| Xanadu Fortified Shiraz, Margaret River 2012 © Spaswinefood |
Now here we were at Xanadu. The place where these wines were made. Needless to say before leaving Xanadu that day we picked up some Xanadu wines for the road.
 |
| Xanadu Shiraz, Margaret River 2012 © Spaswinefood |
Then later during our visit to Monkey Mia, Western Australia we enjoyed a Xanadu Rosé while sailing.
 |
| Xanadu Rosé © Spaswinefood |
Those Xanadu Rosé moments at Monkey Mia were indeed delightful.
Margaret River's Gastronomic Scene
If your travels take you to Xanadu you might also like to check out their restaurant. You may already know but the area is also gastronomic delight, with over 30 wineries with a restaurant. Xanadu is one of those wineries. You will also find a wide range of non-winery restaurants throughout the Margaret River wine region. Area chefs are known for preparing dishes with locally sourced ingredients that compliment the local vintages.
 |
| Xanadu Restaurant, Margaret River © Spaswinefood |
Xanadu located in the best-known wine region of Western Australia, Margaret River Region, is 275 km drive south of Perth. This wine region is only 110 km from Busseltown at the north end to Augusta at the south end. While this compact area only produces 3% of Australia’s wine it produces 20% of Australia’s premium wines. The region is home to over 215 wine producers, with over 95-cellar door (tasting rooms). 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.
Margaret River wineries are accessible by car, bus and train from Perth, which 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
 |
| Xanadu, Margaret River © Spaswinefood |
No comments:
Post a Comment