Western Australian Wines: Elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Riesling from WA

Margaret River or Great Southern?

The short answer is climate. Margaret River is warmer, with a mild maritime climate and the ocean on three sides, and is known above all for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends.

The Great Southern lies south east of Margaret River and stretches from the coast around Albany and Denmark inland to Frankland River. It is cooler and more varied, one of Australia's largest wine regions by area, and known for fine dry Riesling, peppery Shiraz and firm, long lived Cabernet.

Its subregions each have their own style. Frankland River, inland in the north west of the region, makes Shiraz, Riesling and structured Cabernet, while the vineyards around Mount Barker are known for fine Riesling and Pinot Noir. Porongurup, Denmark and Albany complete the region.

Among the other WA wine regions, Pemberton is known for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Geographe runs from Geographe Bay inland to the Ferguson Valley, and the Swan Valley and Perth Hills make generous wines close to the city.

Western Australian Red Wine

Western Australian Cabernet Sauvignon is the state's signature red wine: medium to full bodied, with blackcurrant, cedar and fine tannins. It is often blended with Merlot, and Malbec from the Great Southern adds plush fruit to some of the finest blends.

WA Shiraz from the Great Southern, especially Frankland River, is a cool climate style with pepper and spice. Pinot Noir from Pemberton, Denmark and Mount Barker shows the cooler side of the state.

Western Australian White Wine

Western Australian Chardonnay is the largest white in our range, from fresh, unoaked wines to rich, barrel fermented reserve bottles. Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are often blended into the crisp, zesty Semillon Sauvignon Blanc that the state is famous for.

Western Australian Riesling, above all from the Great Southern, is dry, fine and citrus scented, with the acidity to age well for a decade or more. Try the Harewood Porongurup or Castelli Estate Riesling.

Western Australian Wine Brands in Our Range

From Margaret River come Cape Mentelle, Xanadu, Vasse Felix, Hay Shed Hill and Leeuwin Estate. Howard Park makes wine from Margaret River, the Great Southern and Pemberton, while West Cape Howe, based near Mount Barker, focuses on the Great Southern.

The Great Southern is represented by Forest Hill, Harewood Estate, Castelli Estate, Singlefile and 3 Drops, while Alkoomi and Cherubino bring Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet from Frankland River.

Serving and Food Pairing

Serve Cabernet and Shiraz at 16 to 18 degrees, and Chardonnay and Riesling at 8 to 12 degrees. Cabernet loves roast lamb and steak, Chardonnay suits marron and crayfish, and dry Riesling is a natural match for oysters and Asian dishes.

What Wine Is Western Australia Famous For? Your Questions, Answered

What wine is Western Australia famous for?

WA is famous for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay from Margaret River, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends and fine dry Riesling from the Great Southern.

What is Western Australia's oldest wine region?

The Swan Valley, just north east of Perth, is the oldest. The first vines were planted there in 1829, the year the colony was founded, and some family wineries are now in their third or fourth generation.

How is WA wine different from South Australian wine?

Most WA vineyards lie close to the Indian or Southern Ocean, and the state is known above all for Cabernet, Chardonnay and Riesling. South Australia is better known for rich, full bodied Shiraz from the Barossa and McLaren Vale, and for old vine Grenache.

Why Buy Western Australian Wine at YourWines?

From an everyday Semillon Sauvignon Blanc to a cellar worthy Cabernet, you can buy Western Australian wines online for every style, occasion and budget, alongside the rest of our Australian wine range.

Every wine is chosen by our team, available by the dozen or as a six-pack, and shipping is free Australia wide with a surcharge for WA, TAS and remote areas.