Great Southern

• Riesling: crisp and linear, with vibrant citrus (especially lime), herbal notes, and a distinct mineral character; bone-dry, intensely age-worthy, and sometimes crafted with wild fermentation or neutral oak for added complexity.
• Shiraz: medium- to full-bodied with rich blackberry and plum flavors, layered with savory licorice, black pepper, and spice; fine tannins and cool-climate elegance, often enhanced through whole-bunch fermentation.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: structured and deeply flavored, showing classic cassis, bay leaf, and dried herb notes; youthful tannic backbone with impressive cellaring potential.
• Chardonnay: elegant and tightly structured, featuring grapefruit and citrus; typically barrel-fermented, offering intensity and finesse, with cooler sites producing refined, age-worthy examples.
• Pinot Noir: aromatic and complex, with wild strawberry, red currant, and dark cherry, underscored by subtle spice and earthy “forest floor” notes; silky tannins and balanced acidity highlight the region’s cool-climate pedigree.

In the stunning Great Southern region of Western Australia, sustainability in winemaking is more than a trend—it's a deeply rooted commitment to the land and its future. Winemakers here embrace a variety of eco-friendly practices to maintain the health of their vineyards and the surrounding environment. Through the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia program, producers assess and enhance their sustainability efforts across environmental, social, and economic dimensions, ensuring that every bottle reflects responsible stewardship. This program, supported by Wines of WA, offers certifications that reassure consumers of the responsible practices employed in creating these wines. Great Southern winemakers employ diverse methods to support their sustainability goals, from using natural pest control with animals like sheep and ducks to implementing solar power systems that significantly reduce reliance on traditional energy sources. Many also practice organic and biodynamic viticulture, emphasizing soil health and biodiversity to create vibrant, expressive wines. By integrating these practices, the region not only protects its unique terroir but also fosters a more resilient wine industry. As a result, Great Southern continues to build its reputation for producing wines that are not only high in quality but also crafted with care for the environment.

The Great Southern region of Western Australia is a captivating destination for wine tourism, harmonizing the allure of fine wines with breathtaking landscapes. Visitors exploring this vast area can embark on a journey through its five distinct sub-regions, each offering a unique taste of the local terroir. From the crisp, mineral-laden Rieslings of Mount Barker to the robust, elegant Shiraz of Frankland River, the region's diversity in wine styles is a direct reflection of its complex geographical tapestry. With over 70 producers, the region boasts a rich viticultural history, making it a noteworthy stop for wine enthusiasts eager to experience both traditional and innovative winemaking. Beyond the vineyards, the Great Southern offers a rich tapestry of experiences that extend into culinary and natural adventures. The annual Taste Great Southern festival is a highlight, celebrating the region's gastronomic excellence with events that range from masterclasses to vibrant markets. This fusion of food, wine, and nature is further enhanced by the area's stunning natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking, coastal exploration, and wildlife encounters. This unique blend of offerings makes the Great Southern not just a place for wine tasting but a holistic destination for those seeking a deeper connection with both the land and its produce.

The Great Southern region is characterized by its diverse terroir, influenced by the interplay of coastal breezes and elevated inland areas. This geographical variety is mirrored in its soil types, which range from gravelly loams to rich clays, creating optimal conditions for cultivating an array of grape varieties. The cool climate, marked by fresh sea winds and pronounced diurnal temperature variations, ensures a slow and steady grape ripening process, preserving acidity and enhancing flavor complexity. The extended growing season in Great Southern is ideal for developing rich phenolics, particularly in varieties like Riesling and Pinot Noir. The region's natural disease resistance, bolstered by constant winds, fosters sustainable viticulture, contributing to its acclaim for producing wines that are both pure and elegant.

The Great Southern region in Western Australia is home to a vibrant tapestry of wineries that showcase the area's rich viticultural history and modern innovation. Here are some of the notable producers:

• Plantagenet Wines: A pioneering estate in Mount Barker, celebrated for its classic Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon since 1974.
• Frankland Estate: Leading the way in organic viticulture in the Frankland River, renowned for its exceptional single-vineyard Rieslings.
• Alkoomi Wines: An early influence in Frankland River with a legacy of crafting cool-climate wines, particularly their signature Shiraz.
• Howard Park: Distinguished for its Great Southern Rieslings and 'Abercrombie' Cabernet Sauvignon, combining elegance with sub-regional character.
• Castle Rock Estate: Masters of the Porongurup range, producing award-winning Rieslings that capture the unique terroir.
• Duke's Vineyard: Gained acclaim with its 'Magpie Hill Reserve' Riesling, reflecting Porongurup's potential for world-class wines.
• Swinney: Known for its precision in Frankland River, crafting elegant Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre.
• La Violetta & Brave New Wine: Innovators in minimal-intervention winemaking, offering distinctive small-batch creations.