Great Southern

• Riesling: Intense and crisp, showing citrus, herbal notes, and minerality; bone-dry, with great aging potential. Top examples come from Frankland River and Porongurup.
• Shiraz: Cool-climate style, medium- to full-bodied; flavors of blackberry, plum, black pepper, and spice. Elegant tannins and savory complexity set these apart.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Structured and age-worthy, with cassis, bay leaf, and dried herb notes; youthful and intense, softening beautifully with time.
• Chardonnay: Elegant and tightly structured, often with grapefruit and citrus flavors. Mostly barrel-fermented, offering intensity without excess richness.
• Pinot Noir: Aromatic and complex; wild strawberry, red currant, and dark cherry flavors with subtle spice and earthy “forest floor” characters. Silky tannins and balanced acidity.

The Great Southern region boasts a varied terroir, shaped by its diverse climate and ancient geology. As Western Australia's coolest wine area, it experiences a Mediterranean climate that transitions from maritime in the south to continental in the north. This climate gradient is evident in places like Albany and Denmark, which enjoy cooling sea breezes and more rainfall, while Mount Barker and Frankland River have warmer days and cooler nights.

The soils are ancient, with lateritic gravelly sandy loams and sandy loams over granite and gneiss, offering excellent drainage and moderate fertility. This allows for the cultivation of high-quality grape varieties. The "Albany Doctor" breeze helps maintain acidity, extending the ripening period and enhancing flavor complexity, which is key for producing the region's acclaimed Riesling, Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

The Great Southern region in Western Australia is a tapestry of pioneering spirit and modern wine artistry. This vast and cool-climate area is celebrated through its notable wineries, each contributing to the region's rich narrative.

• Plantagenet Wines: Established in 1974, this Mount Barker pioneer is renowned for its classic Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Frankland Estate: Leading organic viticulture since 1988, it showcases superb Rieslings in the Frankland River sub-region.
• Howard Park: Known for its award-winning Riesling and 'Abercrombie' Cabernet Sauvignon, it captures the essence of Great Southern's diverse terroir.
• Duke's Vineyard: This Porongurup gem gained fame when its 2017 'Magpie Hill Reserve' Riesling was named James Halliday's 2019 Wine of the Year.

The Great Southern region of Western Australia is a leader in sustainable winemaking, deeply woven into the fabric of its diverse and ancient landscapes.

Winemakers here embrace the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia program, ensuring their practices are environmentally, socially, and economically responsible.

This commitment to sustainability is evident in the use of cover crops, sheep for natural weed control, and significant investments in solar energy and water conservation.

Many producers also explore organic and biodynamic methods, enhancing soil vitality and promoting biodiversity.

This holistic approach protects the unique terroir of sub-regions like Mount Barker and Frankland River, ensuring that the wines reflect their maritime and continental influences.

By championing these practices, the Great Southern region not only supports the environment but also assures consumers of quality wines that are both innovative and respectful of nature.

In the Great Southern of Western Australia, wine tourism offers an immersive experience that combines the region's cool-climate wines with its stunning natural scenery. The area spans five sub-regions, each with unique wine styles and over 40 cellar doors to explore.

• Wine Trails: Start in Albany, Denmark, or Mount Barker to discover intimate, family-run tasting rooms and larger wineries with dining options.
• Taste Great Southern Festival: Held every autumn, this festival highlights local food and wine, featuring seaside gatherings and masterclasses.
• Natural Attractions: Enhance your visit with hikes through the Porongurup and Stirling Ranges or explore the pristine coastline and seasonal whale watching.

This blend of wine, culinary events, and nature makes the Great Southern an ideal destination for a rich and engaging wine tourism experience.