Interesting Facts About Wines of Western Australia

Secluded and breathtakingly beautiful, Western Australia is more than just an Australian state; it’s a state of mind. From the fresh city vibes of Perth to the stunning, untouched outback landscapes, Western Australia is a location that you just have to experience for yourself.

Of course, no conversation about Western Australia would be complete without talking about its wine regions. From the world-famous Margaret River to the oldest and most unique wine region in the state, there is plenty to explore and experience in WA.

Whether you’re planning a trip to the area or you want to import wines of Western Australia internationally, this guide will tell some of the stories of the local wine regions and inspire you on your own Western Australian wine journey.

Interesting Facts About Wines of Western Australia

1. Cool Climate Wine Isn’t Where It All Began

When you think of wines of Western Australia, you probably picture cooler climate varieties. While WA can be incredibly hot, the most famous and successful wine regions in the state found their home in the cooler southwest corner.

The most prominent example of this would have to be Margaret River. Taking advantage of local conditions, this region is best known for its incredible Chardonnay, while its red wine varieties boast elegance and medium bodies, the exact characteristics that you would expect from a cool-climate red.

Long before the success of these cooler regions, Western Australia had the Swan Valley. This wine region isn’t just considered one of the hottest in WA or Australia, but the hottest in the world. Still operating today, the Swan Valley produces rich wines with full fruit palates. Also on the menu in the Swan Valley are fortified wines, which are known for their sweetness and high alcohol content.

2. What Makes Margaret River Chardonnay So Good?

As previously mentioned, Margaret River is the jewel of Western Australia’s wine regions and Chardonnay is the premium variety produced in the area. Internationally renowned, Margaret River Chardonnay stands alongside, and often stands above, other Chardonnays from regions such as Burgundy in France or the Napa Valley in the USA.

The secret to Margaret River’s success is in an incredible balance local winemakers strike when producing this variety. In general, Margaret River Chardonnays do not lean heavily into the oaky or buttery styles that were most popular in the 1980s, but they do not completely abandon them either. The result is a refreshing and precise acidity that defines modern chardonnay, with just enough full fruit flavors to balance this out. Margaret River Chardonnays are complex wines that will age gracefully for many years and can often also be enjoyed young. Just check it mclaren vale shiraz!

3. The Styles of Wine You Simply Must Try from Western Australia

Whether you’re visiting the region yourself or you want to import wines of Western Australia, the one thing you want to know is which varieties to try. While there are many grape varieties on offer, these are the ones that stand out.

• Chardonnay: We’ve spoken about it already and its reputation speaks for itself. West Australian Chardonnay, particularly from the Margaret River region, is a must-try.

• Riesling: Another West Australian white wine that you can expect plenty of complexity from. Bursting with crispness and acidity, many West Australian Rieslings boast lush qualities when young, while more refined and intense flavors develop with age.

• Cabernet Sauvignon: Not the full-bodied and heavy varieties that you will find in other parts of the country, Cabernet Sauvignon from Western Australia provides a refreshing change. Expect a medium-bodied red wine that still boasts rich fruit flavors and is perfect for cellaring.

Other varieties worth sampling from Western Australia include Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Shiraz, and Tempranillo. Discover the destination at Benders Bus Tours.

4. Western Australian Wine by the Numbers

Numbers never tell the full story, but these stats will give you a great overview of just what Western Australian wine has to offer:

• 9 major wine regions are on offer in WA, most of which are situated in the southwest

• 10,000+ hectares of grapevine are being used right now to produce wine across the state

• More than 150 years ago, WA’s first wine region was born in Swan Valley. In contrast, the best-known region of Margaret River celebrated just 50 years in 2017

• According to Halliday, there are nearly 500 wine producers in Western Australia

• The famous Margaret River Wine region is about 270km (168 miles) from Western Australia’s capital city, Perth. That’s about 3 hours away by car! By contrast, you can go from Perth CBD to the Swan Valley in less than half an hour.

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5. You Can Find Western Australian Wine Around the World

Every year, Western Australia’s quality wine is shipped to more than 60 countries around the world, with more than 10% of the wine produced being exported. Despite contributing to just a fraction of Australia’s overall wine production, many WA wines are enjoyed across the globe.

While it will be easier to find some varieties than others, you can always partner with a local Australian wine expert to ship Western Australian wine to your door. With fast delivery and direct access to cellar doors from across the country, it’s easier than ever to enjoy Western Australia’s finest wines internationally. And now that you know these facts, you can tell your friends all about it when you’re sharing a bottle of your favorite Western Australian wine.