Take your senses beyond the glass at Cape Mentelle Margaret River, writes Eleanor Edstrom.
It’s a place where pristine natural vistas, robust cabernet sauvignon and full-flavoured chardonnay all vie for your attention. Cradled by native bushland and serene coastal stretches, the Margaret River stands as one of the most isolated and sought-after wine regions in the world. With a warm Mediterranean climate tempered by ocean breezes, the prized viticulture playground provides ideal conditions for growing high-quality varietals that lure passionate winemakers and oenophiles from across the globe. And the ideal place to explore its unique heritage? Cape Mentelle Margaret River.
What is the history of the Cape Mentelle?
Established as one of the Margaret River’s ‘Founding Five’ wineries in 1970, Cape Mentelle Margaret River has played a pioneering role in the region’s winemaking evolution. The estate has long been committed to producing premium drops that express the Margaret River’s unique terroir and incorporating sustainable practices that demonstrate a deep respect for the surrounding landscapes. Four picturesque vineyards await with primary plantings of cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and shiraz.
Cellar door tastings at Cape Mentelle Margaret River
Just four kilometres from the Margaret River township, Cape Mentelle winery boasts an idyllic coastal setting set amongst meandering gardens and flowering native Marri trees. When the sun is shining, the outdoor picnic tables are a delightful place to share a bottle of wine and a few bites to eat.
The heart of Cape Mentelle Margaret River, however, lies in its cellar door. Hosted in an ambient rammed-earth barrel hall, the tasting experiences connect guests to both the land and winemaking process, with personalised and private tastings available. Savour the Margaret River’s signature varieties during a half-an-hour Heritage Tasting or Regional Tasting, or explore the impressive museum collection with a Back Vintage Tasting. The latter experiences lasts around an hour and examines how varying vintage conditions and winemaking techniques impact the aging process.
Cape Mentelle Margaret River wine tours
For those looking to delve deeper into the winery’s fascinating history, the behind-the-scenes wine tours offer a memorable immersion into the estate’s winemaking practices. Begin with a guided walk through the storied Wallcliffe Vineyard, where you’ll learn about the vine life cycle and the different influences on viticultural quality, before discovering the craft of destemming, maceration and barrel ageing in the winery. Visitors may even have the chance to ‘tank thieve’ by tasting straight from the barrel. Curated canapés paired with six current release wines makes the perfect final chapter to the experience during the add-on food and wine pairing.
Whether you’re drawn to Margaret River’s stunning landscapes or its winemaking heritage, Cape Mentelle Margaret River captures the harmony between nature and craftsmanship in every sip.
FAQs
How many wineries does Margaret River have?
The Margaret River region flaunts an impressive 215 vineyards and 187 wineries.
What is the best time to visit Margaret River?
The best time to visit the Margaret River is during Spring (September to November), when temperatures are warm but not overly hot and tourist numbers are fewer than in summer. Lying outside of peak season, autumn (March to May) is also a fantastic time to see the region.
Who owns Cape Mentelle?
Cape Mentelle Margaret River was previously owned by Veuve Clicquot and French luxury goods company Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy before being acquired by Endeavour Group’s fine wine portfolio, Paragon Wine Estates, in 2023.
How long does it take to drive from Perth to Margaret River?
Driving from Perth to Margaret River takes approximately three hours. If you prefer to take public transport, South West Coastlines offer coach services from Perth Airport to Margaret River via Busselton.
Is wine tasting free in Margaret River?
Many wineries in the Margaret River have wine tasting fees, which recognises the costs associated with time spent with visitors and opening the bottles. However, some wineries in the region offer complimentary wine tastings such as Marri Wood Park.
What is the 2018 Cape Mentelle Zinfandel?
The 2018 Cape Mentelle Zinfandel is a red wine from Margaret River with a blend of from 91% Zinfandel and 9% Shiraz. Zinfandel was introduced to the Cape Mentelle Margaret River estate vineyard from California in 1974 after founder David Hohnen fell in love with the grape variety when studying in the US in the early ’70s.
Meet the 2022 Cape Mentelle Zinfandel
The 2022 Cape Mentelle Zinfandel is a bold, deep-purple wine with vibrant aromas of black cherry, raspberry, fig, coconut and lavender, layered with sweet spices like nutmeg, vanilla and star anise. The palate is smooth and rich, bursting with black forest fruits, chocolate-coated candied orange, spice and a touch of tobacco. Fine, lively tannins carry through to a confident, full-flavored finish. Perfect with spiced lamb tagine, lentil and eggplant stew or classic tiramisu.
Why is Margaret River famous?
Thanks to its ideal climate for growing sought-after varietals, the Margaret River is one of Australia’s most remarkable wine and vineyard regions.
What are the 5 founding wineries in Margaret River?
The development of Margaret River as a renowned wine region can be credited to several pioneering wineries in the late 1960s and early ’70s, including:
- Cape Mentelle Margaret River
- Vasse Felix
- Cullen Wines
- Moss Wood Wines
- Leeuwin Estate
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This article was produced with content supplied by Paragon Wine Estates and originally appeared in Volume 51 of Signature Luxury Travel & Style magazine. Subscribe to the latest issue today.
