At Cape Mentelle, you’ll learn the nuances of the some of the region’s best varietals.
Go Beyond the Cellar Door
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Immersive Winery Experiences WORDS: Emily Kurys-Romer
A growing number of wine estates, owners, winemakers and sommeliers are personally welcoming visitors into their vineyards (and in on their secrets) in a swathe of new, comprehensive, the-envy-of-your-friends experiences, which means discovering beyond the cellar door and only doing a handful of wineries, but really, really in depth…Like, personal host, seated tastings, behind the scenes tours and multi-course degustation, all-day-affair-style in depth. Or organic farm walks, shaking hands with the owners, hearing about their motivations and winemaking philosophies over a glass of wine kind of in depth. Not to mention overflowing bubbles, chocolates, nature walks, elaborate picnics, DIY wine blending, and cheese platters… there is a lifetime’s worth of escapades and encounters. Start thinking of cellar doors as Margaret River’s gateway into the wine world (just remember to book ahead). Here’s a top five to get you started.
Cape Mentelle Cape Mentelle is conveniently one of the closest wineries to Margaret River itself. Its sprawling grounds play host to the much-loved annual twilight movie season, and its history lies with local wine industry pioneer David Hohnen (who also established Cloudy Bay in New Zealand). It was one of the first wineries in the region to offer a Behind the Scenes Tour and Tasting to guests, which takes in the vines right out the front of the cellar door, plus the winery, its equipment, barrel halls and cellar. Guests have the option to add various inclusions onto this original tour, such as a private tasting in the ambient barrel hall, or a food and wine pairing of six wines and gourmet morsels featuring local produce – or take a picnic basket and wine flight outside onto the lawn to enjoy. Price range: $30 - $85pp Duration: 45 mins – 2 hours Perfect for: The wine curious. Learn the nuts and bolts of winemaking here.
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