ULTIMATE WINERY EXPERIENCES AUSTRALIA
Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia are a hand-selected collection of Australia’s premium wineries, offering quality winery experiences based around world class wines, warm and knowledgeable hospitality and culinary excellence. To create your ultimate itinerary in Margaret River we have included only the very best available experiences in the field of Wineries, Luxury Lodges, Great Walks of Australia and the Discover Aboriginal Experiences.
ULTIMATE MARGARET RIVER DAY TOUR
A luxurious one-day immersion in Margaret River
OFFERS THE ULTIMATE TOUR OF THE MARGARET RIVER WINE REGION FOR BETWEEN TWO AND SIX GUESTS, SHOWCASING THE REGIONS PROVENANCE, THROUGH SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES TOUCHING ON GRAPE GROWING, WINEMAKING AND FOOD AND WINE PAIRING. AND INCLUDING AN EXCLUSIVE AND UNIQUE ‘BEHIND THE SCENES’ WITH MASTER POTTER IAN BENISTON OF ‘SENSEI POTS’ DELVING INTO THE WORLD OF POTTERY AND CERAMIC ART!
This tour includes a choice of one of the below signature experiences, followed by a behind the scenes exploration into the world of pottery and ceramic art with master potter, Ian Beniston:
VOYAGER ESTATE
THE ESTATE TOUR WITH 4 COURSE MENU
Travel beyond the Cellar Door with an immersive exploration of our craft and terroir.
The adventure begins with a guided walk through the Estate vineyards – as you learn about organic farming methods, unique microclimate and maritime influence, all essential to the distinctive Voyager Estate style. From here you’ll visit the Winery, taste wine straight from the barrel and gain an insight into the philosophy that drives their winemaking craft.
Once you’ve seen where the wine comes from, you’ll be guided through a portfolio tasting across their range of celebrated Margaret River varietals. You will then move into their elegant Restaurant for the Terroir Menu, where each dish is inspired by the wines while celebrating pristine local produce. The 4-course Terroir menu allows you some choice for your dining experience, and included is a wine flight of three wines paired to the chosen dishes.
VASSE FELIX
THE EPICUREAN TOUR
The ultimate vine to table tour for the gourmet adventurer, this immersive experience includes the rare opportunity to explore behind the scenes at Vasse Felix.
Beginning in the region’s oldest vineyard, learn how Vasse Felix grows fruit in the most sustainable way with an introduction to organics and the unique environment that makes Margaret River exceptional for growing and making fine wine. Pass by Margaret River’s original Cabernet vines before you tour behind the scenes with exclusive access to the Vasse Felix winery. Explore the barrel hall and world of artful and innovative winemaking, before joining your host for a private tasting of the Vasse Felix Wine Collection.
From here, the chef’s five course tasting menu, paired with rare Vasse Felix Icon wines brings your full Margaret River gastronomy experience together. Relax and while away the hours with mind-blowing interpretations of incredible local produce, uncovering the chefs’ philosophies of wine and food pairing along the journey.
LEEUWIN ESTATE
THE ULTIMATE SEASONAL EXPERIENCE
This enthralling exploration of Leeuwin Estate’s fine wine, food and commitment to the arts begins with a glass of sparkling Brut and an introduction to the winemaking philosophy that underpins this family-owned estate.
You will tour the Leeuwin Art Gallery and discover the compelling collection of contemporary Australian artworks that feature on the winery’s iconic ‘Art Series’ labels. Peruse the artworks at your leisure and learn about the renowned Leeuwin Concert Series, featuring alfresco performances from the world’s leading musicians and entertainers.
A tutored tasting of five Leeuwin Estate wines, accompanied by West Australian delicacies precedes an exquisite three course seasonal lunch in the award-winning Leeuwin Restaurant, accompanied by perfectly paired Art Series wines.
SENSEI POTS
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH MASTER POTTER, IAN BENISTON
Explore the world of pottery and ceramic art with Master Potter, Ian Beniston. Working from his Sensei Pots Studio Gallery in the north of the Cape region, Ian has worked as a professional potter for 40 years. Known for his lustrous copper red glazes, decorative art pieces and sophisticated tableware, Ian is highly regarded for the exceptional quality of his craftsmanship, use of bold colour, texture and timeless clean lines.
During this exclusive 90 minute experience, you’ll step beyond the gallery into the studio where Ian will share insights into his creative process and the art of making works from clay - from throwing and firing, to the technical art of glaze making.
Following the studio tour, guests will have an opportunity to peruse the gallery.
TOUR BRIEF
WHOLE DAY TOUR / 7 HOURS
FOR BETWEEN TWO AND SIX GUESTS
BOTTLED WATER WILL BE PROVIDED AND PLEASE ADVISE OF ANY DIETARIES WHEN BOOKING THIS EXPERIENCE
PICK UP TIMES WILL VARY DEPENDANT UPON YOUR LOCATION, HOWEVER EXPECT THIS TO BE BETWEEN 9.30AM TO 10.00AM
AVAILABLE
WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY *
* may vary depending on signature experience selected and time of year
COST
POA – PRICE VARIES DEPENDING UPON SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE AND NUMBER OF GUESTS
LOCATION
MARGARET RIVER WINE REGION
Bookings are Essential
SENSORY INDULGENCE OF MARGARET RIVER
A wine, food, culture and nature discovery
features
A three-day, two-night sensory indulgence of the Margaret River region, showcasing two of the regions ultimate winery experiences based around world class wine and food. Including an aboriginal cultural discovery and participation on one of the great walks of Australia. There is an option to either fly into and out of the region or to transfer both ways and enjoy the comforts of a luxury vehicle.
Elements of the itinerary shown below can be revised to better suit your expectations, and should be considered inspirational in nature given the rich diversity that is the Margaret River wine region.
tour includes
Day 1
Your journey starts with a luxury vehicle transfer from your Perth CBD hotel to the Perth domestic airport to board your private air charter flight to the Margaret River wine region.
On arrival at Leeuwin Estate’s private airstrip you will be picked up for the short journey to the Estate itself where you will indulge your senses in the ‘Ultimate Leeuwin Estate Wine Blending and Dining experience’. This is an extraordinary, hands-on way to discover the Estate and all it has to offer. You will enjoy a tutored viewing of the unique collection of contemporary artworks that feature on the labels of Leeuwin’s premium “Art Series” range of wines, accompanied by chef’s selection of canapés. Afterwards you will be invited to take part in a hands-on red wine blending session, the ‘Discovery of Winemaking’, during which you will have the opportunity to blend your own Margaret River red wine, a commemorative bottle of which will be presented to you at the experience’s close. A tutored wine tasting of five Leeuwin Estate wines will follow, each accompanied by perfectly matched seasonal food before you indulge in a special ‘Icons’ five course degustation menu in the award winning restaurant.
You will then be driven to your beautiful Lakeside Chalet at Cape Lodge for a chance to freshen up, before being driven to the coast for sunset drinks and nibbles overlooking the spectacular Southern Indian Ocean. A superb 3 course dinner or 6 courses trust the chef menu awaits you upon your return or you have the option to enjoy a Cape Lodge prepared hamper whilst relaxing under the stars at a Cape Mentelle outdoor movie (subject to screening and weather conditions).
Day 2
Today you will explore the world of food and wine at Margaret River’s founding wine estate. This tour takes you behind the scenes on winemaking, sharing unique historical insights into the region and all facets of wine production at Vasse Felix. Meet with the winemaker as you explore the winery and red barrel hall, before joining your host for a tasting of the Wine Collection. Then step into the world of food and wine matching, where you’ll gain insights into Margaret River’s local produce, and the philosophies that guide the Vasse Felix Chefs in their creation of dishes to match with the region’s wines. Meet the Chef and enjoy the ultimate treat of a five course tasting menu, paired with wines. Finally select your choice of a bottle of Vasse Felix Premier wine to take away and share with your friends and family.
From there we will meander our way through the vineyards and valleys of the Wilyabrup and Yallingup sub regions, before arriving at Ngligi cave on the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge. Whilst here you will embark on a private twilight Didgeridoo cave tour with ‘Koomal Dreaming’ Wadandi custodian Josh “Koomal” Whiteland.
This is a focused, heart-opening 90-minute cultural tour with powerful Aboriginal learnings. Enjoy a short guided bushwalk identifying traditional medicine plants and learning local Noongar knowledge about the region. Next you will venture into Ngilgi Cave where the good spirit Ngilgi dwells, to hear Josh relate the Dreaming legends with his unique way of storytelling.
Here, deep inside the Earth, Josh delivers a mesmerising didgeridoo performance in the stillness of the cave. Guests say it is an experience to treasure for all time. As you depart the cave, you’re likely to see a glowing WA sunset to seal the memory.
From there you will be returned to your Cape Lodge accommodation for a well-earned rest and respite from the day’s indulgences.
Day 3
Get ready for a scenic 5 to 6 hour private guided walk along a spectacular section of the Cape to Cape track between pristine Redgate beach to Boranup Forest. Your walk will take you south past vibrant granite formations, lagoon-like coves and limestone cliffs. The track then continues through scenic elevated bushland taking in the impressive turquoise ocean, white beaches and coastal cliffs overlooking Conto’s beach. Before finishing under the towering karri forests that run through the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. A lunch hamper and morning tea will be supplied on the track and day-packs are available upon request.
After your walk you will be transferred to the waiting aircraft for the return journey to Perth, that will include a flyover of Rottnest Island, Perth’s idyllic island playground. And upon landing you will be driven to your Perth CBD accommodation.