Editing Perth (section)

== Western Australian Wine Guide ==

Western Australia only produces some 3-5% of the total Australian output, but what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality, often producing world leading wines from many small boutique wineries. 

The main wine growing region is the South-West focused around the small town of Margaret River which is three hours south of Perth. The second major region is the Swan-River region which is just to the east of Perth and hosts a major festival each year called “Spring in the Valley” which sees many local people going tasting then swaying their way back to home.

Very little of what is on offer in Western Australia reaches the European and USA markets, but this is gradually changing.

Western Australia is blessed with over 150 wineries. The wineries can be grouped by their physical location into different regions which are: Coastal, Great Southern, Margaret River, Pemberton, Perth Hills and the Swan Valley. The regions span from within 30 minutes from Perth to the Southern regions which can be a 3-4 hours drive, but well worth the time.

=== The Swan Valley ===

The Swan Valley is a 30 minute drive from Perth. In the region you will find wildlife and historical parks, bushland, arts and crafts, and most importantly, several wineries. Like the wineries in other regions, many of the Swan Valley wineries also offer fine cuisine with restaurants on-site. The Swan Valley is especially known for its fortified wines, produced with help from the hot Perth Summer. The Swan Valley is also breathtakingly beautiful in wild flower season. So make a spring day of it and drift from winery to winery. 

=== Margaret River ===

The Margaret River region is world renowned for its excellence in viticulture. The region was only discovered as perfect for vine growing about 30 years ago. Today, you can find dozens and dozens of fine wineries within a few kilometres of one another. The Margaret River wineries love to welcome visitors for wine tastings, meals in their first class restaurants, and a stroll around their beautiful grounds. "Margarets" is famous for its prize winning cabernets, but you can sample the full range of wines in most of the wineries. 

Margaret River wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and of course blends from these. In addition, there are a few lesser known varieties that are well worth a try, don’t miss Churchview's Marsanne, a beautiful light white and the more recent production of Zinfandel.

=== Coastal Region ===

The Coastal region runs from Wanneroo to Busselton. The wineries are not grouped, so you will need to be prepared to drive a little. However, with wineries like Capel Vale and Peel Estate are certainly worth it. Why not pop in on your way down to Margaret River?

=== Great Southern Region ===

The Great Southern region describes the region formed by the Albany/Denmark/Mount Barker triangle. It is less established than Margaret River, but has the advantage of being unspoiled by too much tourism. The region has produced extraordinary Rieslings, and make sure you sample Wignall's award winning Pinot.