Margaret River lies in the southwest corner of Western Australia and is a spectacular three hour drive south of the city of Perth along the Indian Ocean. It occupies a 60 mile long rectangular peninsula that just out 40 miles into the Indian Ocean.

The region was only first planted in the 1960s, but development has been extraordinarily swift as Margaret River now has more than 150 wineries. The maritime climate is very similar to that of Bordeaux and Margaret River is widely recognized as producing much of the nation's finest Cabernet Sauvignon.

While red Bordeaux varietals have proven to be the region's calling card, Semillon is actually the most widely planted varietal and it is regularly blended with Sauvignon Blanc and barrel aged in the style of white Bordeaux. Margaret River producers tend to be boutiquey and quality conscious, on the whole, and key players include Moss Wood, Cullen, Leeuwin, Vasse Felix, Gralyn, and many others. (Wine/Appellations)