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Wine, Beer and Produce From mouth watering seafood and fresh local produce to world-class wines, this region provides an abundance of culinary delights. it has been a mere 45 years since the first vines were planted, but near perfect growing conditions have enabled Margaret River to quickly become recognised as one of the world's great fine wine producers. Today, the names of the Margaret River wineries grace the tables of the world with refinement and style, and are our most sophisticated ambassadors. WinE VARiETALS WinERiES Few locations are so suited to producing distinctive premium wine. Celebrated as one of the world's most conducive areas for producing Chardonnay, it's here you will find wines of great intensity, length and character. The region is also highly regarded for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet blends which are prized for their dense fruit flavours, multi-layered complexity and cellaring potential. But there are many other excellent varietals to try including some show-stopping Shiraz and Semillon, unconventional varietals like Sangiovese and Viognier and exciting experimental styles such as chilli wine. An appreciation for the pristine environment and a more healthy way of living has also led to an increase in the production of preservative free wine along with organic and biodynamic farming practices and wine making. The wineries are the true ambassadors for the region, and the wine industry pioneers have been responsible for putting the region on the map. With over 150 wine producers in the region you are spoilt for choice, with many boasting restaurants, market gardens, inspiring architecture, art galleries and boutique giftware. BOuTiQuE BREWERiES And diSTiLLERiES If wine is not your thing do not despair – over recent years there has been the emergence of a popular beer, spirits and liqueur culture. The local breweries are speckled amongst the vines and paddocks, offering fantastic food and regular live entertainment. Home to many of the region's best playgrounds, the brewery trail is very popular with families and also boasts some innovative architecture of its own. MARgARET RiVER gEOgRAPhiC indiCATOR WinE SnAPShOT Viticulture is the largest primary industry within the region and also its highest economic driver 10 | Approximately 150 wine producers and 5,500 hectares under vine WINE, BEER AND PRODUCE Predominately niche operations, with the smallest crush being 3.5 tonnes to the largest around 10,000 Seasonally dependent vintage (harvest) occurs between the end of February and mid to late April