Diverse, isolated and picturesque – these are a few of the words local winemakers use to describe the Great Southern region. From bright and bold reds to cool-climate whites, there's something for everyone here. Find out more about the Great Southern sub-regions and the cellar doors to put on your travel itinerary below.
While Great Southern is renowned for its rieslings and cabernets, the Frankland River sub-region’s cooler climate is also perfect for cultivating exciting alternate varieties such as malbec. Visitors to the tasting room can sample regional classics as well as up-and-coming varieties before retiring to the Ferngrove Chalets – a boutique, on-site accommodation offering that allows guests to stay among the vines and enjoy the stunning surrounds.
Winemaker Craig Grafton says: “We adopt sustainable viticultural principles at our vineyard to highlight our pristine fruit. Our climate is predominantly characterised by winter rainfall and a long growing season with warm days and cool nights – meaning the fruit is able to maintain natural sugars and elegant acidity.”
276 Ferngrove Road, Frankland River WA | Find out more
Complimentary tastings are hosted at the cellar door and are focused on helping visitors explore the diversity of the five sub-regions of the Great Southern. For a true behind-the-scenes experience, book the ‘A Sense of Place’ private tasting which includes a tour of the grounds and vineyards, and a tasting of current and back-vintages, and a special barrel tasting.
Winemaker Patrick Corbett says: “The incredible diversity of the Great Southern’s sub-regions makes it a must-visit for any wine lover. As the largest wine region in Western Australia, the differences in climate and terroir allow for the production of distinctive styles and sub-regional expressions – from rich shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, to pristine riesling.”
90 Walter Rd, Denmark WA | Find out more
For the ultimate Alkoomi experience, book ahead for the exclusive ‘A Place We Chose’ tour – a private and down-to-earth progressive tasting through the farm, followed by an intimate picnic among the grass trees. For a more casual activity, ‘Laze + Graze’ the afternoon away with your own picnic spot and lawn games amongst the olive trees.
Winemaker Andrew Cherry says: “Frankland River is the most isolated wine-growing region in Western Australia and one of the best-kept secrets of the Great Southern. We have some of the most scenic landscapes, a pristine environment and ideal climate for creating stunning wines. Frankland River riesling and shiraz are world-class.”
1141 Wingebellup Road, Frankland River WA | Find out more
*This article was produced by Halliday Wine Companion in partnership with the featured wineries.
Ferngrove Wines, Frankland River
Ferngrove Wines is one of the world’s most isolated wine estates. The scenic and modern winery features wide verandas made from locally sourced timber and a lookout tower with sweeping views of the spectacular Great Southern region. All of Ferngrove’s extensive wine range is available for tasting by appointment at the Cellar Door.While Great Southern is renowned for its rieslings and cabernets, the Frankland River sub-region’s cooler climate is also perfect for cultivating exciting alternate varieties such as malbec. Visitors to the tasting room can sample regional classics as well as up-and-coming varieties before retiring to the Ferngrove Chalets – a boutique, on-site accommodation offering that allows guests to stay among the vines and enjoy the stunning surrounds.
Winemaker Craig Grafton says: “We adopt sustainable viticultural principles at our vineyard to highlight our pristine fruit. Our climate is predominantly characterised by winter rainfall and a long growing season with warm days and cool nights – meaning the fruit is able to maintain natural sugars and elegant acidity.”
276 Ferngrove Road, Frankland River WA | Find out more
Singlefile Wines, Denmark
The Singlefile vineyard in Denmark offers guests an engaging tasting experience, with a range of premium wines that are made as naturally as possible – allowing the nuances of the terroir to shine through. The team warmly welcomes guests seven days a week and encourages visitors to take a wander through the grounds, where they may come across the resident family of geese walking in single file.Complimentary tastings are hosted at the cellar door and are focused on helping visitors explore the diversity of the five sub-regions of the Great Southern. For a true behind-the-scenes experience, book the ‘A Sense of Place’ private tasting which includes a tour of the grounds and vineyards, and a tasting of current and back-vintages, and a special barrel tasting.
Winemaker Patrick Corbett says: “The incredible diversity of the Great Southern’s sub-regions makes it a must-visit for any wine lover. As the largest wine region in Western Australia, the differences in climate and terroir allow for the production of distinctive styles and sub-regional expressions – from rich shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, to pristine riesling.”
90 Walter Rd, Denmark WA | Find out more
Alkoomi Wines, Frankland River
‘Alkoomi’ translates to ‘a place we chose’ and the Hallett family have chosen Frankland River as their home since 1946. As one of the founding wineries of Great Southern, the newly constructed Alkoomi cellar door is a warm and welcoming setting to taste and explore the best the region has to offer. Stop by for a staff-lead wine tasting or flight, or enjoy a local cheese board on the grass or cozied up by the fire.For the ultimate Alkoomi experience, book ahead for the exclusive ‘A Place We Chose’ tour – a private and down-to-earth progressive tasting through the farm, followed by an intimate picnic among the grass trees. For a more casual activity, ‘Laze + Graze’ the afternoon away with your own picnic spot and lawn games amongst the olive trees.
Winemaker Andrew Cherry says: “Frankland River is the most isolated wine-growing region in Western Australia and one of the best-kept secrets of the Great Southern. We have some of the most scenic landscapes, a pristine environment and ideal climate for creating stunning wines. Frankland River riesling and shiraz are world-class.”
1141 Wingebellup Road, Frankland River WA | Find out more
Discover more about Great Southern in our essential guide.
*This article was produced by Halliday Wine Companion in partnership with the featured wineries.
