5 unique ways to experience one of Margaret River’s founding wineries

Sipping wine and watching movies in the heart of Margaret River is time well spent.

When a winery has been operating for over 50 years,  marking it as one of the five founding wineries in Margaret River, you know it’s going to be a top-tier escape for a wine-themed getaway.

Cape Mentelle has been crafting wine since 1970 – winning its first major award, The Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy (considered the most prestigious wine award in Australia) in 1983 and again the following year. Since perfecting its acclaimed range of wines, Cape Mentelle has become a go-to getaway in Western Australia, offering welcoming experiences that set it apart from other beloved vineyards.

Margaret River sells itself with its renowned beaches and nature galore but if you needed yet another reason to flit off to a winery over a long weekend, we’ve found five.

1. Outdoor movies

As night falls in December and January, the picturesque cellar door gardens transform into an outdoor cinema. The event has now been running for over 15 years, establishing itself with a cult following of locals and visitors alike. The movie program (released each November) has something for everyone, from new-release blockbusters to classics.

To add some flair to a first or fiftieth date, book a prime position in one of the bean bag chairs then spend a warm, breezy night watching a rom-com, while living out your own. Set against a backdrop of thick, sprawling trees and star-speckled skies, this outdoor cinema perfects the moody and distinctly Western Australian atmosphere that can’t be replicated in a regular cinema.

A full range of Cape Mentelle wines are available to sip, while all your snacking and dinner needs are well met by the resident food truck. If you’re new to Margaret River (or even wineries in general), this is the perfect way to get acquainted.

2. Relaxing wine picnics

Waiting for you at the other end of a road trip to Cape Mentelle, is a hamper to accompany you on a laid-back picnic in the winery gardens.

The picnic prep is already taken care of, so the only legwork required is to choose a bottle of wine that pairs nicely with the weather and find a spot in the garden that lights up during golden hour. Alternatively, seek out one of the picnic tables for an upright affair.

Included in the hamper are two types of Cambray cheeses, Margaret River Farm House smoked pork chorizo, salty morsels of mixed olives and a few other picnic favourites.

If a family getaway is on the cards, swings can be found near the Margaret River Cellar Door to keep the younger holidaymakers entertained.

3. Food and wine pairing masterclasses

Prevent any future dinner party blunders by embarking on a food and wine journey with the knowledgeable Cape Mentelle team.

Beginning with the rare opportunity to walk through the old vines of the Wallcliffe Vineyard this tour will take you through the fascinating story of the vineyard from the 1970s to now. Your guide will also take you through the winery, where you can see first-hand the passion and dedication it requires to go from grape to glass.

Afterwards, you’ll be shown the Original Vat Cellar for a wine and food pairing masterclass.  Enjoy six canapés paired with as many wines while learning the principles that will enable you to take this new skill home.

4. Tasting the best of the best

Cape Mentelle hosts three separate wine tastings depending on how involved you and your party want to get.

For casual wine enthusiasts, the Cellar Door Wine Tasting serves up six samples over 30 minutes in the Barrel Hall. Or simply pick out a bottle of your favourite to enjoy at leisure in the sun-soaked gardens.

For a more in-depth experience, opt for the Private Wine Tasting which runs for 45 minutes. A wine connoisseur will be assigned to your group, walking you through six premium wines. Plus, there’s the added perk of the tasting being held in the original 1978 wine cellar. The ambience is unmatched.

For those who live and breathe wineries, go all out with the Back Vintage Testing. This adds a selection of wines plucked from the museum collection and is an opportunity to get a taste of the luxurious life.

5. Insightful tours

Interested in the history of Cape Mentelle? The Behind the Scenes Tour and Tasting ticks all the boxes for an educational and delicious winery excursion. For an hour and a half, explore the ins and outs of the Wallcliffe Vineyard and the Barrel Hall, adding additional information to your wealth of wine-making knowledge.

As a post-history treat, indulge in a wine tasting while marvelling at this Margaret River must-do.

For a full list of experiences and to book ahead of time, head to Cape Mentelle’s website.

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