Stella Bella

Stella Bella is one of Margaret River's established producers, founded in 1997 by Janice and Lee Boulter with a clear focus on premium Bordeaux-inspired winemaking. In the nearly three decades since, it has built a solid reputation across its core varieties — Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon — and continues to draw visitors to its cellar door in the heart of the region.

The Wines

Stella Bella's range centres on the varieties that Margaret River does best. Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship red, benefiting from the region's warm days and cool maritime nights that allow tannins to ripen gradually while retaining structure. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc round out the core white offerings, the latter often reflecting the bright acidity and varietal clarity that Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc is known for.

If you're visiting the cellar door, tastings focus on these flagship varieties, giving you a clear sense of the winery's house style across both reds and whites.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door offers a relaxed, contemporary tasting environment with staff on hand to guide you through the range. You can expect a knowledgeable approach to service — the kind of unhurried experience that suits taking your time with each wine rather than rushing through a list.

A wine shop on site stocks the full range, so you can purchase bottles to take away after your tasting. Tours are also available, though it's worth contacting the winery directly to confirm current formats, availability, and any booking requirements. Tasting fees and group size arrangements are best confirmed ahead of your visit via the Stella Bella website or by phone.

The Vineyard

Margaret River's growing conditions are well suited to the varieties Stella Bella has built its range around. The region sits roughly 280 km south of Perth, where the Indian and Southern Oceans moderate temperatures and reduce the risk of extreme summer heat. Gravelly loam soils provide good drainage, encouraging vines to establish deep root systems. The combination of warm ripening days and cool nights allows for slower, more even development of fruit — conditions that particularly favour Cabernet Sauvignon.

Getting There

Stella Bella is located in the Margaret River township, accessible via the Bussell Highway (Route 3) heading south from Perth. The drive takes roughly three to three and a half hours depending on traffic and your starting point. Road access to the region is good and caravan-friendly, though if you're travelling with a large vehicle or coach group, it's worth contacting the winery ahead of time to confirm parking arrangements.

There is no public transport to the cellar door, so you'll need a private vehicle or to arrange a tour.

Visitor Tips

• Book ahead during peak season or if visiting with a group, as tasting sessions can fill quickly
• Allow 1–2 hours to make the most of the tasting experience and browse the wine shop
• Check opening hours before you visit, particularly on weekends and public holidays
• Combine your visit with other Margaret River producers nearby for a full day of wine touring
• Timing your trip between September and May offers the most reliable weather; visiting during vintage (March–April) adds a working winery atmosphere to the experience