Vasse Felix

Vasse Felix holds a particular place in Australian wine history. Established in 1967, it was one of the first wineries to plant vines in Margaret River, helping to establish a region that is now considered one of Australia's most important fine wine producing areas. More than five decades on, it remains one of the region's benchmark producers, set among the rolling farmland near Cowaramup in Western Australia's South West.

History

When Vasse Felix was founded in 1967, Margaret River was largely unproven as a wine region. The winery was built on the premise that the area's maritime climate — moderated by the Indian Ocean — could support the production of serious cool-climate wines. That conviction proved well-founded. Vasse Felix played a direct role in bringing Margaret River to national and international attention, and it continues to be regarded as one of the region's standard-bearers.

The Wines

Vasse Felix focuses on the three varieties that Margaret River does best: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Shiraz.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the region's signature grape, and the soils around Cowaramup — a mix of gravelly loam and laterite — are well suited to it. The long, mild growing season allows the variety to ripen gradually, producing wines with structure and depth. Chardonnay benefits from the same conditions, with day-to-night temperature variation helping to preserve natural acidity. Shiraz rounds out the range, performing consistently in a climate that moderates what could otherwise be an overly warm growing environment.

At the cellar door, visitors can taste across current releases as well as library wines, giving a useful sense of how the wines develop with age.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door is housed in a modern, purpose-built facility that suits the winery's premium positioning. The tasting room is well-appointed without being fussy — staff are knowledgeable about both the wines and the broader Margaret River region, and can guide you through the range in detail.

Tastings are available in guided or self-guided formats. Booking is recommended if you're visiting on a weekend, during school holidays, or as part of a group. The wine shop stocks current releases and cellar door exclusives, often at prices you won't find at retail.

If vineyard tours are running during your visit, they're worth doing — a walk through the vines adds useful context to what you're tasting.

Food and Dining

The on-site restaurant offers a full dining experience rather than light snacks or tasting plates. Meals are designed to complement the wines, and the setting includes views over the vineyard. Given the restaurant's reputation and the volume of visitors to the region, booking ahead is strongly advised — particularly for weekend lunches and during harvest season. Picnic facilities may also be available on the grounds; check the website or contact the winery directly to confirm current arrangements and any applicable BYO policies.

The Vineyard

Margaret River's Mediterranean-style climate — warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters — is well suited to the varieties Vasse Felix grows. The moderating influence of the Indian Ocean keeps temperatures from climbing too high during the growing season, while the region's characteristic gravelly loam and laterite soils provide good drainage and stress the vines just enough to concentrate flavour. It's a combination that has made Margaret River one of Australia's most reliable regions for structured, age-worthy reds and refined whites.

Getting There

Vasse Felix is located near Cowaramup, roughly 280 kilometres south of Perth. The most direct route is via the Bussell Highway through the Margaret River wine region. The property is well signposted from the main road and accessible by car and caravan, though it's worth confirming caravan parking arrangements with the winery directly before you arrive.

There's no direct public transport to the cellar door, so a hire car or a guided tour from Perth is the practical way to get there. Coach and tour bus parking is available, but group visits should be arranged in advance.

Visitor Tips

• Allow 2–3 hours to make the most of a tasting and a meal — there's no need to rush.
• Book the restaurant in advance, especially for weekend visits or during the harvest period from March to April.
• Visit March to May if you want to see the vineyard at its most active. Harvest brings extra energy to the property, and special vintage events occasionally coincide with the season.
• Spring (September to November) is a quieter and very pleasant time to visit, with mild weather and wildflowers across the region.
• Avoid the peak summer period (December to February) if you prefer a calmer experience — it's the busiest time of year and can be hot.
• Combine with other Margaret River wineries nearby to make a full day or weekend of it. The region's cellar doors are well suited to a self-guided driving itinerary.