Ten days of wine fun and games in Margaret River

Been meaning to visit wine and gourmet hot spot Margaret River?

The Fine Vines Festival, which will run from October 20-29, might be a good opportunity.

The full program for the festival was announced this week, with a range of tastings, dinners and events - 34 in all - on the schedule.

Fine Vines aims to encourage guests to deepen their understanding of - and connection to - Western Australia's leading wine-producing region.

Now in its third year, the festival's 2023 program features several new events plus the return of some favourites.

Debuting at this year’s festival is Liquid Gold, which will take place at the refurbished Edwards cellar door.

To be hosted by wine critic Angus Hughson, Liquid Gold will provide guests with the opportunity to explore and taste the top 40 gold medal-winning wines from the 2023 Margaret River Wine Show.

The program also includes a number of collaborations with Chow’s Table to host House of Cards, Windance, Cullen and McHenry Hohnen for an organic food and wine pairing.

Woodlands Wines will pair with Tiller Dining, Domaine Naturaliste with Meelup Farmhouse, and South by South West Wine with Perth chef Chase Weber.

Returning to the program is Fine Vines’ self-guided wine tour; the Busselton Wine Hop, which features the region’s small-scale wine producers at local venues like Shelter Brewing Co., The Fire Station, Rocky Ridge and a pop-up wine garden at the ArtGeo Complex.

At Margaret River Open Vineyards, guests are invited behind the farm gate for one weekend only to visit vineyards that aren't usually open to the public. Participating winemakers include Theo Truyts and Clare Trythall (Trait Wines), John Frazer (Frazer Woods), Will Berliner (Cloudburst), Rhys and Emma Parker (Vallee Du Venom) and Lara and Jamie McCall (Burnside Organic Farm).

Previous years’ festival favourites Chameleon at Vasse Felix, Wine on the Water with Clairault Streicker, Vintage Matters at Fraser Gallop, and Mozzarella in the Cellar at Juniper Estate will also be returning.

The full festival program and ticket sales are now live and available at www.finevinesfestival.com.au

Image: Lauren Trickett

The perfect excuse to lock in a visit to Margaret River

Nearly 80 wine producers will be involved in the Margaret River Fine Vines Festival this month.

The event comprises almost 30 events and runs from Friday until October 23.

The first weekend of the festival kicks off with crowd favourite Margaret River Open Vineyards.

For just one weekend guests are invited to visit producers who are not usually open to the public.

A total of 15 small winemakers are participating across the weekend, spanning Dunsborough in the north to Rosabrook in the South.

Also featuring on the first weekend will be Xanadu Wines with their event On the Lawn at Xanadu. There will be live music and Asian hawker-style street eats on offer as well as the chance to get a sneak peek at the estate’s Vinework range.

“We’re really excited to for people to come and meet our incredible winemakers and be some of the first to sample our Vinework range," says Xanadu’s Caity Bramich.

“We’re also looking forward to showcasing head chef Aaron Lim’s new direction at the south-east Asian food stations we have in store. It’ll be a great day for everyone.”

Other events include Single Vineyards and Saltbush at McHenry Hohnen Winery, a Taste of Elegance at Shelter Brewing Co with Credaro Wuines and Wine on the Water at Dunsborough Old Fishermans Boat Ramp.

Also consider Aging Gracefully at Cape Grace, Mozzarella in the Cellar at Juniper Estate and Yum Cha Bites and Flights with Marri Wood Park.

Fine Vines Festival is supported by organisations including Margaret River Wine Association, City of Busselton, Tourism WA, Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association and Augusta Margaret River Shire. 

For details check out https://finevinesfestival.com.au/