Inspired by life in the Margaret River wine industry, Vikki Messenger penned her novel, 'Crush', revolving around life and love around the vineyards of Margaret River. Beneath the Kite being the name of the fictional winery in the book. When Vikki's winemaker husband, the highly regarded Mark Messenger read the book, he was inspired by the creative opportunity to realise a fictional winery, and sourced premium Malbec grapes from a local, vineyard to make its debut wine.

The Malbec is available on the Settlers Tavern's wine menu and at various fine wine retailers

Located on rich bushland, the Cloudburst vineyard utilises cooling maritime breezes and warm daytime temperatures to slowly ripen its flavoursome grapes. Each self-irrigating vine expresses brilliant varietal purity and is surrounded by healthy soils retaining the moisture and nutrients of the region.

The 2013 Margaret River Wine Show brought Cloudburst some note-worthy awards including Best Single Vineyard Estate Red Wine, Best Cabernet Sauvignon and Best Red Wine of the Show.

McHenry Honen is the fusion of an accomplished fine-wine retailer, Murray McHenry, with one of Margaret River’s most respected pioneers David Hohnen (founder of Cape Mentelle).

Their aim is to make the most site expressive wines they can from their three distinct family vineyards in Margaret River, all of which are 100% biodynamic. Biodynamics revolves around an environmental equilibrium. It is similar to organic farming, in that both preclude the use of chemicals, however biodynamic farming incorporates ideas about a vineyard as an ecosystem, and also accounts for astrological influences and lunar cycles.

The Wines
There is an unwavering focus on making distinct, site expressive wines and on embracing the individual characters that come from the different plots in the vineyards. This is achieved through minimal-intervention using wild yeasts, minimal sulphur, no filtration and large format oak and concrete fermenters. The range includes Margaret River’s specialty varieties and a few unexpected surprises. More than five single-site Chardonnays showcase just how different the flavours of this variety can be because of different site influences in the vineyard.

Wine Tasting
The cellar door is conveniently located on Caves Road, just five minutes from Margaret River town. The wines can be tasted between 10.30 and 4.30pm daily.

Unique Highlights
Don’t leave without some of David Hohnen’s smoked cold meats, sausages and traditionally made smallgoods from side venture, The Farm House Margaret River. These are sold from the McHenry Hohnen Cellar Door. David works with farmers around the region on this venture and his meats have a great reputation, especially with many of the local winemakers to enjoy with their friends and wines!

Halliday Rating
5 Red Stars

Xanadu Wines has grown into one of Margaret River’s most exciting labels. For three years running it was the Best Wine Exhibitor on Show at the Margaret River Wine Awards (2010, 2012, 2013). This was topped off in 2014 when Xanadu was awarded James Halliday’s Australian Winery of the Year.

A regional pioneer, Xanadu was established in 1977 by Dr John Lagan, an Irishman, who arrived in Margaret River in 1968 and was inspired by the pioneering spirit of the region. In 2005 the estate was purchased by the Rathbone family who own iconic Australian vineyards Mount Langi Ghiran and Yering Station.

There is an enclosed grass area and playground for kids, kids menu and colouring-in sheets are available.

The Wines
The wine range is grown from three estate-owned vineyards in Margaret River. The team’s philosophy is to nurture the wines through to the bottle, rather than ‘beating them into submission’ to make expressive, regional wines. With this principle and the leadership of winemaker Glenn Goodall the Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons are some Margaret River’s most acclaimed benchmarks.

The winery's Cabernet Sauvignon received the Jimmy Watson Trophy in 2018.

Wine Tasting
Built from granite and gneissic rocks excavated during the planting of the original vineyard, the cellar door first was used as artist studio. The rustic meets contemporary building in the heart of the vineyard, surrounded by native vegetation. All wines can be tasted daily and groups are encouraged to book a structured tasting, starting from $5 for 10 or more guests. Private winery tours can be arranged in advance too. Open daily 10am – 5pm.

The Food
A regular representative of The West Australian Good Food Guide’s Top 50 WA Restaurants, the Xanadu restaurant serves up classic, stylish meals made with produce from the nearby farms, ocean and the Xanadu vegetable garden. Look out for a special selection of museum wine releases that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, but in the Xanadu Restaurant. Executive Chef Melissa Kakoti has been at the helm since 2007. The restaurant is open daily from 12pm - 3pm.

Halliday Rating
5 Red Stars