The barrel tasting at Cullen was extraordinary — we were alone in the room with the winemaker for forty minutes. That simply doesn't happen if you just show up at the cellar door. Worth every penny for that access alone.
From Swan Valley's boutique estates on Perth's doorstep to Margaret River's world-class Cabernet and Great Southern's cool-climate gems — expert-guided WA wine tours that go far beyond the cellar door.
Western Australia produces less than 5% of Australia's total wine output. That statistic tells you almost nothing about quality — but this one does: WA producers consistently win more than a quarter of all national wine show trophies. The disproportion is extraordinary, and it explains why sommeliers across the world have been quietly directing their best clients here for decades.
The reason is geography. WA's six wine regions are shaped by genuinely distinct climates — the warm Mediterranean conditions of the Swan Valley, the cooling maritime influence of Margaret River's Indian Ocean, the continental cool of Great Southern's Mount Barker. Each produces wines of recognisable character that reflect where they were grown. These are wines of place, and you taste that in the glass.
Our wine tours are designed for people who want to understand what they're drinking — not just tick cellar doors. Small groups, expert guides, behind-the-scenes access and the kind of unhurried conversation with winemakers that simply can't happen on a coach tour.
Each region produces wines that reflect its own distinct climate, soils and philosophy. Here's where your tour could take you.
Three hours south of Perth, Margaret River is one of the world's great coastal wine regions. Its maritime climate — moderated by the Indian Ocean — allows exceptionally slow grape ripening, producing wines of remarkable complexity and longevity. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay here are among Australia's finest; the Sauvignon Blanc–Semillon blend is a distinct regional signature. With over 200 cellar doors, Margaret River rewards exploration — and our tours take you to the estates the general public rarely reaches.
Just 25 minutes from Perth CBD, the Swan Valley is WA's original wine region — one of Australia's oldest, with vineyards planted from the 1830s. Warm and Mediterranean, it produces rich, full-bodied Verdelho, Shiraz and Muscat alongside artisan chocolate, cheese and honey producers that make it a natural food-and-wine day trip from the city.
WA's largest wine region by area, the Great Southern encompasses five sub-regions — Frankland River, Mount Barker, Porongurup, Albany and Denmark — each with subtly different terroir. Cool-climate Riesling and Shiraz from Frankland River are internationally recognised; Mount Barker Cabernet and Pinot Noir are equally compelling.
An emerging cool-climate region cloaked in towering karri forests — one of WA's most beautiful settings for a winery. Pemberton's elevation and rainfall produce elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from a handful of boutique producers who work in relative obscurity. That anonymity keeps prices honest and access intimate.
Positioned between Perth and Margaret River, Geographe is a relaxed and diverse coastal region producing a surprisingly wide range of styles. Its Mediterranean climate suits Shiraz and Cabernet, but a new generation of winemakers is having considerable success with alternative varieties — Tempranillo, Grenache and Vermentino among them.
Perhaps WA's best-kept wine secret, Manjimup's southern forest setting produces exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from a very small number of producers. The isolation that keeps it obscure is exactly what makes a Manjimup visit rewarding — unhurried, deeply personal and with wines you are unlikely to encounter anywhere else.
These are the estates that have shaped WA's wine reputation on the world stage — and that our guides have spent years building genuine access to. You won't queue at the cellar door bar here.
The estate that started Margaret River. Vasse Felix's Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay set the benchmark against which all WA reds and whites are measured. The property also houses an exceptional gallery and one of the region's finest restaurant kitchens.
Visit website →Home to Australia's most famous Chardonnay — the Art Series, with a label produced by a different artist each vintage since 1980. Leeuwin's amphitheatre hosts international performers annually, but the cellar door and fine dining restaurant are the real draw.
Visit website →A pioneer of sustainability in Australian wine — Cullen was the first winery in the country to achieve certified carbon-neutral status. The Diana Madeline Cabernet Merlot is consistently ranked among Australia's finest red wines.
Visit website →Established in 1840, Sandalford is one of the oldest wineries in Australia. Its riverside Swan Valley estate is a Perth institution — a beautiful setting for tastings, events and the restaurant overlooking the water, just 25 minutes from the CBD.
Visit website →Voyager Estate is immediately recognisable by its Cape Dutch-style buildings surrounded by immaculate rose gardens — but it's the wine that matters. Outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are matched by a kitchen that treats produce with the same seriousness as the vines.
Visit website →One of WA's most respected producers across two distinct regions, Howard Park crafts wines from both Margaret River and Great Southern with equal authority. Their Great Southern Riesling and Margaret River Cabernet are annual benchmarks for each style.
Visit website →From a Swan Valley day trip to a multi-day wine escape — all tours are fully customisable. These are starting points, not fixed itineraries.
Perth's boutique wine country — just 25 minutes from the city
Australia's premium coastal wine region in one exceptional day
Margaret River and Great Southern — the full WA wine story
Every Cooee Tours wine experience is designed to remove the logistics and leave only the pleasure.
Local guides with deep WA wine knowledge and genuine relationships with the estates we visit. They know the back stories, the winemakers and the wines the tasting notes don't mention.
Comfortable private vehicles with hotel pickup from Perth and regional accommodation. You drink, we drive — safely, comfortably, on time.
Our long-standing relationships with WA's finest estates mean barrel room access, library vintage pours and winemaker introductions unavailable to walk-in visitors.
A proper long lunch at an estate restaurant — regionally sourced produce, matched wines and the time to enjoy both without rushing to the next stop.
Every cellar door tasting fee across the day is included in your tour price. No surprise charges, no awkward moments at the counter.
Bought more than you can carry? We help coordinate secure storage in our vehicle throughout the day and can connect you with shipping services for interstate or international delivery.
You'll leave knowing more about WA wine than when you arrived — through conversation, not classroom. Suitable for complete beginners to experienced collectors.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or other dietary requirements? Advise us at booking and we ensure every meal is appropriate. WA's food scene handles dietary needs with genuine sophistication.
The barrel tasting at Cullen was extraordinary — we were alone in the room with the winemaker for forty minutes. That simply doesn't happen if you just show up at the cellar door. Worth every penny for that access alone.
I knew nothing about wine before this tour. I left with a genuine understanding of why WA wines are different — the maritime climate, the soils, the philosophy. Our guide was extraordinary. I've booked the 3-day escape for next March.
The 3-day escape through Margaret River and Great Southern was the best food and drink experience of my life. The winemaker dinner on night two — eight of us at a long table in the barrel room — was one of those evenings you don't forget.
Everything you need to know about Cooee Tours' Western Australia wine experiences — from logistics to what to wear.
Speak with a Wine SpecialistMargaret River is approximately 270km south of Perth — a scenic three-hour drive through farmland and karri forest. All our tours include comfortable return transfers from central Perth or your accommodation, so you can taste freely without worrying about the drive. Many guests who want to explore the region more deeply opt for our overnight or multi-day packages, which include winery accommodation in the heart of the region.
The Swan Valley is the natural choice for a day trip — it's just 25 minutes from Perth CBD and offers excellent boutique wineries, artisan food producers and a relaxed atmosphere without requiring an early start. Margaret River is three hours each way and rewards a full day or, better, an overnight stay. If you have only one day and want the prestige of Margaret River, our full-day tour departs early and maximises every hour — but we'd always recommend staying at least one night if your schedule allows.
All tours include: luxury private vehicle transport with hotel pickup and return, expert local guide services, all cellar door tasting fees, a gourmet long lunch with matched wines, and pre-tour consultation. The only personal expenses are wine purchases (which we help store safely during the day) and any gratuities you choose to leave. Multi-day tours additionally include all accommodation, breakfast, dinner and wine pairings throughout. We are fully transparent about inclusions — please ask us for a complete list for any specific package.
Western Australia produces less than 5% of Australia's total wine output yet wins more than 25% of national wine show trophies — a disproportion that tells you everything. The key is terroir: Margaret River's Indian Ocean maritime climate allows exceptionally slow grape ripening, building complexity that warmer inland regions can't replicate. Great Southern's cool continental climate produces Riesling and Shiraz with a precision and elegance that rival Europe's finest. These are wines of distinct place — and you understand that most clearly when you taste them where they were grown.
WA is a genuine year-round wine destination. Harvest season in March–April is the most vibrant time to visit Margaret River — grapes on the vine, winemakers in the cellar and the energy of production in the air. Spring (September–November) brings wildflower season and perfect touring temperatures. Winter is cosy and quiet, with estates happy to give you more time and attention. Summer means long evenings and excellent outdoor dining, but peak demand means booking well ahead. Tell us when you're available and we'll advise on what each season offers.
Absolutely — and we would argue that beginners often get the most from our tours. Your guide will calibrate everything to the group's level. If nobody wants technical wine education, the focus goes on enjoyment, stories and scenery. If the group is knowledgeable, we go deeper. There is no gatekeeping — WA's wine culture is relaxed and welcoming, and our guides share that spirit entirely. No prior wine knowledge is needed or expected.
Yes — all our tours are available as private departures with fully customisable itineraries. Private tours allow you to choose which specific estates you visit, adjust timing to your preferences, and access experiences we can't offer in a group setting — including private winemaker dinners, barrel room blending sessions and overnight stays at estates not open to the public. Private tours are particularly popular for wine-enthusiast couples, milestone birthdays and corporate incentive groups. Contact us to discuss your preferences and we'll design something around them.
Smart casual is the appropriate register for WA cellar doors — comfortable enough for walking through vineyard rows, presentable enough for a fine dining restaurant. Margaret River and the Southwest can be cooler than Perth, particularly in autumn and winter, so bring a layer. In summer, sunscreen and a hat are essential. Comfortable shoes are a genuine practical requirement — vineyard gravel and cellar door steps are unforgiving on heels.
Swan Valley day trips to multi-day Margaret River escapes — all tours fully customisable, all transfers included, all tasting fees covered.