Perfect Day Out: A Progressive Lunch Tour

Then to your first culinary stop for an intimate tasting of wine-matched canapés as your entrée at Leeuwin Estate, one of the founding five wineries of the region.

The drive into Leeuwin is as impressive as their award-winning wines, a meandering road flanked by tall timber Eucalypts with glimpses of the vines in between. The restaurant’s bi-fold doors seamlessly carry the outside in as does the glass-covered roof added during the restaurant’s recent refurbishment. Step out onto the sweeping verandah with its impressive views over the manicured gardens, expansive lawn and the permanent stage that hosts some of the region’s most prestigious events. During a guided tasting, savour five stunning wines and matched morsels that’ll put your appetite into gear.

Feeling a little more relaxed, soak up the rays of sun that flicker through the canopy of trees as you’re driven north on Caves Road to Amelia Park Wines.

Upon arrival, from the outside, the separate buildings are fairly non-descript. That soon changes as the ‘Get Smart’ vault-like sliding doors open up to reveal a dimly lit barrel room with that unmistakable heady aroma of oak, then another set of heavy sliding doors open to reveal the cellar door tasting area, flooded with light from floor-to-ceiling windows and commanding views of undulating vine-covered hills and pastures beyond. Wow! It’s worth a stop at Amelia Park for the architecture alone.

After a wine tasting, you venture to the restaurant for your main meal, ordering from the seasonal menu, a difficult choice for even the most discerning foodie. The restaurant setting is just as impressive with the same stunning view of the vineyards.

After a delectable main course and glass of Amelia Park wine, you meander a short distance through farmland and vineyards to Aravina Estate for dessert. Either take a place at the tasting counter, wander through the Hampton’s style homewares store or marvel at the vintage collections in the sports car gallery and recently opened WA surf museum.

Once seated on the pretty white-fenced terrace, there are more captivating views – a gazebo, a lake, and beautiful gardens filled with blooming hydrangeas, camellias, roses, native bush plants and of course, in the distance, vines.

With your chosen dessert, you’re served a glass of matched Botrytis Semillon. You’re feeling very content with life and the wonderful day you’ve enjoyed.

However, there’s more to come… just around the corner at Yallingup Cheese for tastings of locally made artisanal cheeses and curds. It’s an added bonus to discover that Goon Tycoons wines and Wulura Olive Oil also offer tastings on this Abbey Vale Estate. With your considered purchases in hand, you make your way out and then sink into the car’s leather seats, as your Margaret River Chauffeur’s host asks you if you’d like to stop at Gabriel Chocolates, and without hesitation you say ‘yes’.

A chocolate maker converting cacao beans imported from renowned producers around the world into chocolate bars, Gabriel’s artisan chocolates are the perfect way for your taste buds to end the most delectable day.

As you are chauffered back to your accommodation around 5pm, you chat about what your favourite moment was. Are you able to choose?

Margaret River Chauffeurs signature experience, The Progressive Lunch is a unique journey indulging in everything the region is renowned for with a professional host, in ultimate comfort and in style.