Margaret River is famous worldwide for its chardonnays and cabernets, but there’s a new wave of fresh, vibrant wines making their mark – and they really suit the region’s sunny, laid-back outdoor lifestyle.

“While sauvignon blanc and semillon blends have always been popular, we’re now seeing a lot of innovative winemaking with these varieties. From skin contact techniques to the use of amphora and oak refinement, a sophisticated and intriguing era of sauvignon blanc is unfolding,” says Margaret River Wine Association’s CEO Amanda Whiteland.

“Chenin blanc is on the rise, earning national praise for its equally imaginative and skillful winemaking. Meanwhile, rosé is thriving. This year’s Margaret River Wine Show saw over 50 rosé entries, predominantly boutique and artisan made. Judges praised the region as Australia’s most prolific rosé scene,” she adds.

So why do these styles work so well here? As Whiteland says, “The Indian Ocean’s cooling sea breezes play a key role, acting like an air conditioner for the vines during the ripening season. These breezes allow grapes to develop rich, balanced flavours while retaining crisp acidity and elegance – qualities for the perfect, refreshing summer wine.”

Read on for 10 Margaret River wines you need to sip and savour this summer.

The House of Cards ‘King Fizzard’ Pétillant Naturel is the quintessential summer wine. Made from 100% organic Sauvignon Blanc, this pét nat delivers a burst of vibrant and playful tropical flavours that perfectly capture the essence of summer.

Inspired by the nostalgic refreshment of Pasito, think orange blossom, passionfruit, and lime with a hint of sherbet. This wine is meant for relaxed moments under the sun – whether paired with fresh prawns off the barbecue or enjoyed at the beach with friends.

Winemaker Travis Wray describes the sea-spray-like spritz and refreshing acidity as a “friendly reminder of our connection to the ocean during this time of year.” He says, “We’ve always seen this as our veggie patch wine, sitting on our timber sleepers watching the kids play in the sun.”

Summer is the season of celebration, and there’s no better way to toast than with the Cape Grace Crémant de Grace Sparkling Chenin.

Winemaker Conrad Tritt says, “The beauty of bubbles is that they are approachable at any time of the day, for any celebration. My ideal situation to drink the Crémant de Grace Sparkling Chenin would be at sunset, celebrating another beautiful summer’s day in Margaret River.

“I was inspired by Blanc de Blanc Champagne in producing this wine, however our twist being that we use Chenin Blanc as the base wine. This gives crunchy crisp apple notes and slightly more textural elements, but with a similar bright acidity.”

Bursting with zesty lemon, apple strudel, and moreish biscuit notes, this sparkling wine is an ideal aperitif. Serve it chilled alongside oysters, seafood, or light cheeses as you bask in the late afternoon sun.

South by Southwest Fiori is a fresh, aromatic, and floral white blend. The 2023 vintage, crafted from Margaret River fruit, features Muscat and Sauvignon Blanc, with a touch of barrel-fermented Chenin Blanc for balance.

“Our Fiori is made for summer. It’s a fruit-focused floral bomb, but with a vibrant acid line that keeps it super bright and refreshing,” describes winemaker and owner Liv Maiorana. “It’s also on the lower alcohol side so it’s a great option for when you want to take it easy. To match a beer term, it is a great ‘session wine’ – it matches perfectly with a sunset, shared amongst good friends.”

This dry, crisp wine, with a hint of skin contact, offers a lovely phenolic lift and spicy character. With its charm, this fun and pretty wine is perfect for those seeking something light yet full of appeal.

The Glenarty Road 2024 Wildlings Vermentino is a vibrant tribute to the sun-kissed vineyards of Sardinia. Owners Ben and Sash fell in love with the generosity of this Italian variety during their meandering travels through Europe – so much so, that they were inspired to plant 300 vermentino vines on their return to Margaret River.

Staying true to the Italian style whilst reflecting the terroir of Margaret River, this is a thirst-quenching wine that dances over the palate with vibrant aromatics, bright salinity, zesty citrus and a little bit of funk.

“The next time you reach for a bottle of sauvignon blanc, try vermentino instead,” say Ben and Sash. At just 11.4% alcohol, it’s the ultimate white wine for those leisurely summertime lunches or as a crisp drop alongside a heaping plate of South West seafood.

The Stormflower Vineyard 2024 Sauvignon Blanc is certified organic, vegan-friendly and crafted with the utmost care – this is a Fumé Blanc style at its finest.

Vibrant and complex, this delicious white wine exhibits deep varietal notes of guava, grapefruit, and lime alongside a zesty citrus acidity. Time on lees and French oak aging lends a light toast, some cinnamon spice and a richness to the palate. The result is a wine of incredible depth, with balanced acidity, and a velvety mouthfeel.

The verdict? This is the wine to seek when you’re looking for a sauvignon blanc with just a little bit more.

Owners Chris and Joanne pay homage to the great chenin blancs of the Loire Valley and South Africa, while producing a distinctively Margaret River expression of this versatile variety.

Crafted from the Windows Estate’s original 1996 certified biodynamic vines, fruit was whole bunch pressed and wild fermented in two-year-old French oak before maturing on lees for 12 months.

Textural phenolics wrap around a core of rich citrus fruit, while an elegant salinity and natural acidity dance lightly in tandem along the palate. This is a stylish wine that balances purity and refinement with texture, body and a little bit of funk – all in a harmonious whole.

If you’re a fan of Margaret River Chardonnay, trust us, the Windows Estate 2023 Petit Lot Chenin Blanc has to be the next bottle of wine you try this summer.

Inspired by the white blends of France’s Northern Rhône Valley, winemaker Rob celebrates Viognier and Marsanne in this delicious wine.

The Mr Barval 2024 Mistral strikes you from the very first sip, opening into an array of exotic aromas and flavours: juicy apricot, perfumed lemon blossom, warm spice, honeysuckle and refreshing citrus acidity. It’s complex and textural, yet soft and fresh – this is pure summertime in a glass and we couldn’t think of a better wine to drink as you unwind from a day spent in the hot sun.

“I like to drink this wine on a warm summer’s day when the sea breeze is blowing and you have a few friends and family around to enjoy it with,” Rob said. “Fire up the grill and cook up some shellfish. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

Awarded a gold medal at the Margaret River Wine Show, The Valley 2024 Rosé is a light-bodied, dry Provence-style rosé that was made to be consumed in the sunshine with friends – cheese board optional but highly recommended.

With beautiful notes of nectarine, peach and cherry, its dangerously refreshing and easy drinking nature makes it the perfect companion for lazy summer days and warm evenings.

Need some more persuading? Taste this delicious rosé at their boutique cellar door. The Valley is open for tastings on the 21, 22, 28 and 29 December, or by appointment.

The Walsh & Sons 2023 Burnside Chardonnay is their best seller and for a good reason – this wine captures the essence of Margaret River Chardonnay in a glass: lush, buttery, and delightfully oaky, with just the right balance of richness and finesse.

Fruit is sourced from the iconic Burnside Vineyard. Planted in 1981 by none other than the legendary David Hohnen, the six-hectare vineyard soaks in every golden ray of afternoon sun.

Their secret ingredient? According to Walsh & Sons cellar door manager Megan, “When the coastal winds roll in (as they often do), the vines are graced with a fine mist of salty sea spray – a secret ingredient nature provides daily.”

With just a touch of this ocean-kissed minerality, a sip of this Chardonnay is like tasting the sun-drenched, coastal beauty of Margaret River in every drop.

Tramonto is Italian for ‘sunset’ and this wine really is the epitome of a sunset sip. Light, juicy, and perfect for chilling (both in the fridge and on the porch), Amato Vino’s Tramonto is a mouth-watering, delightfully juicy blend of Sangiovese and Tempranillo, with just a touch of Chardonnay.

“Your go-to chilled red for summer sunsets, bbq’s or chillin’ on the front deck,” says owner and winemaker Brad. “Filled with the sweet-fruited sensations of maraschino cherry, raspberry and musk, yet backed up by a light savouriness and delightful tannins that remind you you’re still drinking red.”

Amato Vino wines are also all small batch and lo-fi, produced with wild yeast ferments, no additions, and bottled unfiltered and unfined (vegan-friendly).