What’s new this summer?

A blind tasting challenge, amazing bánh mì, chocolate/wine pairings, new places to dine and an invite to try on pink diamonds? The Margaret River Region has plenty of new stuff for you to taste, unveil and explore.

Here’s a list of our favourite new experiences to add to your summer bucket list.

Vallée du Venom opened a Pop-Up Cellar Door at Yallingup Galleries just days ago, sharing wine tastings, cheese platters and coffee under the peppermint trees. Rhys and Emma Parker craft small batch minimal intervention wine, and the name is a nod to their fav ski region, Les Trois Vallées. Another reason to visit? Yallingup Galleries unveils new exhibitions throughout summer.

Swings & Roundabouts have unveiled a stylish new tasting room at their already excellent Yallingup winery restaurant. Hidden beyond grand timber doors and oak barrels, indulge in an elevated wine tasting experience with Swings & Roundabouts’ signature warmth and character.

Margaret River royalty Stella Bella Wines launched a blind tasting challenge sure to leave you guessing. Put your wine knowledge to the test as you sip, savour and speculate your way through their best drops. Think you’re up for the challenge?

Dunn Bay Continental is my new go-to for bánh mì lunches and takeaway mid-week dinners – tonight we’re having rotisserie chicken with roast potatoes and salad. You can also grab coffee, cake and quality groceries. It’s part of the excellent new Southcamp development in central Dunsborough.

Benesse is a long-standing favourite for Bunbury and Australind locals, so we were thrilled when they expanded and opened a stylish new Busselton café. The coffee and food are excellent, as is the people watching.

Around the corner in the new Busselton Central Shopping Centre, you’ll find Inara – a vibrant Eastern Mediterranean restaurant helmed by renowned chef Daniel Johnson. Feel the warm atmosphere as you experience the magic of Levantine cuisine.

Two of life’s greatest pleasures combine in Hay Shed Hill’s new Wine + Chocolate Tasting Experience. Dark stone-ground chocolates by Bahen and Co are paired with rare varietals made by Michael Kerrigan at Hay Shed Hill. Pairing wine and chocolate can be a challenge, but these successful matches reveal hidden flavours in both and create harmony across the palate.

It’s no wonder Dunsborough darlings La Lah Café have expanded into the adjacent space – locals and visitors alike have completely fallen head over heels for their aesthetic interiors and gram-worthy brunches. Be sure to give their brioche French toast a go – you’ll thank us later.

Dear Darnell’s is the newest kid on the block in the heart of Witchcliffe, serving up pub classics, craft beers and zesty cocktails in a beautifully restored old Australian building. Teamed with great hospitality and live music, the funky venue is sure to become a thriving hot spot this summer.

The Margaret River Organic & Biodynamic Wine Trail has been updated for your wine touring pleasure. It’s where you’ll find the definitive list of producers that have fully certified their vineyards and only sell wine made from certified organic or biodynamic fruit.

Passel Estate invite you to enhance your wine tasting with their new Classical Wine & Cheese Pairing experience. Each of their core wines are paired with a Cambray Cheese, handmade in Nannup.

The collaboration we’ve been waiting for is back – Shelter Brewing Co have teamed up with Busselton institution Hillzeez Surf Shop to release a new beer, the Hillzeez Hazy. It’s juicy, it’s fresh and it’s got summer written all over it. Snorkellers and scuba divers, check their socials for the ‘find a can’ underwater comp for a chance to cool off and win.

Beerfarm is set for a sizzling summer, appointing renowned chef Hayden Vink to run their new kitchen. Fresh from high-end restaurants in France and Portugal, Hayden is set to bring his European experience and penchant for Southeast Asian flavours to the menu.

What’s better than a spontaneous beer after a dip in the bay? Not much. And the crew at Eagle Bay Brewing Co knows it – so much that they’re building a new awesome garden bar extension to their already awesome restaurant. Yes, you heard it – no bookings needed for lounging on the lawn, just head straight to the outdoor bar.

Edgewalkers are offering three new creativity retreats, to help you create healthy new habits and a self-expressive life. There’s the Creativity Retreat with Dr Erika Jacobson, a Walking Yoga and Plant-Based Cooking Retreat, and a Women’s Walking & Writing Weekend. All three itineraries include walks on the Cape to Cape Track.

Nina’s Jewellery in Dunsborough is set to unveil the $1.7 million Crescendo exhibition, featuring rare Argyle pink diamonds. 10 pieces of jewellery comprising 840 diamonds and more than 16 carats of total weight took over 575 production hours to complete. Pop in, try them on for a rare opportunity to be dripping in incomparable diamonds.

Yallingup Aboriginal Art swung open their doors in November, bringing authentic, ethical artworks from all over Australia. Find them at the entrance to Yallingup Maze on Caves Road.

Origins Market showcases the very best of Western Australia’s creatives, growers and artisan makers in Busselton. New to the market you’ll find Zeez Beez honey and chai, Uncle Ted’s Korean street food and Inspired Feasts. Relax over a coffee, taste some local wines, pick up some hand-made gifts, or tuck into an array of ridiculously tasty street food.

There’s no need to let your wellness routine go when on holidays – Alchemy Saunas have just opened on Busselton foreshore. Casual sessions available.

KINTO is a car hire service, but not as you know it! Technology transforms your smartphone into a car key, and their car share app allows you the flexibility to rent a Toyota for an hour, a day or weeks on end.

The highly anticipated Busselton Central Shopping Centre expansion is finally finished, complete with a brand-new Reading Cinema, Timezone, Boost Juice and Cotton On.

MEND is set to open their new Recovery Centre & Spa in early December. With traditional and infrared saunas, hot plunge, ice bath and massage treatments, it’s the place to recover, recharge and realign.

A recently renovated and crispy white house makes for the flagship store of Dunsborough newcomer Afar Boutique. On the hangers, you’ll find natural fabric garments formed with consciousness and quality, beautifully finished with Afar’s creative and thoughtful signature style. Plus, pieces are made onshore too.

The Timothée Resort (formerly Busselton River Resort) has reopened following a major renovation and refresh. Nestled on the peaceful Vasse River, the resort’s retro charm makes for an unforgettable holiday with equal parts nostalgia and comfort.