Leeuwin Estate is one of the most prestigious names in Australian fine wine. Established in 1972 by Denis and Tricia Horgan, with early guidance from Napa Valley’s Robert Mondavi, Leeuwin helped define Margaret River as a world-class wine region. The first vines were planted in 1975, and just a few years later the global acclaim of the inaugural 1979 Art Series Chardonnay catapulted the estate to international renown. Since then, the Art Series range has become a flagship for fine wine in the southern hemisphere, celebrated for its purity, precision and longevity.

The Margaret River wine region, located in Western Australia’s southwest, is renowned for producing premium wines of exceptional quality. With a Mediterranean climate, it enjoys warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, providing consistent ripening conditions. Cooling afternoon sea breezes from the Indian and Southern Oceans help maintain acidity and extend the growing season, enhancing flavour complexity.

The region’s ancient soils are predominantly gravelly loams over clay, offering excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture to sustain vines through summer. This combination supports balanced vine growth and concentrated fruit expression.

Margaret River’s signature grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon, alongside Merlot and Shiraz. Cabernet Sauvignon often displays cassis, blackberry, and fine tannin structure, while Chardonnay is typically elegant and refined, with flavours ranging from citrus and stone fruit to nutty, toasty notes from oak maturation. Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blends are vibrant and aromatic, offering tropical and citrus fruit with crisp acidity. Shiraz tends to be medium-bodied, with spicy red berry and plum characters.

Wine styles from Margaret River are celebrated for their purity of fruit, finesse, and age-worthiness. The combination of climate, soil, and skilled winemaking has established the region as one of Australia’s most respected and consistent producers of world-class wines.

Riesling is one of the world’s most esteemed white grape varieties, originating in Germany’s Rhine region during the 15th century. Celebrated for its purity of expression, Riesling thrives in cool climates and is known for its remarkable balance of acidity, aromatic intensity, and ageing potential.

Viticulturally, Riesling is a hardy, late-budding vine well-suited to steep, well-drained slopes. It ripens slowly, allowing it to develop vibrant acidity and a complex flavour profile. The grape is highly expressive of terroir, producing distinctive wines based on soil type, climate, and winemaking style.

Germany remains Riesling’s spiritual home, particularly in regions like the Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz. It is also widely grown in Alsace (France), Austria (notably in the Wachau and Kamptal), Australia’s Clare and Eden Valleys, and the Finger Lakes and Washington State in the USA. In each of these regions, Riesling produces wines of great character and diversity.

Riesling styles range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, including sparkling and late-harvest versions. Classic flavours include green apple, lime, white peach, and jasmine, often with mineral or petrol-like notes as the wine ages. Its naturally high acidity makes it an excellent partner for a wide range of foods, including spicy cuisine and aromatic dishes.