Self-Guided Margaret River Wine Tour Itinerary for First Timers

Ready to experience the best wineries in Margaret River? This self-guided Margaret River wine tour itinerary is perfect for visitors with a car and the desire for a flexible schedule.

One of my absolute favourite ways to explore Margaret River is with a self-guided wine tour.

There’s something special about moving at your own pace. Lingering a little longer at the cellar doors you love, adding sweet detours (hello, chocolate and nougat), and soaking up the stunning vineyard views between tastings.

During my two-week stay in the region, I visited each of the wineries, shops, and restaurants in this itinerary and can confidently say it’s one of the best ways to experience the heart of Margaret River’s wine country.

This route takes you through some of the region’s most iconic and beloved stops, from the elegant estates of Vasse Felix and Voyager, to the laid-back charm of Redgate and Hay Shed Hill. It’s an itinerary that blends world-class wines, incredible food, and local specialties without feeling rushed or overly structured.

I’ve mapped out this day to follow a logical route, minimizing driving time and maximizing tasting time, with optional gourmet stops along the way for chocolate, nougat, or a casual foodie detour.

Whether you’re a serious wine lover or just want a relaxed day among the vines, this itinerary is tried, tested, and deliciously memorable.

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.

Important tip: If you plan to drink, make sure to have a designated driver, hire a local driver for the day, or use one of the region’s popular organized wine tours.

Margaret River Winery Tour Map

• 10 AM: Hay Shed Hill Winery
• Optional Stop: Margaret River Chocolate Company & Providore Gourmet Grocery Store
• 11:30AM: Vasse Felix Winery
• Optional Stop: Bettenay’s Nougat Company
• 12:30PM: Casual Lunch at Cheeky Monkey Brewery or Splurge at Voyager Estate Winery
• 2PM: Voyager Estate Winery
• 3PM: Leeuwin Estate Winery
• 4PM: Redgate Wines (optional final stop if you have time)

Your Full-Day Margaret River Winery Tour by Car

10 AM: Hay Shed Hill Winery

If there’s a perfect place to kick off your Margaret River wine adventure by WA rental car, it’s Hay Shed Hill Winery.

Located just 10 minutes north of Margaret River Town along Harmans Mill Road, this family-owned estate combines award-winning wines, a relaxed atmosphere, and sweeping vineyard views that set the tone for the day.

Hay Shed Hill is best known for its chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon, two classic Margaret River varietals. Their cellar door team is warm and knowledgeable, and the tasting is laid-back with no rush, just genuinely good wine.

I especially loved their Block Series Chardonnay, which perfectly balances richness and acidity.

If you’re feeling peckish early, their on-site restaurant Rustico at Hay Shed Hill is also a standout for Mediterranean-style share plates and long lunches (though for this itinerary, we’ll save your appetite for later stops).

Pro Tip: Stop off at one of my favourite Margaret River coffee shops beforehand to fuel this epic winery itinerary.

Optional Stop: Margaret River Chocolate Company & Providore Gourmet Grocery Store

Location: Margaret River Chocolate Company & Providore (right next to Hay Shed Hill)
Best For: Chocolate tastings, local gourmet produce, edible souvenirs

Just a two-minute drive from Hay Shed Hill, this stop is a sweet and savoury pairing made in heaven. The Margaret River Chocolate Company is one of the most beloved spots in the region, famous for its free tastings of milk, dark, and white chocolate.

They also sell everything from truffles and rocky road to hot chocolate blends and chocolate-coated nuts, making it the perfect palate cleanser between wineries.

Right next door is Providore Gourmet Foods, a food lover’s playground. Here you can sample olive oils, chutneys, sauces, jams, and even liqueurs, all made with local ingredients.

I always end up leaving with at least a jar of something delicious (the truffle oil is a personal favourite). I’ve also included this and many of the stops on this itinerary on my list of gourmet Margaret River things to do, for further reading.

Pro tip: This is a great short stop to break up your tastings and grab something to take home or stash in the car for later.

If wine is your main priority when visiting this region, I recommend staying in Margaret River town at a great central base for this itinerary.

11:30 AM: Vasse Felix Winery

Location: Vasse Felix Winery (about 10 minutes from Hay Shed Hill)
Best For: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, art and wine lovers

No Margaret River wine itinerary is complete without a stop at Vasse Felix, the oldest commercial winery in the region and one of its most iconic.

Established in 1967, this stunning estate along Caves Road combines world-class wines with elegant architecture, a top-tier restaurant, and a sense of history that makes it truly special.

Vasse Felix is best known for its cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, both consistently recognized among Australia’s best. The cellar door tasting is beautifully structured (informative without being pretentious), and I loved how each wine came with stories about the estate’s pioneering role in shaping Margaret River’s wine reputation.

If you have a little extra time, pop upstairs to their art gallery, which showcases rotating exhibitions from Australian artists.

Pro tip: If you enjoy structured tastings, Vasse Felix is an ideal place to slow down and fully immerse yourself in the region’s winemaking heritage.

I include a full-day Margaret River wine tour in my 10 day Western Australia itinerary, too.

Optional Stop: Bettenays Nougat Company

Location: Bettenays Nougat Company
Best For: Handmade nougat, local treats, quick indulgent stop

If you’ve got a sweet tooth like my husband (he loved this stop!), this optional stop is a quick and tasty detour just a few minutes up the road from Vasse Felix.

The Bettenay’s Nougat Company is tucked on the same property as the Chocolate Company and Providore, making it easy to loop back or swing by before lunch.

They specialize in handmade nougat made with local honey and almonds, and their free tastings let you sample a range of flavours. Think pistachio cranberry, honey almond, and chocolate-dipped varieties. It’s light, chewy, and perfectly balanced. Not overly sweet like store-bought nougat.

Pro tip: This is a great place to pick up a small sweet snack to stash for the drive between wineries, or a delicious souvenir to take home.

12:30 PM: Casual Lunch at Cheeky Monkey Brewery or Splurge at Voyager Estate Winery

By midday, it’s time to give your taste buds a little reset with a proper lunch. You’ve got two great options depending on your mood (and budget): Cheeky Monkey Brewery for something casual, or Voyager Estate Winery for a luxe long lunch experience.

Location: Cheeky Monkey Brewery or Voyager Estate Winery
Best For: Relaxed lunch by a pond with craft beer

Cheeky Monkey Brewery sits along Caves Road, just a short drive from Vasse Felix.

It’s lively, family-friendly, and has a great outdoor deck overlooking the vines. The menu leans into pub-style classics done well. Think crispy fish and chips, wood-fired pizzas, and craft beers brewed on-site.

It’s the perfect pick if you want something relaxed and unpretentious in between tastings.

Location: Voyager Estate Winery
Best For: An elegant fine-dining experience

If you’re in the mood to splurge a little, Voyager Estate offers one of the region’s best winery dining experiences.

Their seasonal wine-paired degustation menu is beautifully curated and showcases local ingredients, served in a stunning, Cape Dutch–inspired building surrounded by manicured gardens. I’ve done both, and honestly, you can’t go wrong.

Pro tip: If you’re visiting during peak season, book ahead at Voyager, which often books out weeks in advance.

2 PM: Voyager Estate Winery

Location: Voyager Estate Winery
Best For: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, elegant estate atmosphere

If you opted for casual lunch at Cheeky Monkey, it’s time to slow things down at one of Margaret River’s most stunning wineries – Voyager Estate.

If you’ve just dined here, the cellar door is right next to the restaurant, making it an easy transition into a leisurely tasting. If not, you’ll arrive to find one of the most beautifully designed estates in the region, complete with immaculate gardens, a grand Cape Dutch–style building, and warm, knowledgeable staff.

Voyager Estate is best known for its elegant chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon, which reflect the winery’s certified organic vineyards and sustainable practices.

With their tasting experience, you can opt for a flight of their signature wines or upgrade to a premium seated tasting for something a little more elevated.

I particularly loved how the staff explained the connection between the land, climate, and flavour profile of each wine. It’s a place that feels special, without being stuffy.

Pro tip: Take a few minutes to wander the gardens after your tasting. It’s one of the prettiest spots on the entire wine route.

3 PM: Leeuwin Estate Winery

Location: Leeuwin Estate Winery
Best For: Art Series Chardonnay, wine and art lovers, iconic estate experience

Next up is Leeuwin Estate, one of the most internationally renowned wineries in Margaret River. Just a short drive from Voyager, this iconic family-owned estate is famous for its premium wines, stunning property, and strong connection to the arts. They even host world-class concerts and exhibitions on-site.

Leeuwin is best known for its Art Series Chardonnay, which is often considered one of Australia’s best.

Their cellar door tasting is elegant yet approachable, with friendly staff who guide you through their portfolio in a bright, airy space overlooking the vines. What makes the experience special is the art element: every bottle in their Art Series range features a commissioned Australian artwork, making each vintage feel unique and collectible.

There’s also a beautiful restaurant here if you ever want to plan a special occasion meal, but for this itinerary, a relaxed tasting flight is the perfect way to spend your late afternoon.

4 PM: Redgate Wines (optional if time allows)

Location: Redgate Winery
Best For: Cabernet Merlot, Shiraz, intimate and friendly cellar door experience

Ending your self-guided tour at Redgate Wines is the perfect way to wind down the day. This small, family-owned winery has a laid-back charm that contrasts beautifully with the grandeur of the larger estates earlier in the itinerary.

Nestled just a few minutes’ drive from Margaret River Town, it’s surrounded by rolling vineyards and quiet countryside. An ideal last stop before heading back to town.

Redgate is best known for its cabernet merlot, shiraz, and semillon sauvignon blanc, showcasing the approachable, fruit-forward style that Margaret River does so well.

The cellar door is intimate and friendly, and the staff are passionate about sharing the story behind each vintage. After a full day of tastings, it’s a relaxed and unpretentious way to finish.

Pro Tip: After visiting Redgate Wines, make your way over to Surfers Point for an epic sunset. One of the best beaches in Margaret River to watch the sun go down.

What’s Next? This self-guided tour ends in the southern parts of the Margaret River region, which is full of more exciting Margaret River activities like the underground Jewel Cave, if you choose to partake.

Margaret River Winery Tour Itinerary Wrap-Up

A self-guided wine tour is one of the best ways to truly experience the Margaret River wine region.

Not only does it give you the freedom to set your own pace, but it also lets you savour every stop. Whether that’s lingering over a long lunch at Voyager Estate, sampling nougat and chocolate between tastings, or finishing the day with a laid-back pour at Redgate Wines.

During my two weeks in the region, this exact itinerary became one of my favourite days. It strikes the perfect balance between big-name estates like Leeuwin and Vasse Felix and more intimate cellar doors where you can chat with winemakers and get a real feel for the area’s character.

Just be sure to book tastings and lunch ahead, and if you’re planning to drink, arrange a designated driver or transfer service so you can relax and fully enjoy the experience.