Hi,
My aunt is planning to visit Perth and Margaret River this July. She's a massive fan of vineyards and would definitely want to visit one during her travel. Question is, since her visit would be in winter, would the wineries be closed then? Also, and most likely a stupid question but I'm checking just in case, would the vineyards be bare during that time- my aunt loves to take photos of vineyards in all its lush glory.
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
I live in the Hunter wine growing region - by July grapes have well and truly been harvested so vines are bare waiting for new growth to start about November. I am assuming its the same in Margaret River. So July grape vines would have little to no green. - vines 'in all their lush glory' would be Feb. / March. - hopefully someone in W.A. can add to this with their local knowledge if things are different there. I'd say if a main reason she is coming to Oz is to visit / photo vineyards then July is definitely the wrong time and she should re-think her schedule if she can.
All grape vines/vineyards in southern Australia will be bare in July.
I expect most vineyard/wineries with cellar door sales will be open in July, but opening times over winter might be more limited at some of the smaller wineries so check. Have a look at the following website for more info. This website has a contact for more info so send them an email.
The vines will indeed be bare but the vinyards themselves are still worth visiting (and photographing) in winter. Most have been superbly landscaped and the combination of superb architecture, lakes and sculpture bordered by native bush I think is better done in the South West than any other wine region in Australia. The restaurants are also generally excellent and there are few better ways to spend a winter day than by the fire eating some of the better food you'll find in WA. It can be wet (although can also be sunny with no wind and low 20s) but winter in the capes region is often milder than Perth, bordered as it is by the sea on three sides and certainly much warmer than further inland. For specific recommendations Flutes, Xanadau and Leeuwin Estate are all ones I've enjoyed but it's rare to find a dud as competition keeps the standards pretty high.
Margaret River is a wine region in the southwest corner of Western Australia. Its vineyards produce Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs and other varietals, and are often open for tours and tastings. The town of Margaret River is home to sophisticated restaurants and art galleries. Nearby stretches of the Indian Ocean coast are famed for surfing, with sites suiting various levels.
The wineries will be open, but check dates etc as some may only open weekends. However the vineyards will be as bare as they can be. Grapes are picked in March and April and by July, they will have been pruned. You''ll be looking at twigs and sticks.
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