Indulge in a worry-free wine tour in the Margaret river region

Wanting to reconnect with nature and each other, Maria and Michael head to Margaret River..

It all started because I really needed a getaway. I was working non-stop, and Michael and I were overdue for a holiday. I wanted to reconnect not only with each other, but also with nature.

My friend Georgia had posted about how Margaret River & Southern WA was named the best Asia Pacific destination for 2019. Michael was super excited about discovering a new place, especially one known for its wines and food. So I booked plane tickets and a hotel, and off we went!

Feeling spoiled and special

I chose the Romantic Escape package at Pullman Bunker Bay Resort Margaret River, which turned out to be this amazing hotel near Cape Naturaliste on a bay of sapphire water. With my Accor Plus membership, we got a great rate. When we walked into our villa, a bottle of local wine and a platter of antipasti were waiting. There was also a private patio and a deep tub in the spa bathroom. Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE a long soak! I had a very good feeling about the week to come…

I was right… Our first full day started with an amazing buffet breakfast with cooked-to-order eggs, a DIY fresh juice bar and the best muesli I’ve ever tasted. Since the morning was warm, we ate on the terrace with views of Bunker Bay. Our friendly server brought us complimentary sparkling wine (for brekkie!!), and told us whales visit these waters between June and December. We didn’t see any that morning, but I hoped to catch a glimpse of them during our stay.

Food, wine and more!

Full of energy after that meal, we decided to explore the surrounding wine region. It wasn’t easy choosing where to go, as there are over 160 wine estates! So rather than wasting time researching – or worrying about who would be the designated driver! – we decided to book a private Margaret River winery tour. I was super impressed with our guide’s knowledge, from the difference between the expressions to the microclimate conditions that make these wines so famous.

As far as I’m concerned, the best way to enjoy fine wines is to pair them with a multi-course meal (any excuse to eat). At the second stop on our tour, we sat on the terrace with views of enormous karri trees and ordered the tasting menu. Wow. With the restaurant’s paddock-to-plate philosophy, we ate Margaret River meats accompanied by locally grown vegetables and, of course, wines produced a few metres away. Michael was keen to try something new and chose the venison. It was melt-in-the-mouth good (I sneaked a bite). It was a delicious meal and with the sun on my face and the taste of dessert and Shiraz on my tongue, I felt as full-bodied as the bottle in front of me.

Celebrating South Western Australia

We spent five blissful days in southern Western Australia. After more tastings, nature hikes and afternoons on the hotel’s beach (oh, we saw whales and manta rays!), it was time to go home. The memories of Bunker Bay and Margaret River will tide me over until our next adventure!