The Mindful Makers Trail
Margaret River’s Hidden Gems
Designed for the conscious traveller, this itinerary is for those who want to support Australian farmers and experience the landscape firsthand. By stepping away from the bustling crowds, we are spotlighting the region’s hidden gems—smaller, boutique producers whose tasting experiences are intimate, authentic, and grounded in nature. As you travel from the northern ridges to the southern forests, you will connect deeply with the natural landscape and the passionate local families who thoughtfully steward it.
To protect the vines from devastating soil-borne pests and diseases, avoid walking among the vineyard rows
Day 1: Northern Heritage & Sustainable Rhythms
Morning
A Century of Family at Credaro Estate
Start your journey off the beaten path in Yallingup at Credaro Estate. Tucked away on a ridge, their elegant Tuscan-style cellar door offers sweeping, serene views over the Wildwood Valley. It’s a place to experience how four generations of farming and winemaking led to the glass in your hand. Taste their Italian heritage with unique varietals like Sangiovese and Fragola. Exploring this estate gives you a firsthand look at multi-generational farming families protecting their soil for the next 100 years.
Lunch
Relaxed Vibes at Swings & Roundabouts
Just down Caves Road, immerse yourself in the relaxed, vibrant energy of Swings & Roundabouts. Known for its sprawling lawns and crackling open fires in the winter, this venue perfectly captures the tranquil, easygoing lifestyle of Margaret River. Grab a slice of their famous traditional Italian woodfired pizza and pair it with a glass of their elegant, approachable wine. Their philosophy is centred on sustainability and careful fruit selection, proving that premium quality and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
Afternoon
Rustic Charm at Thompson Estate
Continue to the renowned Wilyabrup region to discover Thompson Estate, a true hidden gem boasting an intimate, rustic barrel room and James Halliday Five Red Star prestige. Enjoy a quiet tasting surrounded by barrels, discovering high-quality winemaking intertwined with deep care for the future of Margaret River.
Day 2: Deep Roots & Beautiful Stars
Morning
Serenity at Victory Point Wines
Venture to Cowaramup to find Victory Point Wines, a small-batch, family-owned vineyard that feels like a well-kept regional secret. The cellar door opens up on a hill overlooking their vast, serene, unirrigated vineyard. It’s a peaceful, uncrowded tasting where you can connect directly with the maker and take in the spectacular views. By relying on dry-grown farming, the vines’ roots are forced to go deep to find the water table, creating a highly complex, exceptional vintage expression while naturally conserving vital water resources.
Lunch
Small Producers, Big Perspective at McHenry Hohnen
Awaken your palate at McHenry Hohnen Winery. Here, biodynamic principles and a steadfast commitment to minimal intervention define the winemaking approach. You’ll taste the vitality of the living soil in every glass. The tastings here feel highly personal, grounded, and wildly expressive of the natural environment.
Afternoon
Southern Charm at Stella Bella
Conclude your journey just minutes from the Margaret River town centre at Stella Bella’s charming, cozy cellar door. Meaning ‘Beautiful Star,’ this small team offers a personal, tailored tasting that serves as a thoughtful journey into the heart of the southern Margaret River. They respect the natural environment by focusing on modern regenerative farming, producing elegant and aromatic wines with a distinct personality.
The Final Pour
As your journey concludes, one thing becomes clear: here in Margaret River, the wine, the earth, and the people are beautifully intertwined. When you see the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia Trust Mark on these bottles, it’s a quiet promise of authenticity and care. Pouring a glass long after you’ve returned home is more than just a memory of a spectacular holiday—it’s a mindful choice that allows you to support the families preserving this incredible landscape for generations to come.
