The Ultimate Gourmet Escape Guide
Once a year the global gastronomic spotlight shines itself on Margaret River for West Australia Gourmet Escape. It’s an epic festival of music, food and wine, now held over ten days to showcase the exceptional produce and wineries who are putting our world renowned state of Western Australia on the international map.
This year there’s a myriad of events being held, with world-class chefs like Marco Pierre White, Momofuku’s David Chang, Colin Fassnidge, Amanda Cohen and wine industry legend James Halliday (wine) all helping to showcase what’s unique about our region. Margaret River truly comes alive from 15-17 November with the Gourmet Village being the hub of the action with over 150 different producers joining together to allow our artisan produce and wines to be shared.
If you’re planning on heading along, there’s often an overwhelming list of events and places to explore. So we’ve highlighted a few of our favourite festival events, ways to escape the crowds and less known local producers to discover whilst you’re in our backyard.
Gourmet Village
The hub of the Margaret River action. The Gourmet Village is where you get to discover an extensive range of artisan producers along with meeting the big celebrity names. Held in the grounds of the iconic Leeuwin Estate Winey it’s a great way to taste your way through some of the best that the region has to offer.
Photo Credit: The Gourmet Village
Walk Talk Taste Margaret River
A brand new foodie tour hosted by our good friend Kellie Tannock. Kellie had a 30 year long career as a journalist prior to starting Walk Talk Taste Margaret River. She now shares her love of the region and gives an insight into some of the finest produce in a bite-sized feast for the senses. Whether it be over brunch, or during the Saturday night walking tour (always popular with the girls to highlight where to enjoy your favourite cocktails using local produce!), you’ll be in for a great time with this unique experience.
Be sure to stay tuned to her availability and special events that she’ll be hosting on her Facebook page.
Photo Credit: Walk Talk Taste Margaret River
Small Family Winery Trail
Brown Hill are extremely proud to be part of The Margaret River Small Family Winery Trail. A collaboration of six small family local wineries, all making small parcels of handcrafted wines with family members all intimately involved. Start your tasting trail at the Brown Hill Cellar Door and we'll provide you with some suggestions of our neighbours to visit including Arimia Estate, Burnside Organic Farm, Cape Grace Wines, Glenarty Road and Windows Estate. A great way to discover some unique brands and local personalities that you may otherwise never have encountered.
Cape to Cape Track Walk
The longest and most famous walking track in Margaret River is known as the Cape to Cape Track. A 135km stretch which traverses along the ridge and stunning beaches of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. At this time of year, its spectacular for whale watching and taking in the wildflowers of the region. If the distance sounds too daunting, you can also join in the group walks which are periodically held, including one on 17 November. There's a few spots often available but be sure to check in for availability and details with the group leader a few days beforehand.
The best coffee in town?
Need a coffee hit before your day of tasting begins? Make your way to Two Cracks Coffee located next to the post office in Cowaramup. This family owned business is a multi-award winning roastery with a range of single origin coffees to enjoy. A great place to enjoy a relaxed breakfast and get your caffeine fix.
Organic wood-fired bread and bakery
We can't start the day without a slice of the most amazing bread you’ll ever eat! Margaret River Wood Fired Bread is a local secret, baked from bio-dynamic flour, stone milled and downright delicious – often discovered at the local farmers market and the local IGA, there's nothing finer than a hot loaf from the source.
The Closing Party
Watch the sun go down over Margaret River at the closing party held at the White Elephant Cafe in November. Be entertained by some of Perth’s best DJs, try some different styles of wines and enjoy the food of legendary Melbourne Chef Jerry Mai. It's sure to be pure instagrammable joy!
Want to learn more about our beautiful region before you visit? Download the wine unearthed podcast series from the Apple Store or Spotify and listen to some of our locals share their stories about what makes Margaret River so unique.
Alternatively check out some of our other tips including where to stop when travelling from Perth to Margaret River and our must visit foodie spots in the region,
Discover our family owned boutique winery. Stop by our Cellar Door and spend some time with the Bailey family who will guide you through a special wine tasting. We will have a range of delicious wines to choose from and we look forward to seeing you on your travels.