A surprising number of people don't realize that there's an amazing wine region located just a little south of Perth, in Western Australia. This area has soil, climate conditions and temperatures that are conducive to producing some really great quality wines. In fact, it's been compared to some of the best wine producing areas in France, such as Bordeaux in a dry vintage.

The Margaret River region has only been growing wine grapes commercially since the 1970s, much less time than many of the more famous regions. However, that doesn't make this relatively small area low in quality - the grapes produced here stack up well against others from better known wine regions. Just the right range of temperatures and humidity, plus several other factors, contribute to truly excellent wines.

The deep gravelly loams of the area are part of the reason that Margaret River produces such excellent wines. The roots of the vines can dig in deep, and get through the very dry summers that the region tends to experience, producing good quality grapes even in difficult years. The soil sheds moisture fast, too, a characteristic that leads to vines that yield few grapes of very high quality and flavor concentration, with deep colors and intense tastes.

The Margaret River's "Mediterranean" climate is said to be what makes it so great for wine grape growing, and it's true that the wines that come from this area are incredibly good. The area is best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, but it also produces excellent Merlot and Chardonnay, as well as blends. Shiraz, a popular Australian wine, is surprisingly rare in the Margeret River, and is limited mostly to just the northern part of the wine growing region.

Vintage happens during February and May, with the exact date varying according to the weather and the ripening of the grapes. In the Margaret River region, the grapes determine the picking, not the calendar. Using a combination of hand and machine harvesting techniques, vineyard operators ensure that the fruit is picked at just the right time to produce high quality wine.

One of the best ways to experience this wonderful wine region and all it has to offer is to visit there yourself. There are all kinds of wonderful small wineries available, many of them selling at prices much lower than you can expect elsewhere. Plus, you'll get the chance to try wines you might never have encountered at home - after all, not every wine ends up being exported or sent to stores.

The Margaret River region is definitely a wine-lover's dream, with vineyard tours, winery tastings, and lots of wonderful wine related activities. There's also great food available in area, too - the perfect accompaniment to an excellent wine. Choose from some of the wonderful places to stay while you're there, and enjoy a glass of local wine on your own private balcony in the evening.

If you love wine, don't overlook the wonderful options you'll find in Margaret River. It might not be as well known as other, more famous, wine regions, but it has a lot to offer. Take the time to find out more.