On June 18, 2025, Sydney hosted the largest-ever tasting event featuring Western Australian (WA) wines outside the state, attracting 54 wineries showcasing 353 wines. The majority of offerings hailed from Margaret River, contributing 189 wines, followed by Great Southern with 91. Smaller regions such as Geographe, Swan Valley, Pemberton, and Blackwood also presented selections, though with fewer than 20 wines each.
This landmark event marked a significant moment for WA producers to reaffirm their presence in key domestic markets. Tom Wisdom, Managing Director of Plantagenet Wines, emphasized the importance of reconnecting with Sydney’s market after a 20-year hiatus, noting the event’s role in reinforcing Western Australia’s brand and commercial prospects.
Janelle Swinney, General Manager of Swinney Vineyards in Great Southern, highlighted the industry’s aim to showcase WA’s diverse and high-quality wine portfolio, underscoring a growing consumer interest in lighter, more elegant wine styles across the state.
Emerging Trends: Chardonnay and Approachability
Western Australian chardonnay is experiencing robust growth, building on an established foundation of quality. Tony Liversage, National Sales & Distribution Manager at Vasse Felix, described demand for chardonnay as “off the chart,” reflecting increased plantings and secured future production.
Henry Wynne, Winemaker at McHenry Hohnen, noted a resurgence in WA chardonnay, with Margaret River gaining recognition for producing world-class expressions. He also observed a shift in red wine preferences, particularly a move away from heavy, structured Cabernets toward more approachable styles, including Rhone varietals.
Andrew Stephens, National Sales Development Manager at Leeuwin Estate, confirmed this trend, explaining that modern Cabernet Sauvignons feature softer tannins and reduced oak influence, making them easier to enjoy at a younger age. Similarly, Swinney Vineyards’ Janelle Swinney reported a growing demand for brighter, more elegant wines with savory complexity.
Despite these shifts, Cabernet remains a dominant varietal in WA’s wine landscape, according to Tony Liversage, who pointed out that while Pinot Noir is popular nationally, Margaret River maintains its commitment to traditional varietals.
Regional Varietal Shifts: Pinot Noir Gains Ground
While Margaret River produces limited Pinot Noir, other WA regions like Plantagenet are seeing it emerge as a fast-growing varietal, with a corresponding decline in Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon sales. Tom Wisdom acknowledged changing consumer tastes favoring lighter red wines such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling.
Wisdom expressed concern over reduced mid-range Shiraz demand but emphasized the region’s strength in producing premium, cool-climate Shiraz styles. He advocated for stronger marketing efforts to promote WA Shiraz’s Rhone-style character, distinct from the heavier, bolder Shiraz typically associated with other Australian regions.
Leeuwin Estate also reported increasing momentum for their medium-bodied Shiraz, described by Stephens as “food-friendly” and aligned with contemporary consumer preferences for juicy, approachable red wines.
Market Dynamics: WA vs NSW
Patrick Corbett, Managing Director of Singlefile winery, contrasted WA’s parochial market with the more globally competitive scene in Melbourne and Sydney. He noted WA consumers’ loyalty to local wines and the importance of maintaining a presence in Sydney’s larger market to raise awareness of WA’s distinct styles.
Maintaining National and International Prestige
WA continues to command a strong reputation within Australia’s fine wine sector despite representing just 5% of national production. Yuri Berns, Chief Winemaker at Swan Valley’s Sittella Winery, highlighted WA’s outsized influence, accounting for over a quarter of Australia’s fine wine accolades and recognition.
Berns emphasized the advantage of WA’s unique varietal diversity, particularly in regions like Swan Valley where flagship grapes such as Chenin Blanc are less common on the east coast, offering producers a competitive edge.
Vintage Outlook
The 2025 vintage in Margaret River is shaping up positively, with Andrew Stephens describing current barrel conditions as “beautiful” and promising for balanced ripening. The 2024 vintage also showed favorable warm conditions benefiting varietals like Sauvignon Blanc.
Stephens praised the 2023 vintage as particularly strong, comparing its quality to the celebrated 2018 vintage and recommending consumers seek out recent releases.
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