From its earliest plantings, that south west corner of our vast island continent we call Margaret River showed it could make wines to rival the best in the world. Sitting at the confluence of the Indian Ocean and the Great Southern Ocean, it has a perfectly balanced climate.
As Freya Hohnen says, “You have this beautiful growing season where it never gets too hot, it doesn’t get too cold.” With consistently cool nights, wines retain their acidity, and vintages are consistent year in year out.
Today there are over 200 wineries in Margaret River and Freya has honed her skills in the region, helping establish McHenry Hohnen, a single vineyard winery with her father David Hohnen and his brother-in-law Murray McHenry. She also worked vintages at Vasse Felix and Voyager Estate in Margaret River, and in 2007, completed the first vintage for McHenry Hohnen winery.
Margaret River has transformed from the low-key surfie town of Freya’s youth. It’s now a world-class tourist destination with a lively food scene ripe with cafes, restaurants and retailers of fresh produce.
Other attractions of this premium wine region include cellar-door tastings, boutique breweries and annual wine and food festivals. Then there are its natural attractions. Along with amazing surf breaks and beaches, Margaret River has tall-timber hardwood forests and ancient limestone caves.
Do it once and well
Yes, it’s a paradise for rock climbers, mountain bikers, canoeists and whale watchers, but Margaret River is also nirvana for lovers of a balanced, modern Australian chardonnay. As this restrained style of white wine cycles back into fashion, Once & Well is perfectly positioned to give the people what they want.
