Cowaramup Harvest & Vines Drive Trail
Almost like a golden triangle of winemaking, the humble area between Gracetown and Cowaramup, known as Wilyabrup, is where locals and visitors go to live like kings.
The land is bountiful and giving. It’s the region’s powerhouse of vineyards, farming, working families and artisan production. Once a land of milk (literally), there’s now honey and wine. The landscape is one of rolling fields, hay bales and lush vineyards bordered by virgin native bushland. Those who visit have no choice but to witness the seasons first-hand and are compelled to meet the makers, see the production, and sample the fruits of land, labour, and love. It’s like all roads lead to this special pilgrimage.
Old secrets of winemaking, brewing, distilling, and tempering are whispered here. Of course, days end at the coast, and in this case, it’s Gracetown’s Cowaramup Bay, where the sun sets into the water.
Trail Map
Experience the Region
Our central location is a 20 minute drive from Busselton, Margaret River and Dunsborough. With once-in-a-lifetime experiences, breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters, you can enjoy beautiful beaches, vineyards, forests, caves and more. Here are some of our local recommendations and valued partners:
Churchview Estate
So-called because it lies opposite the historical, picturesque (and tiny!) St John the Baptist Anglican Church on Bussell Highway, which is an icon landmark on your drive into the Margaret River Region. Churchview Estate is now certified fully organic, driven by principles of cultivating, crafting and cherishing the land. Beyond the cellar door tasting, visitors can book a ploughman’s lunch or a fully stocked picnic in the vines for two.
Howard Park Wines
One of the most striking, architecturally-awarded cellar doors in Margaret River, noted for its Feng Shui design principles. The vast lawn and grounds provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy the range of tasting experiences (including some knockout private seated, museum wine tastings). Howard Park is a specialist in the Margaret River and Great Southern wine regions and the home of sparkling in Margaret River, crafting a variety of champagne-method bubbles in-house. Create your own picnic platter from a gourmet regional selection to enjoy during your visit.
The Colony Concept – Southern Forests Honey
A sustainable honeybee farm and the home of Southern Forests Honey, which produces 10 different local varieties of honey, nine types of mead medicinal honey and the Heart of the Hive beauty Skin Care products. Not-for-profit organisation Foodlosophy runs the 120-seat restaurant here, creating community with food, using sustainable produce from friends and farmers within 100 km of the kitchen gate. There’s plenty of space for families to spread their wings indoors or outside in the nature playground beside the vast farmland backdrop.
Clairault Streicker Wines
Clairault Streicker features one of the lushest and greenest cellar doors in the area, with manicured grounds and vineyard views surrounded by tall gum trees that offer shade on a warm summer day. Inside, seated wine tastings take place alongside a vineyard kitchen that turns out modern casual dining. Enjoy a meal under the veranda or out on a picnic rug with some lawn games. Beyond the cellar door, there are specialties like the wine blending experience or a private vineyard picnic. The family-owned outfit oversees four distinct, historic vineyards within the Margaret River area to craft its authentic fine wine.
Fermoy Estate
Continue a little further and you will arrive Fermoy Estate, a Landmark winery with salmon colour Mediterranean buildings is recognised for producing premium quality, award winning wines, this famous ‘jewel in the crown’ winery proudly poured their very own Cabernet Sauvignon at the royal wedding reception of Princess Mary to Prince Frederic Denmark.
Woody Nook Wines and Nookery Cafe
A mudbrick cottage nestled against a backdrop of marri and jarrah forest and brimming with country charm. The vineyard and winery property, prides itself on being family-owned, small, and unpretentious, but achieving consistent acclaim for its premium wines. The Nookery Café has a rustic relaxing atmosphere with both cosy indoor seating and an all-weather alfresco dining area. It serves breakfast and delicious, wholesome lunches including a popular loaded taste plate. Children are welcome with their own menu and grassy play area with swings.
The Grove Distillery
Head west on Metricup Road from Eight Willows Retreat and within minutes you will arrive The Grove Distillery known for its range of spirits, a rare distillery visit in a region famous for wine. Experience something different while visiting the Margaret River Region and join us to learn our crafting philosophy, see the distillation process up-close, and taste our unique drams.
Our Recommended Family Getaway Itinerary
Eight Willows Retreat is proud to be:
