Pack your bags and your appetite WA’s much-loved winter culinary escape is back for another round. Here’s our guide to making the most of your Margaret River escape this Cabin Fever season.

There’s something special about winters spent in our glorious South West. From cosy nights by the fire, to wine tastings and seasonal dishes at one of its many standout restaurants, the Margaret River region is truly world class when it comes to food and wine, not to mention the pristine beaches, tall-timber forests, renowned surf breaks and ancient caves. There’s so much to discover for discerning visitors who are keen to work up an appetite for the wining and dining to follow.

Just a three-hour drive from Perth, Margaret River is home to more than 150 wine producers and 85 cellar doors, and produces around 20 per cent of Australia’s premium wine. Alongside the wineries, visitors will find a bounty of restaurants, boutique breweries, art galleries and an abundance of fresh produce to discover.

Planning a trip to Cabin Fever this year? Go beyond the plate and discover more of what this world-class destination has to offer. Be stunned by the spectacular Cape to Cape Track, which runs for 135 kilometres along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, surf one of Margaret River’s 40 top spots along the coast or head to Augusta for whale watching.

Whatever your flavour, there’s plenty to do to bolster an epic journey south for Cabin Fever this year. And our picks for the festival? Here’s where you’ll find us…

Photograph courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

TLC (Trait x Lagoon x Chows Table), Friday 15 July, 6.00pm-10.00pm
A collaboration of the ages comes to Lagoon Yallingup as head chef Ben Jacob joins forces with Mal Chow of Chow’s Table for the perfect pairing of gastronomic talent, showcasing a fusion of seafood and Asian flavours. Dishes across a ten-course roaming canapé offering embrace the fresh, local produce of the region, while paying homage to the cultures and roots of chefs Jacob and Chow. The menu is paired with wines from Margaret River’s Trait Wines for a culinary feast for the senses.

Tickets $100 | Book Here

Lady With Merritt, Saturday 16 July, 1.00pm-4.00pm & 6.30pm-9.30pm
A wine tasting is mandatory in WA’s South West, and where better place to start than at Dunsborough’s favourite wine bar Lady Lola? This guided tasting commences with exquisite cheeses, paired with Margaret River’s Wines of Merritt wines alongside select international drops. Then, enjoy two main courses laden with sustainable produce and wines to match.

Tickets $180 | Book Here

Ferment and Fire, Saturday 16 July, 11.00am-2.00pm & 3.00pm-5.30pm
Have you ever wanted to learn the inner-workings of a small-scale organic farm? At Ferment and Fire, go behind the scenes at the McCall family’s extraordinary organic farm and vineyard on a guided walking tour, pet-nat in hand. Afterwards, enjoy a bounty of local produce and a wine tasting around the fire, featuring back vintages of their beloved Zinfandel.

Tickets $99 | Book Here

Ground Up: Flavours of Terroir, Sunday 17 July & Sunday 24 July, 4.00pm-6.00pm
Settle in by the fire and enjoy the finest of earthly indulgences – coffee, chocolate and cabernet – at this intimate tasting that reveals the tales of terroir behind these single-origin products. Over a glass of wine and delicious local snacks, hear from local makers: Alessandro Fucci (Yahava KoffeeWorks), Josh Bahen (Bahen & Co) and Claire Tonon (Voyager Estate) as you learn about the soils, climate and processes required to create the flavours we know and love.

Tickets $85 | Book Here

Fondue by the Fire, Saturday 23 July & Sunday 24 July 12.00pm – 4.00pm
Get cosy at the ultimate down south winter experience with fondue by the fire at Howard Park wines. Artisanal cheeses and exquisite WA produce from Lady Lola paired with select Howard Park wines will set the scene for an unforgettable cheese and wine experience in our South West.

Tickets, free.

Better Beef, Saturday 23 July, 1.00pm-4.30pm
They say good things take time, and this is certainly the case at Better Beef, where guests will spend the afternoon with chef Evan Hayter of Arimia to experience a menu built on the vision and planning of farmer and chef to celebrate this special product. Dive into a menu crafted with a clear focus on beef and its characteristics, centred around a 50/50 Black Angus/wagyu, 4-year old, 100 per cent grassfed local Nillip steer. Enjoy matched local and international wines or matched non-alcoholic pairings.

Tickets $150-$240 | Book Here

Ransack the Cellar, Saturday 16 July & Saturday 23 July, 11.00am – 12.00pm
Cape Grace Wines will set the scene for a wine education like no other as guests are invited to discover this South West winery’s best. Hear from winemaker Conrad Tritt and viticulturist and Cape Grace Founder, Robert Karri Davies as you explore museum Basket Pressed Shiraz wines and a new release. This is a rare and exclusive opportunity to learn the nuances and processes behind the winemaking with exclusive museum wines available for ticket holders.
Tickets $55 | Book Here

Visit cabinfeverfest.com.au to discover the full program and to plan your winter escape.

Photograph courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

 

 

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