Southern Forests wine region guide
Towering trees, fresh produce, small towns and top-quality wines: welcome to the Southern Forests, about four hours from Perth in Western Australia’s South West.
There are actually TWO wine regions to discover here: Manjimup and Pemberton are individually recognised as regions in the register of Australian Geographical Indicators. But as they’re both small regions, and close neighbours, they’ve teamed up for marketing purposes under the banner of “Southern Forests wine regions”. This pair of boutique, cool-climate regions are gaining a solid reputation for the quality of their wines and also share stunning natural surroundings and a focus on fine produce – all of which makes the area well worth a visit.
Where are the Southern Forests (Manjimup and Pemberton) wine regions?
The Southern Forests wine regions are located inland within Australia’s South West, below the Blackwood Valley region. The Warren River runs through the centre of the regions, and beautiful karri forest abounds.
You’ll find the town of Manjimup just over 3.5 hours’ drive from Perth: follow the coast down to Bunbury then head inland via the South Western Highway to get there. Pemberton is less than half an hour further down the road. Self-driving is certainly the best way to get there, but TransWA bus services are also available.
History of the Southern Forests wine regions
Snuggled inland among towering forests of karri trees, Manjimup and Pemberton are historically timber towns. Viticulture only began to be established in the area in the late 1970s and 80s, after research by the WA Department of Agriculture identified potential for grape-growing. The borders of the two Geographical Indications were finalised in 2005, completing what James Halliday describes as “the regional jigsaw of Western Australia”. Today, there’s a total of twenty-something wineries across the regions.
Wine regions in the Southern Forests
Pemberton is the larger of the two Southern Forests regions, with around 466 hectares of vineyards compared to Manjimup’s 153. Both are home to boutique, family-run wineries, and punch above their weight in terms of quality.
What kinds of wine is the Southern Forests area known for?
Although they’re inland, the Manjimup and Pemberton wine regions still benefit from the influence of the ocean to even out temperatures. As relatively cool, wet parts of the country, the climate is suitable for similar grapes to those grown in Bordeaux.
Chardonnay is Pemberton’s most planted grape. Pinot noir (used for single varietal and sparkling wines) is also widely grown, along with merlot, sauvignon blanc and riesling.
In Manjimup, you’ll find lots of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, chardonnay and verdelho.
Wine tasting in the Southern Forests
Unfortunately, post-covid, very few cellar doors are open in the Southern Forests. However, you may find wine producers offering tastings at events like the Manjimup Farmers Market on Saturday mornings (where I found Woodgate Wines).
To taste an array of wines from the region, you must visit Tall Timbers. Located on the main road in Manjimup, this is a brewery with all-day dining and (the best part) a collection of wines on tap with the Enomatic dispenser system! $15 gets you 10 tastings: you’ll receive a card that you tap on the machines before choosing a wine to sample from the 30+ on offer. Wineries on show include Laissez Faire, Pemberley, Silkwood Estate, Chestnut Grove, Below & Above, 10 Chains, and Peos Estate. Find something you love? You can buy it by the glass to enjoy on site, or pop across the road to the sister bottle shop to take it home.
Hopefully more cellar doors will gradually open up for tastings, so check the official Southern Forests wine website for more information on Manjimup and Pemberton wineries.
When to visit the Southern Forests
The summer holidays (late December and all of January) are the busiest times in the region. Travel outside of WA school holidays if you can to enjoy the tranquillity of the area. Autumn and spring are likely to offer lovely weather, while in winter you’ll want lots of warm layers (and perhaps a log fire in your accommodation)!
Annual event highlights for foodies include Manjimup’s Truffle Kerfuffle in June and Cherry Harmony Festival in December.
How long to stay in the Southern Forests
Given the small number of wine tasting opportunities, you won’t feel overwhelmed if you only have a day or two to spend in this region. If travelling from Perth, it’s a bit of a drive, so make a long weekend of it and stay for at least two nights if you can. With three or more nights, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the other joys of the region like hiking in the forest.
Where to stay in the Southern Forests
There’s a decent number of properties to be found on Airbnb in the area, with a lean towards cosy cottages, chalets and farm stays.
If you have a group looking for a luxurious stay, consider Ampersand Estates, which has three self-contained hideaways catering for four to ten people… within walking distance of their cellar door!
Other things to do in the Southern Forests
The area is known for its gourmet produce: hit up the Manjimup Farmers Market on Saturday mornings or time your visit to coincide with a foodie event or truffle season.
Reconnect with nature by exploring the beautiful karri forests. There are plenty of hikes to choose from and abundant wildflowers in spring. If you’re not afraid of heights, you can climb the Gloucester Tree, which has a platform 53 metres above the ground that was once used as a fire lookout!
Looking for more areas to explore? We’ve got you covered. Explore more wine regions.
