Leeuwin Estate — Attraction in Witchcliffe

We recently visited Leeuwin Estate and while the wine tasting itself was enjoyable and the team onsite was genuinely warm and welcoming, the overall experience was let down by unclear communication and rigid policies that left us feeling quite uncomfortable.

The website only highlights premium tasting experiences – such as the Art Series tasting with a gallery tour or lunch – without making it clear that a simple, walk-in tasting is also available at a much more accessible price point ($15 per person). This omission led us to believe that the only way to enjoy a tasting was by booking one of the higher-end packages, which is what we did.

Upon arriving and learning about the basic tasting option, we asked whether we could switch and receive a refund or partial credit. While we understand that refund policies exist, being restricted to using the $170 booking amount exclusively for wine purchases felt unnecessarily rigid. One of us doesn’t drink much, and the other was flying to Sydney the next day with no space for bottles. We asked if we could use part of the credit for a cheese board or another in-the-moment offering, but were told it could only be used toward tastings or wine purchases. This left us feeling awkward and frankly, disappointed.

Firstly, I would strongly recommend updating your website to clearly outline all tasting options. Even a simple sentence such as: "All wines are available to taste upon arrival at our tasting room upstairs. For pairings or premium experiences, please see the options below." would help visitors make more informed decisions.

And in cases of misunderstandings like ours, there should be a stronger focus on winning the guest back. We reluctantly agreed to use the booking amount as credit, but were visibly dissatisfied and felt uneasy from that point forward. A small gesture – like allowing part of the credit to be used for a cheese platter – would have gone a long way toward turning the experience around.

As a restaurant manager in Sydney, I fully appreciate how important word of mouth can be as a free form of marketing. Unfortunately, due to how the situation was handled, I won’t be recommending this experience to my colleagues or guests. The wines and estate are impressive, but guest experience should meet the same standard – and in this case,...

Visited Leeuwin Estate from Melbourne with my partner for tastings and lunch on a beautiful mid – February Monday. Weather was stunning matching the aesthetic of the estate.

Wine Tasting: Despite being a walk-in, we were greeted with open arms and availability and were treated to a very comprehensive and knowledgeable tasting. The sommelier Chenae provided exceptional cellar door service. She had extensive knowledge, friendly demeanour and provided tailored recommendations appropriately. She advised we sample lunch with paired wines that were excluded from the tasting to experience the full breadth of range at Leeuwin. The wine was so good we returned for a second tasting of the Museum wines post lunch.

Paired Seasonal Lunch: We had the 6 course seasonal lunch menu with paired wines. All of the food and wine was exceptional and our waitress Marina provided both compliments and service of the highest quality. Started with sourdough with cultured butter and a Chef’s canape which was inhaled thus didn’t get a chance to take a photo. First course was a Scallop Crudo which was delicate and light paired with a Riesling. Second course was Stracchino paired with a Sauvignon Blanc. Third course was Fish paired with a Chardonnay. Fourth course was Margaret River wagyu with was tender and buttery paired with a Cabernet Sauvignon. Fifth course was a dramatic blueberry dish. Sixth course was the Cambray reserve cheddar with cornbread and spiced raisin. An interesting interpretation of a cheeseboard which was light and delightful to the senses.

Gallery: Explored the gallery to digest the delicious lunch and tastings. The collection featured landscape works of Australian Art Modernists including Albert Tucker and Arthur Boyd.

Leeuwin also have a service that ships your wine home which is handy for interstate visitors. Naturally we bought a case to take advantage.

A wonderful sensory experience that we would highly recommend to those visiting the Margaret...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River and I must say, it was an amazing experience from beginning to end. I went with some friends from the Perth and we were blown away by the exceptional service and beautiful views.

We opted for the set menu with museum wine pairing and it was truly a delightful combination. The food was fantastic, and even when there was a slight mishap with my fish dish, the kitchen quickly rectified the situation and even provided me with an extra glass of the perfectly matched wine.

Speaking of wine, Leeuwin Estate is definitely at the top of its game when it comes to wineries in Margaret River. The art series chardonnay, especially the aged ones, left a lasting impression on me. In fact, it's probably the best chardonnay I've had in a while. The wine pairing during our lunch felt more like a harmonious symphony of flavors, with the wines truly standing out when enjoyed alongside the delectable food.

Not only was the estate itself absolutely gorgeous, but the staff were also incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They made us feel at ease and were willing to go above and beyond to ensure our experience was nothing short of extraordinary. The art gallery downstairs was an added bonus, showcasing beautiful art pieces that were once featured as wine labels.

If you only have time for one winery in Margaret River, Leeuwin Estate should be at the top of your list. It offers a prestigious selection of fine wines, stunning food, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. I highly recommend the ultimate experience package for an unforgettable visit. Trust me, you won't be...