Margaret River Nougat produced in small batches in the heart of Margaret River. Bettenays is a must see destination in the Margaret River region, and they have perfected the production of over 35 nougat varieties, as well as their own range of wines and liqueurs. Viewing windows shed light on how nougat is freshly made, a craft dating back centuries from Italy and France. Continue reading to learn more.
Margaret River Gourmet Getaway
All you need is an appetite for some seriously good living in Western Australia’s Margaret River region. Leave the rest up to the artisan food producers and world-class winemakers who have put this sleepy, sun-kissed surf spot on the global food and wine scene.
Some 50 years ago, no one could have envisaged that Margaret River would become a gourmet gift that keeps on giving, but today you’ll find there’s even more to this epicurean escape than its celebrated cellar doors. We’re talking incredible food, family gatherings, sweeps of white sugar-sand beaches as far as the eye can see, and of course sensational venues where you can swirl and sip fine wines to your heart’s content.
With a line-up of food and wine purveyors that has lured the likes of Nigella Lawson and Heston Blumenthal to this deliciously remote part of WA, where do you start? On our 6 Day Margaret River and Karri Valley 4WD Exploration, friends and families, food and wine lovers are welcomed to indulge in the region’s sweet treats and cellar doors.
1. Gabriel Chocolate
From the humble, raw cocoa bean, Gabriel Chocolate Chocolate produces sumptuous, award-winning chocolate. The premier chocolatiers in Western Australia to convert cocoa beans to chocolate bars and now known as world-class, import a multitude of beans from all across the world. The sheer range of beans creates a range of flavours that appeal to everyone. Indulge in a chocolate tasting and discover for yourself why this passionate chocolate maker has a reputation in the industry for creating such an exquisite product.
2. Margaret River Nougat Company
Take a seat overlooking the lake and vineyards at Bettenays and let the tasting begin. With their recipes a closely guarded family secret, Bettenays have perfected the production of over 35 nougat varieties, as well as their own range of wines and liqueurs. Viewing windows shed light on how nougat is freshly made, a craft dating back centuries from Italy and France. Let your tastebuds run riot with flavours including limoncello, pistachio, cranberry or macadamia – perfect palate pleasers that are paired with Bettenays' own aromatic whites, velvety reds and liqueurs.
3. Truffle Hill
Visit the estate of Truffle Hill and learn about the various stages that it takes to make some of the world's best Perigord Black Truffles, particularly the process that preserves the freshness and quality of this pungent ingredient.
From hunting to harvest to market, discover how these tantalising products are produced and have become the favourite truffles of Michelin Star chefs. Selling richly flavoured condiments, oils, aioli and many more gifts, have the chance to sample some of the products that Truffle Hill has created.
4. Leeuwin Estate
Before even arriving at Leeuwin Estate, this iconic cellar door’s reputation precedes it. But it’s the surrounding meadows and karri forest that set the idyllic scene for one of the region’s oldest family-run wineries. Seated on family-friendly verandahs, surveying gently sloping vineyards, the estate’s cattle station past is a distant memory, elegantly replaced by everything from degustation experiences and wine tastings to concerts and scenic flights. Leeuwin Estate’s wine portfolio includes internationally acclaimed vintages, while a wander around the downstairs gallery reveals artworks by Australian artists such as John Olsen, Arthur Boyd and Sydney Nolan, featured on Leeuwin Estate’s esteemed “Art Series” wines.
5. Jaspers Bar
Dine like a local at Jaspers Bar, in Pemberton. Relax in this intimate setting and enjoy a freshly prepared and thoughtfully curated seasonal menu accompanied with delicious wine from the region. Known for having a fine selection of whisky and bourbon from Australia’s South-West, indulge in sampling this traditional, liquid gold spirit.
Image credits: Gabriel Chocolate, Bettenay Wine, Accommodation and Nougat Co., Leeuwin Estate.