EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

OVERVIEW

Admire the staggeringly beautiful landscape on Cape Naturaliste, pausing on occasion for photos and again for a wine sampling. The cape separates the sheltered waters of Geographe Bay from the southern Indian Ocean, and the coastal views are outstanding. The highlight may well be Canal Rocks, a collection of ancient granite formations that the sea has carved out of the shore, leaving a network of rocky islands. To help ships negotiate the surrounding waters, a lighthouse was constructed in the late 19th century. During free time, you may explore the lighthouse grounds and admire the views from the observation platform. Time will also be allotted to browse the casual boutiques in beach rimmed Dunsborough, a small town with a wonderfully laid-back attitude. An enlightening tour of a nearby winery will follow, during which you will sample of selection of wines and cheeses that are characteristic of the region.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sit back in comfort and enjoy a panoramic driving tour around Cape Naturaliste.
• Admire the stunning natural beauty, including geological highlights such as Canal Rocks.
• Spend free time browsing the boutiques in the town of Dunsborough.
• Savor a tasting of wines that reflect the complexity of the local terroir.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore the geological wonders in the Ngligi Caves and the stunning natural beauty above the ground throughout Cape Naturaliste. Discovered in 1899, the caves were named for the good spirit Ngilgi, who battled an evil spirit in an Aboriginal legend. As you walk through the caves, you will see a variety of stalactites, stalagmites and helictities; the latter being a type of mineral deposit that grows in unexpected directions and seems to defy gravity. Some of the formations resemble waterfalls and shawls, the most spectacular of which are eerily illuminated with colored lights for dramatic effect. The above-ground views are equally spectacular, as you will see from the lighthouse on Cape Naturaliste. There is plenty to see whether you visit the museum or walk around the expansive observation deck. Considered to be the first tourist attraction in Western Australia, the lighthouse rises above the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, an oasis of greenery.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through the Ngligi Caves, which lie beneath a limestone ridge on Cape Naturaliste.
• Observe the oddly shaped, eerily illuminated formations within the caves.
• Gaze out over the natural beauty from the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse observation deck.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

See how the virtues of art and wine are beautifully expressed at Leeuwin Estate, a family-owned winery in the idyllic Margaret River region. As you settle in over a cup of tea, you will hear about the estate’s deep commitment to the arts and winemaking. It is an extraordinary marriage as you will discover while browsing the on-site art gallery, whose collection features paintings and sculptures from many of Australia’s leading artists. Inspired by their talent, the estate bought the rights to feature many of the works on their wine labels. These Art Series wines are among the finest that the Leeuwin Estate has ever produced, and they will be served during your three-course degustation. The exact wines to be paired will be selected the day of the excursion, but you can be assured that they will reflect the ideal terroir, which is heavily influenced by the marine climate and sandy loamy soil.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hear about the winemaking philosophy of Leeuwin Estate while visiting the property.
• Browse the estate’s remarkable art gallery.
• Appreciate how some of the finest artwork has been used on the wine labels.
• Savor a three-course degustation menu of local dishes paired with premium wines.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes tours at a premier Margaret River winery and a wine tasting at a second one to for sampling several of their most characteristic wines. Most vineyards in this well-respected wine region are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Semillion grapes, all of which flourish in the maritime-influenced terroir. The exact wineries will be chosen the day of the excursion, but chances are one of them will be Brown Hill Winery, which was established about three decades ago. Many of Brown Hill's wines, all estate grown, take their names from famous gold mines or miners in the Kalgoorlie area. You will also likely visit Aravina Estate, a more recently established winery that quickly gained a following for its numerous wines, outstanding restaurant, and serene gardens. The terroir is like that of Brown Hill, although Aravina Estate grows more varietals. You may be presented with samples of a fruit-driven Tempranillo, a single-vineyard Shiraz and a zesty white blend made with Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Savor a sampling of wines from two wineries in the fertile Margaret River area.
• Gain an understanding of the unique terroir in Margaret River.
• Learn about the traditional, sustainable techniques both wineries use to produce wine.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Sample a remarkable selection of wines, beers, ciders, and chocolates, all made locally in Margaret River. The beverages will be served at the Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co., a family-owned establishment that brews everything from bold IPAs to balanced pale ales to lagers with light citrus notes. You might also sample a refreshingly crisp hard cider made with Granny Smith, Kanzi and Jazz apples. The various tastings at the Margaret River Chocolate Company will be just as inspiring. The company creates more than 200 chocolate products that include Cointreau-flavored truffles, dark chocolate pastelles, milk chocolate-coated apricots and bars of white chocolate. Time will also be allotted to shop for specialty items such as chocolate hearts, freckled chocolate Easter eggs and golf ball-shaped chocolates. Margaret River is also an acclaimed wine region, and you will visit one of its premier wineries for yet another tasting.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Savor a sampling of products made in Margaret River with locally sourced ingredients.
• Sample a variety of beers and ciders at a brewery in town.
• Taste all sorts of melt-in-your-mouth sweets at a local chocolatier.
• Enjoy a sampling of wines at an acclaimed Margaret River winery.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Sample a remarkable variety of wines, beers, ciders and even ice cream, all produced in the Margaret River region, a fertile landscape where nature reigns supreme. You will view the glory of the natural world up close while standing on the towering bridge that spans the swirling waters of the sea canal at Canal Rocks. But gorgeous landscapes are only one of the region’s attributes as you will discover while sampling wines that the local terroirs have influenced. The settings for the tastings will be the cellar door at the Clairault Vineyard and the boutique Montague Estate winery. Each has been hailed for its superb wines and environmentally friendly viticulture. Similarly, at the Beerfarm – an old dairy farm that was converted in a brewery – you will enjoy samples of beer and hard cider, each paired with a lunch course. Be sure to save room for dessert at Simmos Ice Creamery, which offers dozens of flavors.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Savor wine tastings at two wineries in the Margaret River region.
• Enjoy a multi-course lunch paired with beers and hard cider at the Beerfarm.
• Choose your favorite ice cream for dessert from Simmos Ice Creamery.
• Enjoy a panoramic drive to Canal Rocks, a natural wonder at the edge of the sea.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Behold the stunning natural beauty of the Margaret River region and enjoy samplings at two vineyards whose wines were shaped by the extraordinary terroir. Of all the wonders, Canal Rocks may be the most visually arresting. Few experiences will be as exhilarating as standing on the bridge over the ever-pounding waters of the sea canal that rushes between the ancient granite formations. As a contrast, you will then enjoy the serene setting of Clairault Vineyard, which blankets an undulating landscape renowned for its biodiversity and unique terroir. During the tasting in the cellar door, you will hear about Clairault’s wine-making philosophy. Additional wines will be paired with your three-course locally sourced lunch at the Vineyard Kitchen. The wines produced at the nearby family-owned Montague Estate are just as celebrated and award-winning. Montague specializes in small-release wines of superb purity, grace and elegance, several of which you will sample.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a panoramic drive to Canal Rocks, a natural wonder at the edge of the sea.
• Sample a selection of premier wines produced at the acclaimed Clairault Vineyard.
• Dine at the Vineyard Kitchen, where each course will be thoughtfully paired with wine.
• Settle in for another tasting at the boutique winery Montague Estate.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.