When it comes to world-class dining, fine wines, and fresh local produce, Margaret River is a food lover’s paradise. Known for its wineries, the region also boasts a thriving culinary scene that celebrates seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients. If you’re a foodie looking for more than just a meal, Margaret River’s gourmet food tours offer an immersive experience, guiding you through its rich tapestry of flavors, local farms, and artisan producers. From wine and cheese pairings to olive oil tastings and everything in between, here’s your guide to the best gourmet food tours in Margaret River.
Savor Margaret River’s Artisan Cheese and Dairy Delights
One of the most indulgent stops on any gourmet food tour is Margaret River’s artisan cheesemakers. Tours often begin at the Margaret River Dairy Company, where you can sample a variety of handmade cheeses, including their popular brie, camembert, and rich cheddar. These cheeses are crafted using locally sourced milk, ensuring the freshest flavors that capture the essence of the region.
Beyond cheese, many tours also offer a visit to local creameries where you can sample yoghurt, cream, and butter, all made with the same dedication to quality. It’s an experience that highlights the importance of locally sourced dairy and the craftsmanship that goes into each product.
What we love: The opportunity to taste creamy, handcrafted cheeses and learn about the cheesemaking process from passionate artisans.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Explore the Vineyards: Wine and Gourmet Pairings
A gourmet food tour in Margaret River wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its world-renowned wineries, where food and wine pairings elevate the experience to new heights. Vineyards like Voyager Estate and Leeuwin Estate are not only famous for their premium wines but also for their carefully curated food menus that highlight local ingredients. Expect to enjoy Chardonnay paired with freshly caught seafood or a rich Cabernet Sauvignon with tender beef from nearby farms.
Many wine tours offer multi-course degustation experiences, pairing each dish with the perfect wine to create a culinary journey through the region’s terroir. In addition to wine tastings, you’ll often have the chance to tour the vineyard, learning how the region’s unique climate and soil contribute to the flavors in each glass.
What we love: The seamless integration of fine wine and gourmet food, showcasing the best of Margaret River’s produce in every bite and sip.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Discover the Olive Groves: Olive Oil Tastings and More
Margaret River is home to some of the finest extra virgin olive oils in Australia, and many food tours include a stop at a local olive grove, such as Olio Bello. Here, you’ll have the chance to sample award-winning olive oils, flavored with fresh local herbs, citrus, or garlic. The smooth, rich flavors of the oils are perfect for tasting alongside freshly baked bread or drizzled over a salad made with locally grown greens.
Olive oil tastings provide an insight into the region’s Mediterranean-style climate, which is ideal for growing olives, and you can also learn about the harvesting and pressing processes. In addition to oils, many olive farms produce other gourmet treats, including marinated olives, olive tapenade, and balsamic vinegars.
What we love: The rich, earthy flavors of Margaret River’s olive oils, and the chance to take home some of the region’s best-kept culinary secrets.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Indulge in Margaret River’s Sweet Side: Chocolate and Nougat Factories
For those with a sweet tooth, Margaret River is home to a number of artisan chocolatiers and confectionery makers. One must-visit stop on any food tour is the Margaret River Chocolate Company, where you can watch chocolatiers at work and sample freshly made chocolate truffles, bars, and decadent sauces. The experience is a true feast for the senses, as the rich aroma of melted chocolate fills the air.
Another sweet delight is Bettenay’s Margaret River Nougat Company, famous for its soft, chewy nougat made from local honey, almonds, and a variety of unique flavors. Whether you prefer nougat infused with raspberries, pistachios, or even wine, Bettenay’s has something to satisfy every craving.
What we love: The ability to indulge in some of the region’s finest sweets, while learning the art of chocolate and nougat making from skilled artisans.
Visit Local Farmers: Farm-to-Table Experiences
One of the most rewarding aspects of a gourmet food tour in Margaret River is the chance to meet the local farmers who provide the region’s fresh produce. Tours often include visits to organic farms, where you can sample freshly picked fruits and vegetables, taste farm-fresh eggs, and learn about sustainable farming practices.
Farm-to-table experiences allow you to truly connect with the land and the people who nurture it, often culminating in a beautiful picnic or meal prepared with ingredients sourced directly from the farm. Some tours also include visits to local honey producers and artisan bread makers, giving you a full appreciation for the region’s diverse food offerings.
What we love: The direct connection to the land, and the opportunity to taste food that’s as fresh as it gets, straight from the source.
Meet the Makers: Craft Beer and Cider Tours
If you prefer hops to grapes, Margaret River’s craft beer and cider scene won’t disappoint. Many gourmet food tours include stops at local breweries and cider houses, where you can sample small-batch brews made with local ingredients. Breweries like Colonial Brewing Co. and Bootleg Brewery are popular stops, offering a laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy a refreshing pale ale, lager, or stout.
For something a little different, try a tasting at The Cidery in nearby Bridgetown, where local apples and pears are turned into crisp, refreshing ciders. Paired with a charcuterie board or some local cheese, these tastings are the perfect way to wind down a day of food exploration.
What we love: The relaxed, rustic vibes of Margaret River’s breweries, and the chance to sample unique brews alongside local snacks.
Foraging Tours: Wild Food Adventures
For the more adventurous foodie, some tours in Margaret River offer foraging experiences where you can gather wild ingredients from the local landscape. Led by expert guides, these tours take you into the forests and fields surrounding the region, teaching you how to identify and harvest wild herbs, edible plants, mushrooms, and even native spices. After gathering your bounty, you’ll often get the chance to prepare and cook a meal using the ingredients you’ve foraged.
This immersive experience provides a deep connection to the natural environment, highlighting the rich biodiversity of Margaret River and showing how foraging can enhance both your cooking and your appreciation for the region’s unique ecosystem.
What we love: The hands-on experience of foraging for your own ingredients, and the satisfaction of cooking a meal sourced directly from the wild.
Final Thoughts
Margaret River’s gourmet food tours are a true celebration of the region’s rich flavors, offering everything from fine dining experiences to hands-on tastings at local farms and producers. Whether you’re indulging in a perfectly paired wine and cheese flight, tasting olive oil straight from the grove, or foraging for wild ingredients, these tours provide an unforgettable journey through one of Australia’s most bountiful food regions. For any foodie, Margaret River is a dream destination where every bite tells a story of the land, the people, and the dedication to quality that defines this incredible part of the world.