Great Southern Wine Region

This wine region in Western Australia is centred on the port city of Albany and faces the Southern Ocean.

the Region comprises five Subregions, Albany, Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker and Porongurup.

The climate of the region varies with the distance from the coast but generally this is the coolest region in Western Australia.

Much of the land area and a few of the vineyards, including those below, are outside of the subregions.

Wineries using alternative varieties in the Great Southern Region include

• Jingalla Verdelho
• The Lily Stirling Range Chenin blanc, Grenache

Albany Subregion

This region is situated around the historic whaling station and naval and military base of Albany. Albany is a major tourism centre for the region and there are many Accommodation options in Albany

The climate is cool enough for Pinot Noir which, along with other classic varieties, makes up the majority of the crush. There seems to be little interest in growing alternative varieties, even Riesling which would probably do well, is rare here.

Wineries using alternative varieties in the Albany Sub-region include

• Kalgan River Wines Viognier

Denmark Subregion

The town of Denmark, and the surrounding wine region is further to the west along the coast from Albany. The well developed tourist inrastructure includes plenty of accommodation options in Denmark

The region is cool and wet by WA standards. Once again the wineries here seem wedded to classic varieties, the exception being West Cape Howe who use Viognier very well.

Wineries using alternative varieties in the Denmark Sub-region include

• West Cape Howe Wines Tempranillo, Viognier

Frankland River Subregion

This is the most inland of the Sub-regions in Great Southern. It is fairly remote and many of the vineyards supply grapes for use by companies with wineries based outside the region. The Riesling produced here is among the best in Australia but again there seems to be little interest in alternative varieties.

Wineries using alternative varieties in the Frankland River Sub-region include

• Alkoomi Malbec, Petit Verdot, Viognier
• Ferngrove Vineyards Malbec
• Frankland Estate Viognier

Mount Barker Subregion

This region is located far enough inland to have a climate approaching continental. It is also cool enough for varieties such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Muller Thurgau, along with the ubiquitous Shiraz, Cabernet and Chardonnay. Tempranillo is a recent addition to the portfolio of grape varieties in this region. The climate suggests it should do well here and early results are promising

Wineries using alternative varieties in the Mount Barker Sub-region include

• Chatsfield Cabernet franc, Gewurztraminer

• Fox River Wines Chenin blanc

• Galafrey Muller Thurgau, Tempranillo

• Goundrey Chenin blanc, Tempranillo, Verdelho

• Plantagenet Cabernet franc, Chenin blanc, Grenache

• Poachers Ridge Vineyards Marsanne, Viognier

• Trappers Gully Chenin blanc

Porongurup Subregion

Immediately to the east of Mt Barker this region has a similar climate but its distinctive topography sets Porongurup apart.

Excellent Riesling is made here and a few wineries are using alternative varieties. The Porungurup wine region featured in an episode of Landline the ABC program in July 2010.

Wineries using alternative varieties in the Poringurup Sub-region include

• Duke's Vineyard Petit verdot
• Fernbrook Estate Gamay
• Montefalco Vineyard Cabernet franc, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese
• Mount Trio Vineyard Viognier