South West Life

Slowly travelling down the long, gravel driveway to Xanadu Wines in Margaret River’s cellar door, you could be forgiven for thinking you are at any number of wineries in the region.  The long driveway, surrounded by rows of vines on either side, brings you to what would seem to be an unassuming building when you reach the car park.  But upon walking up to the entrance, you can immediately see that there is much more to Xanadu than meets the eye.

The beautifully designed stone and timber architecture integrated with lush green lawn and gardens greet you as you walk down the pathways that lead to the buildings.  Directly in front of you is their restaurant, with a mix of Asian-inspired and modern food, which also happily caters to children.  A children’s playground is enclosed within the grounds, so that you can enjoy a meal in peace while your little ones are happily ensconced in indulging their imaginations.

Nonetheless, I am here to check out the wines at the Cellar Door.  Fran, a member of Xanadu’s cellar door crew, is our guide through the range of their wines, and honestly, you couldn’t ask for a better person to help you through the multitude of wine that they have on offer.  Having had many cellar door experiences, not only in the Margaret River region, but across the country, it is not often that you find someone willing to go that extra mile and teach you the ins and outs of the wine experience.  Knowing quite a bit about wine myself, it is something that is second nature to me anyway.  But the great test was the fact that I had dragged my very good friend Roslyn along with me for the ride.  And she is not someone who enjoys wine at all, and the only wine she will even contemplate looking at would have to be on the exceptionally sweet scale – otherwise, expect a screwed up, wrinkly face when anything else is handed to her for tasting.  Fran handled Roslyn’s objection to wine with absolute ease.  Each wine during the tasting (and I tasted absolutely everything), was explained to both of us in great detail.  How the wine was made, where the grapes were sourced, and what we could expect to see in each wine.  If Fran knew the wine would not be suited to Roslyn’s taste, she would say so directly, and would only recommend those suited to her palate.  Not only would each wine be explained in detail throughout the tasting, but even down to how to taste wine, such as how to hold the glass, and how to make the most of the wine tasting experience is all part of the service from the staff at Xanadu.

The wines being produced by Xanadu are first-class, and there is a broad range of varieties to suit any taste.  The Next of Kin range are produced  to represent the varieties that the Margaret River region are best known for producing, and offer excellent value for money.  This range includes a Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blend, Chardonnay, Rose, Cabernet Sauvignon and a Shiraz.  Xanadu’s premium range of wines offer similar varieties as the Next of Kin range, but have been afforded extra attention, and show beautiful varietal expression.  In addition to the similar varieties that I mentioned within the Next of Kin range, you will find a straight Semillon, and a Viognier, amongst others.

There is something at Xanadu to tempt any wine lover, regardless of your preference for variety.  And for those who are along for the ride who may not be into wine, the cellar door has a number of other interesting products on offer, such as local jams and relishes, artworks and wine accessories available for purchase.

The great test that Xanadu passed with flying colours that day, was not only did their range of wines impress me with their varietal expression and excellent craftsmanship, but that my friend Roslyn found a new appreciation for wine (although of a sweeter style), and walked away with several bottles in hand.  Not everyone has the same affinity for wine, but for the staff to treat everyone with the same respect and interest means a great deal, especially to someone who has been intimidated by the enormous world of wine in the past.  Xanadu Wines is a must-see destination for any wine lover, offering somewhere to sit and enjoy some great food, great wine, and a great outlook.