5 Gin Tastings in Margaret River
A New Spirit in Wine Country
Margaret River may be built on wine, but there’s another craft quietly making waves here, gin.
Across the region, a small but passionate group of distillers are turning juniper, citrus and native botanicals into something uniquely West Australian. The result is a collection of gins that capture the coastline, the forests and the easy rhythm of local life.
If you’ve had your fill of Chardonnay and Cabernet for the day, these five gin destinations are well worth a stop on your next Margaret River tour.
Margaret River Distilling Company – Home of Giniversity
Set just outside the town centre, Giniversity has become a local institution. It’s known for gins that are creative, aromatic and unmistakably coastal.
The cellar door experience is relaxed and educational, you can sample their full range or even take a blending class to create your own bottle. Expect flavours built around native botanicals like eucalyptus, boronia and lemon myrtle. If you are stying in Margaret River this is a great place to be dropped off at the end of the day.
Wise Wines, Eagle Bay
Wise is one of the few spots where you can look out over the Indian Ocean with a gin in hand. The distillery sits alongside the winery, making it ideal for those who want to combine both experiences in one stop. Their gins are distilled onsite using Margaret River rainwater and locally sourced ingredients and the restaurant serves fresh, regional produce that pairs beautifully with a G&T on the deck.
West Winds Distillery, Cowaramup
West Winds helped put Western Australian gin on the map. Located just north of Margaret River in Cowaramup, this award-winning distillery focuses on bold, savoury styles that celebrate native botanicals like bush tomato, sea parsley and wattleseed.
The cellar door tasting experience is relaxed and full of character, you’ll leave understanding why their gins have picked up medals from London to San Francisco. West Winds is situated in the perfect location to visit at the end of the day.
The Grove Distillery & Brewery
One of the region’s earliest distilleries, The Grove has been experimenting with spirits long before it became fashionable. Their range spans gin, rum, whisky and liqueurs, but the gin tastings are the highlight. Each pour tells a story of local inspiration, from citrusy summer blends to earthy, spiced winter releases. The team is friendly, down-to-earth and always up for a chat.
After Hours Distillery
Tucked behind the vines of After Hours Wines, this boutique distillery combines family hospitality with small-batch precision. Their gin is aromatic, balanced and beautifully made, the kind of spirit that feels crafted rather than produced.
After Hours Distillery is a hidden gem worth seeking out, especially if you like visiting places where the owners are the ones pouring your glass. We think Warrick the owner is a legend.
A Tonic for the Wine-Weary
Margaret River’s gin scene might still be small, but it’s quickly becoming one of the most exciting parts of the region’s tasting culture. These distilleries bring a fresh energy to the landscape, equal parts craftsmanship and coastal creativity.
If you’re spending a few days in the region and fancy a dedicated gin lovers tour, just let us know. We can design a relaxed, private itinerary that links together Margaret River’s best distilleries, complete with scenic stops, great food and time to unwind between tastings. It’s an easy way to see a different side of the region while letting us take care of the driving.