This November, Margaret River will be in the spotlight as it hosts The World’s 50 Best Vineyards awards, marking the first time the globally respected awards will be held in Australia. More than a simple gathering of oenophiles, the event places Australia’s South West firmly in the international eye, offering a moment of rare visibility for one of the world’s most lauded yet quietly spoken wine regions.
Taking place on Wednesday, November 19th, the awards celebrate vineyards not just for the quality of their vintages, but for their complete visitor experience.
Home to over 90 cellar doors, Margaret River’s cool maritime climate and pristine terroir produce less than 5% of Australia’s wine, yet more than 20% of its premium output. This reputation has been cultivated over decades, and with the arrival of The World’s 50 Best Vineyards event — secured by the WA Government through Tourism WA — the rest of the world is invited to taste what West Aussies have long celebrated.
“Welcoming The World’s 50 Best Vineyards awards in Margaret River is a proud moment for Western Australia and reflects our growing global profile as a leader in premium tourism and hospitality offerings,” said Tourism Minister Reece Whitby.
“The Margaret River region’s international reputation for outstanding wine, food and natural beauty makes it the ideal setting for this prestigious global event.”
The celebration doesn’t end there. The awards ceremony will usher in a week-long immersion in the region’s finest offerings, with the return of Pair’d Margaret River from Thursday, November 20th to Sunday, November 23rd. A curated four-day wine, food, and music festival, Pair’d brings together the South West’s most acclaimed winemakers, chefs, and creatives to host immersive experiences across some of the region’s most spectacular locations.
The inaugural 2024 edition of Pair’d drew over 1,000 visitors from beyond the region and generated more than $2 million in economic benefit. Its return in 2025, timed alongside The World’s 50 Best Vineyards awards, is expected to further elevate Margaret River’s reputation as a destination that offers so much more than a bottle of wine — it offers a story in every sip.
