Great Southern

Great Southern sits along the Southern Ocean coast in south-western Western Australia, covering a remarkable 17,131 km². The region stretches 200km from east to west and 100km from north to south, making it the largest wine region in Australia by area. It falls within the broader South West Australia zone and the Western Australia state appellation.

• Located along the Southern Ocean in south-western Western Australia
• Parent region is South West Australia zone within Western Australia
• Approximately 15 operating wineries and more than 40 cellar doors
• Each of the five subregions has distinct geomorphic and climatic characteristics

Great Southern carries the distinction of being the coolest viticultural area in Western Australia. The climate is broadly Mediterranean in character, but is shaped by maritime, coastal, and continental influences that vary considerably across the region's large footprint. Frankland River vineyards sit at elevations of 200 to 300 metres. Soils are dominated by lateritic gravelly sandy loams and sandy loams derived from granite and gneissic rocks, with ancient karri loams and marri soils appearing in some areas.

• Mediterranean climate modified by maritime, coastal, and continental influences
• Coolest wine region in all of Western Australia
• Frankland River subregion sits at 200-300m elevation
• Lateritic gravelly sandy loams derived from granite and gneissic rocks predominate

The modern story of Great Southern begins with research conducted by Professor Harold Olmo in 1956. An experimental vineyard was established at Forest Hill in 1965, followed by the first commercial plantings in 1968. The first wines came from the 1972 vintage, and the region's quality was confirmed when a 1975 Riesling won multiple trophy awards. The GI was officially designated in 1996. Great Southern played an instrumental role in the development of modern winemaking across Western Australia.

• Professor Harold Olmo's research in 1956 initiated the modern region
• Forest Hill experimental vineyard established 1965; commercial plantings from 1968
• First wines produced 1972; 1975 Riesling won multiple trophy awards
• GI designation granted 1996

Riesling and Shiraz are the signature varietals of Great Southern. The cool climate produces age-worthy wines, with Riesling delivering crisp, citrusy character and reds showing elegance rather than weight. The region grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, and Merlot alongside the headline varieties. Both dry table wines and sparkling wines are produced across the region's five subregions.

• Riesling and Shiraz are the region's signature varietals
• Cool-climate focus produces elegant reds and crisp, citrusy white wines
• Dry table wines and sparkling wines both produced
• Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Malbec also grown

Great Southern contains five nominated subregions, each with its own geomorphic and climatic identity. Albany and Denmark sit closest to the Southern Ocean coast and carry the strongest maritime influence. Frankland River is an inland subregion at higher elevation. Mount Barker is considered the heartland for Riesling and Shiraz. Porongurup, centred on a small granite range, is the smallest subregion and is noted for Riesling and Pinot Noir.

• Five subregions: Albany, Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker, Porongurup
• Albany and Denmark carry the strongest maritime coastal influence
• Mount Barker regarded as the core subregion for Riesling and Shiraz
• Porongurup is the smallest subregion, centred on a granite range