Great Southern

The Great Southern is Australia’s largest wine region by area, stretching along WA’s south coast and formally divided into five subregions: Frankland River, Mount Barker, Porongurup, Denmark and Albany. Its size and range of coast-to-inland sites create clear meso-climates (maritime on the coast, more continental inland) and varied soils — which is why the region supports a wide spectrum of cool-climate styles. 

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Key grape varieties

• Riesling — a standout across the Great Southern, prized for bright acid, perfume and excellent ageing potential; Porongurup, Mount Barker and some Frankland sites produce some of the region’s best examples. 

• Shiraz — cool-climate Shiraz is a regional speciality (often spicy, savoury and medium-bodied rather than very ripe/heavy); Frankland River and Mount Barker are especially well regarded.

• Chardonnay — performs extremely well (crisp, mineral or gently textured styles depending on site and oak use), with Mount Barker and Albany producing notable examples. 

• Pinot Noir — planted primarily in the cooler, coastal subregions (Denmark, Albany) and in elevated Mount Barker sites, giving elegant, savoury reds. 

• Cabernet & other classics — Cabernet Sauvignon and blends do well in the warmer, more inland Frankland River pockets; across the region you’ll also find experimental plantings and small blocks of varieties that suit cool, long ripening. 

Subregional strengths

• Frankland River — inland, more continental; known for robust, finely textured Shiraz and Cabernet and long-ripening reds.

• Mount Barker — higher elevation and cooler nights; excellent for Riesling, structured Shiraz and serious Chardonnay. Porongurup & Denmark — coastal, maritime influence — great sites for pristine Riesling, Pinot and premium sparkling/Chardonnay styles. 

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Major wineries & what they’re known for

• Frankland Estate (Frankland River) — the benchmark producer from Frankland River, internationally regarded for terroir-driven Riesling, Shiraz and single-site expressions that helped define the subregion’s quality reputation.

• Plantagenet (Mount Barker / Wyjup) — one of the oldest Great Southern houses (Wyjup Vineyard) and especially respected for their Rieslings and ageworthy whites that showcase the subregion’s cooler sites. Recent coverage has highlighted their Riesling as a regional high point. 

• Singlefile Wines — a high-profile, site-focused producer based in the region (Frankland River/Porongurup area) that’s won praise for single-vineyard Chardonnays and Rieslings as well as exemplary cool-climate Shiraz.