Local Favourites: Simone Horgan

There’s never a day when Simone Horgan isn’t thinking about what’s occurring and evolving within the Margaret River Region landscape — source of some of the world’s most recognised premium wines.

Running the family wine business, Leeuwin Estate, alongside her brother means being in touch with all aspects.

Rainfall. Hours of sunlight. Soil condition. The timing of the annual Marri flowering. Each element of nature as vitally important as sales figures and wine exports.

When you’ve had your fill of Chardonnay, take the opportunity to retrace some of Simone’s favourite experiences in the Margaret River Region.

Simone Horgan runs family wine business, Leeuwin Estate, alongside her brother. Photo: Supplied

1

Where's your favourite beach?

Redgate Beach, it’s where we learnt to swim and surf as kids and has always been one of my favourite beaches in the world!

2

Where do you always take your visitors?

For a walk through the spectacular old growth Karri trees in the Boranup Forest, finishing at the dramatic cliff coastline of Contos Beach.

3

Top 3 local food experiences?

I can’t go past having lunch on the Leeuwin Estate restaurant veranda, as there’s no better way to connect with our wines than to enjoy them on the land where they were grown! It celebrates our passion for fine wine, art and locally sourced food, while showcasing our sense of place.

I also enjoy visiting other Margaret River cellar doors, to enjoy a tasting experience and discover their winemaking philosophy. On Saturday mornings, the Margaret River Farmers Market offers a wonderful opportunity to meet regional food producers and inspire the purchase of ingredients for some great weekend home cooking.

Leeuwin Estate Winery veranda — Enjoy lunch at Leeuwin Estate's restaurant veranda. Photo: Jasmine Ann Gardiner

4

Best fun in the region to be had without spending a cent?

A family adventure to Augusta, with lunch from the Augusta Bakery, a visit to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and seeing where the Indian and Southern oceans meet. Stopping along the way at Hamelin Bay for a beach walk to watch the stingrays.

5

Favourite time of year?

Every season has its special attributes, but I really love April and May. It’s post vintage, the vines start turning their spectacular golden colours and there is a wonderful celebratory energy in the winemaking community.

Man fishing in Augusta. Credit Ryan Murphy — Augusta is the perfect spot for a relaxing family holiday. Photo: Ryan Murphy

6

The must-try wine varietals?

Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the benchmark must-try Margaret River varietals, but the evolution of Shiraz from the region is really exciting me.

7

The best spot to watch the sunset?

An isolated beach down the end of a dirt track, or sitting on the crest of a hill in a vineyard.

Surfers Point Margaret River — Sunset at Surfers Point, Prevelly. Photo: Supplied

8

You can’t leave the Margaret River Region without doing what...?

Going down to the ocean, visiting the Rivermouth and stopping at Surfers Point.