Dr John Gladstones a Visionary Behind Margaret River Wines

Did you know that Margaret River might never have become one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions without one man’s genius? Enter Dr John Gladstones, the scientist who spotted the region’s potential long before it was full of vineyards, wineries and wine lovers like you and me!

Back in the 1960s, Dr Gladstones had a hunch that Margaret River’s climate and soils were something special. And boy, was he right! Through meticulous research, he discovered that the region shared many similarities with Bordeaux in France (yes, that Bordeaux), but with a crucial difference, Margaret River offered more consistency, avoiding the extreme weather swings that can trouble winemakers in Bordeaux.

Then there was the soil. That beautiful, gravelly well-drained soil of Margaret River was practically begging for grapevines. Combined with the warm, dry summers and cooling sea breezes, it was a match made in winemaking heaven.

Armed with these findings, Dr Gladstones declared Margaret River a goldmine for premium wine production. He encouraged pioneers like Vasse Felix, Cape Mentelle, and Leeuwin Estate to plant the first vines in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Fast forward a few decades and here we are, a region celebrated for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and more, with wines enjoyed around the globe.

So next time you’re savouring a glass of Margaret River Cabernet or gazing out over a lush vineyard, take a moment to toast Dr Gladstones. Without his foresight the Margaret River wine region might never have existed!

Want to explore the legacy for yourself? At The Journey Margaret River, we’ll take you on a private tour of the region’s most iconic wineries and its best-kept secrets. From pioneers like Leeuwin Estate to boutique gems like Pierro we’ll show you the heart and soul of Margaret River, crafted with a little help from Dr Gladstones’ genius!

Book your adventure today and raise a glass to history in every sip 🍷