It's one of life's more pleasant dilemmas for those lucky enough to traverse through our beautiful South West for a session sampling the region's famous wines; just where do we start?

Unlike most other wine regions across the country, Margaret River's wineries are mostly isolated along or just off Caves Road, its vineyards enjoying the spoils of the Mediterranean-like climate with an abundance of sun and cool evening breezes thanks to its proximity to the Indian Ocean.

In the short space of 40 years, Margaret River (and its unofficial sub-regions such as Wallcliffe, Yallingup, Wilyabrup) is now regarded as the jewel in the crown of Australian wine regions, a world-class producer of varieties like cabernet and chardonnay that rival the world's very best.

As a wine-producing region it accounts for just three per cent of Australia's grape crush, but a whopping 20 per cent of our premium wine market.

For wine lovers on limited time, it means careful consideration must be given when choosing what wineries to visit for a tasting.