Just outside Denmark town, Singlefile is nestled in the Scotsdale Valley, perfectly positioned between rows of vines and a lake where the resident geese waddle by – often in single file. This celebrated winery delivers some of the region’s most refined chardonnay and pinot noir, shaped by Denmark’s unique combination of cool sea breezes and elevated vineyards. The cellar door is open seven days a week for complimentary seated tastings overlooking the lush grounds and visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnic to enjoy. For a deeper immersion, book a Cool-Climate Chardonnay Masterclass, which includes a flight of five wines comprising Singlefile’s entire chardonnay collection.

The Great Southern region’s first commercial winery, Plantagenet produced its inaugural vintage in 1974 and it’s still one of the finest labels in the area. You’ll find the rustic cellar door and cafe among gardens in Mount Barker, about 40 minutes north of Albany. Choose from guided tastings such as the 30-minute Estate Range flight or the immersive museum tasting, where chief winemaker Mike Garland takes you through the most prestigious drops. Later, grab a sunny spot on the deck or lawn and tuck into a regional tasting board, generously stacked with local charcuterie, pungent soft cheeses and warm sourdough.

A sleek new tasting space has brought renewed energy to this longstanding Frankland River winery. The Alkoomi Cellar, in the heart of Albany city, offers various flights of its best-known wines. Tastings are open to walk-ins but you can book ahead online. Be sure to try the Family Collection riesling – crisp and zesty with notes of tangerine and lemon. Pair your flight with a cheese board and shop the range of locally made condiments – such as Alkoomi’s own cold-pressed olive oil – on your way out.

Acclaimed Fijian-born chef Silas Masih understands how to combine spice and local produce at Pepper + Salt, set above the Forest Hill Vineyard cellar door, just west of Denmark. Here he crafts a seasonal menu of dishes that marry ingredients drawn from the region’s rich farmland and waters with his heritage. Current standouts include lemon myrtle prawns with jilungin tea beurre blanc and Kashmiri lamb rump with cardamom, chilli and curry leaf pappadum. Bookings are a must.

Barrel Farm is one of the area’s buzziest new arrivals – an agrarian cellar door and restaurant brought to life by the Buxton family, who’ve been making Yilgarnia wine in the region for almost 30 years. Set on one of Albany’s early dairy farms, the venue has been restored to create a warm and inviting dining experience. Visitors can take a seat in the airy restaurant, casual tap room, courtyard or lawn overlooking the dam and paddocks, and tuck into Mediterranean-leaning share plates such as herb-roasted lamb with warm Greek salad and slow-braised beef cheek with tagliatelle.

Fresh from a renovation, The Lodge at Denmark Hotel is an ideal base for exploring the Great Southern. Housed within a 1926 landmark, this boutique motel-style stay pairs classic holiday charm with a contemporary Australian aesthetic. Rooms range from cosy studios for solos or couples to bigger family rooms and apartments. Downstairs, Denmark Drops celebrates the region’s proud viticulture with a large selection of local wines. Buy a bottle and enjoy it right there at the bar or book a private tasting with one of the expert staff.