From 1–4 May, Taste Great Southern takes over more than just your calendar — it’s taking over towns.

Alongside a jam-packed lineup of long-table lunches, guided tastings, masterclasses and epic laneway parties, venues across the region are joining the celebrations in their own way. Think impromptu wine flights, live music, seasonal specials, and pop-up experiences happening throughout Albany, Denmark, Mount Barker, Frankland River, Katanning and beyond.

We call them Town Takeovers — your excuse to take the scenic route, pop into that winery you’ve always wanted to try, and keep the good times flowing between events.

Scroll down for the full list of confirmed venues and offers — and get ready to taste your way through the Great Southern, one delicious detour at a time.

Frankland River

Frankland Farmhouse

Step into the newest cellar door and gourmet diner in the Great Southern! Frankland Farmhouse and Lange Estate are teaming up for Swill n Grill — a weekend pop-up with daily tastings, wine house pours, flame-grilled burgers and laid-back live music from 12 noon each day.

Main Street, Frankland River | Sat 3 & Sun 4 May | 11am–3pm
Collection house pours $10 | Burgers $25

Ferngrove

On Saturday 3 May, swing by Ferngrove for a curated cellar door experience paired with seasonal charcuterie. Think small-batch tastings, beautiful bites, and big vineyard energy.

Ferngrove Cellar Door | Sat 3 May | 10am–4pm
Tasting Experiences from $10 | Charcuterie board from $39.80
Bookings recommended online or 0497 798 891

Mount Barker

Plantagenet Wines

Step inside the oldest cellar door in the Great Southern and experience a true celebration of local flavour and craftsmanship. Open daily from 10am, Plantagenet’s cellar door and café will be serving up wine specials, locally roasted coffee, wood-fired pizzas and platters — including their brand-new dessert platter featuring Pawprint Chocolate, Great Southern Nougat and Handasyde’s famous choc-coated strawberries.

Over the Town Takeover weekend, you’ll also have the chance to meet the makers, including celebrated winemaker Mike Garland, and enjoy tastings of gourmet produce from across the region. The outdoor marquee and kids’ playground make it a perfect stop for the whole family.

Looking to stock the cellar? Don’t miss the exclusive Taste of Plantagenet mixed pack: a premium Estate Collection six-pack (2024 Angevin Riesling, 2024 York Chardonnay, 2024 Normand Pinot Noir, 2021 Lancaster Shiraz, 2021 Aquitaine Cabernet Sauvignon and 500ml Tawny Port) plus bonus cooler bag — all for just $195 (RRP $254). Great wine, great value, and a great excuse to stock up.

Gilberts Wines

Get your hands on exclusive vertical six-packs — featuring museum releases and award-winners — with generous festival discounts.

Choose from:

• 3 Devils Shiraz – usually $250, now $200
• Reserve Shiraz – usually $360, now $288
• 3 Lads Cabernet – usually $300, now $240
• Riesling – usually $300, now $240
• Estate Chardonnay – usually $300, now $240

A rare opportunity to stock up on some of the Great Southern’s most iconic drops — direct from the source, and at a fraction of the usual price.

West Cape Howe

Ever wondered how wine is made — and why we make it the way we do? Join West Cape Howe for The Howe and Why Tour, a behind-the-scenes look into the vineyard and winery in Mount Barker. You’ll explore the vines, learn about the production process, and discover the stories that shape every bottle.

Then, wrap things up with a guided tasting at their cellar door — where everything you’ve learned comes to life in the glass.

Thursday 1 – Sunday 4 May | 11am daily (approx. 1 hour)
$15/person
Book your spot — max 10 people per session

Albany

Hybla Tavern

Get ready for two unforgettable sessions of Beef & Beer — a long table dinner (and lunch!) pairing Melaleuka Farm beef with craft brews from Boston Brewing Co. Boston’s Head Brewer, Reid Stratton, will guide you through each pour, sharing stories and flavour notes that elevate the five-course share-style menu. A must for anyone who loves great beer and beautifully cooked local beef.

Hybla Tavern, Albany | Thurs 1 May, 6pm & Fri 2 May, 11am
$125/person
Bookings and sample menu.

Alkoomi Cellar Door

Discover why Frankland River is known for Riesling and Shiraz with this exclusive Heroes of Frankland Rive tasting at Alkoomi. Enjoy eight premium wines — including museum releases and Icon Collection standouts — paired with a gourmet cheese board. A one-time-only experience during Taste Great Southern.

A deep dive into the hero varieties of Frankland River — Riesling and Shiraz — with an 8-wine tasting and paired cheese board, available for three days only during the festival. Bookings essential.

2/229 Lower Stirling Tce, Albany | Thurs 1 – Sat 3 May | 10am–4pm
Duration 45-60 minutes (approx.)
$29/person
Book your experience.

Oranje Tractor

Sip two bottles of housemade vermouth and take home a free jar of their signature herb-infused olives — perfect for your next grazing board.

Oranje Tractor Wines, Albany | Sat 3 & Sun 4 May | 11am–5pm

Bred Co.

One for the sweet tooths (and the curious little ones). Pop in to check out the onsite mill and try a limited edition éclair baked specially for the occasion. Kids will receive a free sample of freshly milled flour to take home.

Porongurup

Castle Rock Estate

A Diletti family affair awaits in the Porongurups, with a special wine experience curated just for Taste Great Southern. For four days only, explore the elegance of the Diletti Range — a flight featuring their 2023 Riesling, 2021 Chardonnay, and 2023 Pinot Noir — each capturing the character and finesse of this exceptional site.

Want to elevate your tasting? Opt for the wine and cheese bundle, pairing your flight with a handcrafted grazing box from local legends Dellendale Creamery. Set against sweeping views of the Stirling Ranges, it’s a match made in regional heaven.

Castle Rock Estate, Porongurup | Thursday 1 – Sunday 4 May | 10am–4pm
$15/wine flight | $40 wine & cheese bundle (cheese grazing box serves 2)
Duration 30 mins (approx.)
More details and bookings.

Denmark

Rockcliffe Winery

Order one of their famous woodfired pizzas and receive a complimentary glass of Quarram Rocks wine — red or white, your choice. Alfresco picnic vibes sorted.

Katanning

The Premier Mill Hotel

Make a weekend of it: book any two- or three-night stay including a Sunday and enjoy 50% off your second night. The perfect base to explore the region in style.

Make a reservation.

Cordial Bar

Serving up a festival-only special: Great Southern lamb chops with labneh for $19, available from 1–4 May. Swing by on Friday 2 May for an extra treat — a live acoustic set by Katanning duo Ash + Grace from 6pm. The Cordial Bar opens from 3pm daily, with an early start on Saturday just for Taste Great Southern.

It doesn’t stop here. We’re still adding more local legends and delicious deals to the list — so stay tuned, and get ready to taste your way across the Great Southern.