South Regional

Cherubino Guest Houses

A stay at Cherubino has an air of vigneron role-play about it. 

Look out over the Wilyabrup Valley and imagine, even if just for a night or two, that you’re the steward of a wine estate in one of the world’s most revered wine regions. While the three guest houses, which sleep between six and 12 guests, are set in their own six acres, the vineyards beyond planted with cabernet sauvignon, merlot, semillon, and sauvignon blanc are a constant reminder that there’s serious wine tasting to be done here. 

The three guest houses have different configurations, but they share a level of quality that’s difficult to come back from. Think plush couches perfect for lounging, kitchens built for entertaining, and an expansive 24-seat dining room.

For the uninitiated, Cherubino is a family-owned winery, headed by Larry and Edwina Cherubino. Their vineyards are found in the Margaret River region with its Indian Ocean influence, as well as cooler-climate Pemberton in the Southern Forests, and the Great Southern further east. The intricacies of winemaking across those varied vineyards and regions are best unpacked over a leisurely cellar-door tasting, and maybe a mixed case or two for the stay.

Need to Knows

  • Check-in: 2pm; Check-out: 10am (unless alternative arrangements have been made).
  • 2 guest houses sleep 6 people over 3 bedrooms.
  • 1 guest house sleeps 12 people over 4 bedrooms.
  • Fire restrictions are in place at certain times of the year, so do be aware of those times in regard to the use of the fireplaces and barbecue area.
  • Each guest house is equipped with its own parking, TVs and WiFi.

What’s There

You might be in the heart of wine country, but you’d be forgiven for sticking to the estate. While a complimentary bottle of something special greets you on arrival, there is a ready and willing wine supply at the cellar door, where you’ll also find the South West home of internationally renowned Linton and Kay Galleries. Apart from the main cellar door – which could be lifted straight from Tuscany – there’s also the Enoteca, which exclusively features tastings of Cherubino’s ‘Uovo’ range, named for the clay and cement egg-shaped vessels in which the wines are fermented.

What’s Around

In Wilyabrup, you’re at the epicentre of the Margaret River wine and food scene, with close neighbours  like Vasse Felix, Cullen Wines, and Woodlands considered some of the region’s founding wineries. Here, wine and food go hand-in-hand, and this stretch of Caves Road is home to some of the state’s most celebrated restaurants. Mornings, meanwhile, are made for discovering Moses Rock,  Injidup Beach and Smiths Beach, which are all just minutes away by car.

What’s Super Special

It’s difficult to put your finger on just one thing, whether it’s artwork from the Cherubino family’s own collection hanging in the guest houses, or the welcome sense of seclusion on the property. But the experience of being on ancient Wadandi Country, where the stars seem to shine brighter than anywhere else, and where you can feel the ocean’s influence, is truly special.

Children

All houses feature multiple bedrooms, but Guest House 3 is ideally suited for families, thanks to a bunk room that sleeps four. The grounds also include a nature play area and plenty of lawn space. And, when a bit of personal me-time is needed, there are separate lounge areas and undercover outdoor spaces, too.

Breakfast

Each guest house has a well-appointed kitchen with coffee and tea-making facilities. If you’re looking to dine out, there are options aplenty in both Dunsborough and Margaret River.

Eating and Drinking

On the estate, the cellar door serves an antipasti plate that’s a perfect companion to a tasting or a lazy afternoon bottle of wine. Feel like dining in? The team at Cherubino are able to recommend private chefs who can bring a taste of the region to your guest house. Off the estate, local favourites with a national reputation include Chow’s Table and Lagoon Yallingup to the north, and Vasse Felix to the south. To stock up the pantry and fridge, head to specialist deli Dunn Bay Continental, just a 20-minute drive north in the bustling coastal town of Dunsborough. 

Things to Book

Wine tastings at the cellar door and Enoteca should be booked to avoid disappointment. Local restaurant bookings are also essential, especially during the summer months and school holiday periods. And with limited taxis and no Uber service to speak of, vehicle transfers are always worth organising in advance.

Notes

For many, drinking and dining are Margaret River’s major drawcards, but experiencing the region’s natural and cultural history is a must. The best way to do so is often with one of the area’s highly regarded tour operators, such as Koomal Dreaming, Margaret River Discovery Co or Margaret River Adventure Co.