Within the Great Southern wine region is a collection of five sub regions, each with their own unique topographical qualities. These regions include Denmark, Albany, Porongurup, Mount Barker and Frankland River. With a typical maritime climate, the coastal towns of Denmark and Albany experience relatively mild summer temperatures and cool wet winters. These conditions enable fruit to ripen slowly and gradually, thus developing subtle layers of fruit intensity and are well suited to the earlier ripening varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Further inland to Mount Barker, Porongurup and Frankland River, the days are slightly warmer, and the nights are cooler (with a higher risk of frosts). With greater sunshine hours, these sub-regions are where Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz varieties thrive. West Cape Howe»