The Margaret River Regional Wine Centre’s world-wide wine family just keeps getting bigger.

We’ve just notched up another biggy -- a 500 case order to a client in Bermuda -- and for the third year, shipped another 48 cases, along with a selection of Fine Food of Margaret River and the Margaret River Jam Co produce (see story page 7) to a beautiful little hotel/restaurant in Barbados.

The Bermuda shipment was made up of 25 wines from 19 different wineries, including such Margaret River icons as Moss Wood and smaller producers like Arlewood. It was a package that truly reflects the quality and diversity of the region.

This was also the case with the order for Little Good Harbour, a cluster of luxury cottages and quaint little restaurant at Sherman’s fishing village near St Peter’s historic Fort Rupert in Barbados. But in this instance, we were also able to add some fantastic Margaret River food in our continuing quest to further promote the region’s bounty internationally.

Set in an idyllic location, Little Good Harbour is a tastefully converted coral stone warehouse with stunning views out over a sandy beach and the Caribbean Sea.

From the balconies of the several suites, holiday makers can watch the fishermen below, a reminder of a bygone era that fits easily with the colonial decor.

There is the option of relaxing on the beach or by the pool, but the real social scene is at the Fish Pot, an unusual restaurant which is part of a converted fort and sits directly on the beach.

The food, served in the open terrace dining area that looks out to the ocean beyond, is superb and now complemented by a new range of Margaret River wines.

It all adds up to a great package, one that has resulted in Little Good Harbour gaining a growing and loyal European following for those seeking an off-the-beaten-track hideaway.

Continued..

On the beach at Little Good Harbour, Barbados.

Little Good Harbour is the brainchild of Western Australian born owner Andrew Warden and his wife Patricia.

Andrew’s direct connection with Barbados is through his mother, who was born there. She met an Englishman and the couple migrated to Perth, Western Australia, in the early 1960s.

After attending Christ Church Grammar in Perth, Andrew succumbed to the travel bug and after a couple of years in a cold, grey England, headed for his mother’s homeland.

“ The quality of life here in Barbados is very good. The sun shines almost 365 days of the year and the temperature ranges between 25°C–32°C each day,” he told us.

“ I can honestly say that I really enjoy going to work each day. I have a passion for food and new world wines, and have a strong West Australian wine list. We are also trying to introduce and promote new West Australian products.”

Sounds unreal, but he must miss something about Western Australia.

“ Yeah, I would have to say it would be sitting on the verandah of my parents beach house south of Mandurah with more freshly caught crabs and crays than you know what to do with and copious amounts of very cold West Australian white wine.”

Say no more Andrew, say no more.