The Best of WA’s South West With Wine Pro Cyndal Petty

This International Women’s Day, we’re touring our state through the lens of the local women who inspire us. For WA’s South West, we turned to Busselton-based wine expert Cyndal Petty for her top picks.

A former chef turned (award-winning) sommelier, Cyndal’s now something of a multi-hyphenate wine pro. She writes. She hosts. She consults. All with a cool, straight-shooting vibe that breaks down old barriers and invites you in. Quick-witted, cheeky and undeniably charming, it’s easy to see why she’s fast becoming one of the freshest voices in wine. Who better to show us around WA’s most celebrated wine region?

We asked Cyndal about her favourite places, from standout cellar doors to underrated gems, and the women who inspire her along the way.

What do you love most about WA’s South West?

The region lets people shapeshift. Without social pressures shoving identity onto us. One day I’m reading smut in the back of the Cruiser down the beach, slightly feral, no bra, no cares. By afternoon I’m circling the bottom of a back-vintage Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay, waiting for course six to land. Same girl. Same day. The place forces greater perspective. It makes masking feel scoffable. You want to wear fur? A Prada bag? Gumboots? Do it. But do it for yourself. No one cares. That’s why I’ve never left.

Your go-to coffee or breakfast spot (and what to order)?

I don’t really eat breakfast out. I prefer lunch dates. Unless I’m dusty. Then it’s a cinnamon scroll and double espresso at Margaret River Bakery, maybe a beef polski on the way out. Or Sicilian cannoli from Cloudio’s Bakery with a homemade Twin Peaks cold brew. Consumed at the beach.

An underrated lunch spot more people should know about?

I think we underrate the small establishments that aren’t “casual-in-a-trendy-young-way”. The small regional restaurants that quietly build food culture. Thai Lemongrass and Teddi’s Big Spoon come to mind. Both great in this non-recession-recession era. BYO, baby.

We also forget the producers themselves. I like to host. And that usually includes meats from Farmhouse Margaret River, cheeses from Cambray Cheese, squid off the boat, Albany Rock Oysters, olive oil from Olio Bello. And local wine, always.

Glenarty Road, Wild Hop Brewing Company, Burgertron and Jibba’s Hot Sauce banh mi Fridays. Also slay.

Your fave spot for a sip and snack?

Banksia Tavern’s (bloody good) crab sticks. Better than my rabbit.

It’s a playful nod to the ultra-processed seafood stick… but make it sexy. Scallop and chunky crab, crumbed and fried, sitting in a puddle of house-fermented mango with perfect heat. After a few shopping-centre attempts, Busselton seems to have started its cool-ificatin. This dish is case and point.

For the drink? House piña colada, served short with cherry and pandan. I like to sit alone at the bar, smile at everyone walking in and quietly plot my next big plan.

Where do you go to slow down or get inspired?

Slow down? Aspirational. Surf. Snow. Driving. Always forward. Movement makes thoughts land. Vast landscapes force perspective, so I chase them too.

Coffee and a swim each morning steadies me. Conversation inspires me. Boranup Beach relaxes me. Great wine does both.

A martini and fries help too. Especially with writer’s block.

Cellar doors every visitor should hit?

Margaret River is equal parts trad-wine and bratt-wine.

Start with the holy trinity: Vasse Felix. Cullen. Leeuwin Estate.

Then LS Merchants. South by South West. Si Vintners. Dormilona.

And I hear Trait Wines and Idee Fix are about to open their doors. The latter will be run by Sommelier Hayley Ward, one of the southwest’s most treasured front of house guru’s.

A woman-owned business you love supporting locally (and why)?

I work with a lot of female-operated businesses and freelancers. Actually, I’m surrounded by them. But it’s not gender specific. They’re simply the best in the business. And good people. That’s a non-negotiable for me.

In that lane, Taylor at Studio Schoch, graphic designer and freelancer. Calm. Strategic. Sharp. And Olive at Peg Studio, who shoots all my brand work. Incredibly talented. Effortless eye.

A woman who inspires you and why?

I find it difficult to name an individual. Hero worship has never sat comfortably with me. I’m in awe of the small acts, and the big creations from women daily.

Last year I had a moment with Sommelier Bridget Raffal. I’d forgotten a piece of my gown before a very fancy awards soirée. The missing bit covered my boobs and my bright green lacy underwire bra. The dress was black. I’m not one for shame, but I could feel myself shrinking, imagining being pigeonholed by the suits attending. She lifted my chin, told me to hold myself with conviction, and said if anyone was worried about my tities, that was on them. 

I think about that often.  It’s women in moments like that who inspire me most. Small acts of kindness. Power. An ode to the sisterhood, as it should be.

…And Vanya Cullen can do no wrong.

Loved exploring the South West through Cyndal’s eyes? Uncover more down south gems with our guides to the best Margaret River wineries and the most luxurious Margaret River stays.

Writer

Claire Logan

8 March 2026

Claire is a Perth-based writer with a keen eye for discovering what's good across her city and beyond. Whether putting locals onto the hottest new wine bar, helping travellers uncover Western Australia's underrated gems or gushing about the coolest fashion labels of the season, she's never short of a good recommendation. Away from the laptop, you'll find her filling up on bread and butter with a good dirty martini in hand.