Cheers to Australia's wine regions!
One of the most appealing elements of wine is the picture-perfect vistas enjoyed while sampling a local cellar door’s selection. Australia has over 1700 cellar doors across the country, with spectacular wine regions offering visitors distinctive wine varieties and unique experiences. The Barossa, South Australia The rolling hills of the Barossa are a mere 60kms northeast of Adelaide. Famous for its Shiraz and Riesling, the region is made up of stunning vineyards, quaint villages, historic stone buildings and acclaimed restaurants serving delicious local produce. The Barossa manages to achieve all of this while maintaining a humble, country feel.
There are over 80 cellar doors and 150 wineries dotted across the region. Household names include Penfolds, Yalumba, Wolf Blass and Jacob’s Creek.
Planning a visit to the Barossa? Check out the Barossa Farmers Market on Saturdays. It may be small in size but it’s jam-packed full of fresh flavours and local personalities. Maybe even plan your visit around one of the Barossa’s food and wine festivals. The Barossa Vintage Festival is the longest running wine festival in Australia. It’s a celebration of wine, food, music, art, culture and tradition. The Barossa Gourmet Weekend is all about food and wine, family fun days, evening events, long lunches, cooking classes, wine master-classes and these are just some of the highlights!
Picturesque Barossa
The Hunter Valley, New South Wales
While it only produces 2% of Australia’s wine, the Hunter is one of the country’s most celebrated wine regions, and it’s only a stone’s throw from Sydney. Grapes were introduced to the area in the early 1820’s with most of the lush countryside now under vine. There are 150 wineries operating in the region that welcome 2½ million visitors annually. They offer a sophisticated wine tasting experience and an opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s oldest and well-established wine making families.
The quintessential drop of the region is the Hunter Valley Semillon however the region’s also pretty well known for its Shiraz, Chardonnay and Verdelho.
No Hunter Valley visit is complete without a visit to the Hunter Valley Gardens Village. Brimming with boutique stores and majestic gardens, it’s a beautiful spot to unwind and pick up some goodies to take home with you and taste a bit of the local produce.
Sampling a delicious drop of red at the Hunter Valley
The Yarra Valley, Victoria
With the Great Dividing Range as its backdrop, the Yarra Valley offers breathtaking mountain views beyond its vineyards. Only an hour from Melbourne, the region has plenty of attractions including delicious food and wine, inspiring art and culture, beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.
The Yarra Valley offers a large range of varietals however the most widely planted grapes are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, perfect for growing in the valley’s cool climate.
Puffing Billy Steam Train in Belgrave is not to be missed when visiting the Yarra Valley. Take a step back in time as you board this century-old steam train for a 30 minute scenic journey through the heart of the rainforest. You’re going to love it!
Margaret River, Western Australia
Margaret River is one of the country’s youngest wine regions. The first vines were planted in the 1960s, but due to the areas perfect growing conditions it hasn’t taken long for the Margaret River to become recognised as a world leader. The area includes the rolling hills of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge and picturesque tree- lined roads that stretch to the sea. Margaret River is highly regarded as a producer of Cabernet Sauvignon and white wine varieties including Chardonnay and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends.
The area boasts a number of world-class wineries, gourmet food options and beautiful boutique accommodation.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at 3 Oceans Wine Company. Relax and indulge in gourmet produce with views over the vineyard through floor to ceiling glass windows, and sample the many varieties of wine on offer. While you’re in the area, why not drop in to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory and try some of their mouth-watering treats. Delicious!
A stunning sampling plate of Margaret River’s local produce and wine
The Tamar Valley, Tasmania
The Tamar Valley grows approximately 40% of Tasmania’s grapes. It produces cool climate wines with standout sparkling wine, Chardonnay and Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.
Notable vineyards include Josef Chromy, Dalrymple and Delamere.
For a truly special experience, visit Vélo and hear the story of how, in 2001, Micheal Wilson (a former Olympian and International road cyclist) purchased this historic vineyard and why he now dedicates his life to producing outstanding, handcrafted wines.
Find out more about the fantastic wineries and vineyard destinations across Australia.
