In Australia, we have the luxury of such fine produce right on our doorstep. With an abundance of fine food, it's hard to think there could be another area we do just as well. But we also happen to harbour some of the most beautiful and unique wines in the world, producing an authentic array of classic and rare wines central to the regions in which they hail from. After what has felt like an eternity caught stuck in the confines of our homes, we're ready to go explore. There are so many exciting wine regions to be found right on our fine continent – so this begs the question where do we begin?
What are the main wine regions in Australia?
Across our great expanse, there is a pocket of wine country in every state, each putting its own individual stamp on Australian culture, and offering their own specialty blends that speak of the wildly differing environments and terrain. From the expansive vineyards of the Hunter Region, to the olive groves of the Mornington Peninsula, we have a break down of what to expect for your next visit.
When to visit the wine regions in Australia?
Luckily, being in Australia, we have the luxury of a warmer climate year round, making weekend getaway planning a breeze. Generally, the shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn can be the most popular for visitors, with Winter also bringing in a huge crowd. With Autumn on the horizon, we have the best of both worlds with the days still marginally longer, but not as humid. Whatever time of year you plan to go, it's always wise to pack for the weather including warm layers and adequate rain protection. Depending on which part of wine country in Australia you visit, the temperatures can dip drastically.
1. Hunter Valley
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Known for:
Fine dining and a historic setting.
Known to be one of the country's best-known and most visited wine regions, The Hunter Valley has been established as one of Australia’s oldest commercial vineyards, operating since 1860. Only a swift two hour drive from Sydney's metropolis, the award-winning cellar doors, fine dining restaurants and stunning scenery make this a must have visit for any quick weekender.
2. Barossa Valley
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Known for:
Vibrant red wines and a historical winemaking heritage.
If you've done your research about Australian wine, you'll know about the Barossa Valley. Not even an hours drive from Adelaide in South Australia, it’s one of the world’s finest wine regions, known for its full-bodied Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. Multi-generation growers look after some of the world’s oldest vines.
With a lot on offer, The Barossa Valley is a widely popular tourist spot for both local and overseas travellers. With always a roving market and festival calendar year round, you'll never be shy of something to do.
3. Clare Valley
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Known for:
World- renowned Riesling and family-owned wineries.
Hidden away in South Australia’s Mount Lofty Ranges, the Clare Valley wine region is a sneaky little gem that produces top- of the line wines including Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. It's home to some of Australia’s best wineries and most important wine inventions. Only two hours North of Adelaide, it's abundant green surrounds and stone-cottage cellar doors offer a welcome retreat away
Any wine tasting will offer a selection of their finest Riesling's as well as an array of other classic and unique blends.
4. Margaret River
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Famous for:
Sophisticated wines and picturesque scenery.
What is possibly the most remote of all the country's wine regions, The Margaret River in Western Australia is a tourist must have. Given this, it’s not surprising that the visitors overtake the number of locals. Home to flawless beaches, deep green forests, and unique flora and fauna, its natural splendour is enough for a visit alone. Better yet, the amazing food and sophisticated wine selection is a reason to stay.
Just three hours south of Perth, the Margaret River wine region is famous for its age-worthy Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Take in the region’s relaxed lifestyle while exploring up to 90 stunning cellar doors.
5. Mornington Peninsula
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Known for:
Delicate wines and luxurious seaside getaways.
Just an hour out of Melbourne you'll find the stunning Mornington Peninsula, a wine region widely popular for weekend escapes and their sophisticated wine and food offerings. Think coastal views, green pastures and award-winning cellar doors and restaurants dotted among villages.
Hidden away in the eastern pocket of Australia, the Mornington Peninsula is surrounded by the water, which provides light breezy weather and more drawn out grape and olive growing seasons. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the stand outs, and you’ll also find a range of other premium wines, including Pinot Grigio/Gris, Shiraz and Tempranillo.
6. Yarra Valley
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Famous for:
Cooler-climate wines just outside the heart of Melbourne.
Known as one Australia's cooler - climate wine regions, The Yarra Valley is famous for its heritage and contemporary wineries. Producing an array of world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, along with alternative varieties of wine from the region.
Less than an hour’s drive north-east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley was Victoria’s first official wine region. Today it stands in the leader of cooler-climate wines. It's a popular tourist spot year round loaded with award-winning dining options and cellar doors, its rolling hills and lush valleys make it a beautiful place to stay for any short visit.
7. Tasmania
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Famous for:
Sparkling wines and untapped terrain.
Right at the southern tip of our country, Tasmania, is home to epic landscapes, deep caves and expansive shores of aquamarine water. The most breathtaking of all wine regions in the country, with the food and wine on par.
Like the Yarra Valley, Tasmania is known for it's premium, cool-climate sparkling and still wines that honour the island’s elegant landscape. In total, there are around 230 vineyards and 95 cellar doors, with a list of fine dining options in the surrounds. Expect delicate, and full bodied flavoured wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling, along with a diverse range of world-class sparkling styles.
Image via Airbnb.
