Anyone who knows anything about wine will tell you that we Aussies know our vino. Whether it’s the beautiful intensity of a Barossa Shiraz, the fruity lightness of a delightful Hunter Chardonnay or the savoury pelete of a Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia has the good stuff, and are easily one of the most revered New World producers!
What’s more, this wide and fertile land is home to a huge abundance of wine production regions, stretching from Queensland’s Gold Coast Hinterland all the way to Western Australia’s aforementioned Margaret River.
Every one of the country’s wine regions is worth a visit, as you can be sure to find a fine Australian Shiraz, Chardonnay, Riesling or something completely different, and you are sure to enjoy these drops in some pretty fabulous locations…
With this in mind, here are three of Australia’s top wine regions, and why you should really consider one fort your next getaway:
- The Barossa Valley
The jewel in Australia’s wine production crown, the Barossa Valley has a long and illustrious history of making some of the world’s most celebrated vintages, with legendary names like Chateau Tanunda and Peter Lehmann producing some of the finest wine to ever grace our fertile grounds.
Not only this, the Barossa is a beloved local holiday destination, with the gorgeous, rolling vineyards playing host to some of the most exquisite cellar doors in the land (thinking of the literal chateau at Chateau Tanunda!).
You can enjoy some of the best cellar door experiences, and in between drinks you can share in amazing experiences like hot air balloon rides and meandering through the region’s decadent markets: the Barossa Valley Farmers Market and the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market.
But, of course, it’s highly likely that you are there to experience the vino, so be sure to head to the aforementioned wineries, as well as the likes of Yalumba and Turkey Flat Vineyards for some unforgettable winery jaunts.
- The Hunter Valley
Australia’s oldest wine region is also one of our most celebrated, with international trailblazers like McGuigan Wines and Tulloch Wines continuing to put the Hunter Valley on the global vino map with their delightful vintages.
Once again, the Hunter Valley isn’t just a place where you go to get stuck into a few vinos, as the region is also home to some amazing bush walks, hot air balloon rides and culinary experiences, with everything from Spanish cooking to cheesemaking workshops sure to get your mouth watering and inspire your culinary creativity.
Be sure to head to Ivanhoe Wines and Brokenwood Wines for some other unforgettable tasting experiences.
- McLaren Vale
South Australia is rightfully known as Australia’s great wine state, with the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Coonawarra and, of course, McLaren Vale calling the state home.
McLaren Vale is famed for its fine Shiraz, as well as for its Cabernet and Grenache, with the charming region producing some of the very best vintages to come out of the country.
But perhaps what McLaren Vale is most famous for – at least on an aesthetic level – is the incredible d’Arenberg Cube, a fabulous architectural testament to all things rich and fruity.
The d’Arenberg Cube isn’t just a tasting experience: this incredible building contains everything from an enchanting sensory room to virtual fermenter, 360 degree viewing room and museum – not to mention how fantastic the building’s design is on its own!
So, head to these production regions if you have the chance – they are replete with quality wine and top times, as well as the ideal way to find your fave vintage!