Australia is known for producing some of the best wines in the world, so going on a tasting tour Down Under is a bucket list experience for any wine lover. If you are looking to sample some of the most delicious wines from vineyards at the best Australian wine producing regions, here are some ideas of where you should go (make sure to bring a designated driver!).
Glass of Red WineThe Best Australian Wine Producing Regions
The Yarra Valley, Southeast Australia
The perfect day trip from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley in Victoria is a lush, green, cool and fertile region that is known for producing fantastic Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. This region also produces other yummy treats like cheese, fruit and chocolate. Start with brunch in one of the cute countryside towns such as Healsville and then take your time discovering the wineries and farms and sipping and nibbling as you go along.
Morning Mist in the Yarra Valley: Photo on Flickr by Steve Lacy / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0The Hunter Valley, Southeast Australia
The Hunter Valley in New South Wales is one of the oldest and best Australian wine producing regions and it has warm humid temperatures and rich fertile soils. This region used to be inhabited by the Wonnarua aboriginal tribe over 30,000 years ago. These days it produces wines that have won awards all over the world, particular Semillon and Shiraz. There are over 150 wineries here to explore, as well as art galleries, cooking schools, golf courses and spa retreats – making it a very popular NSW holiday destination.
Margaret River, Southwest Australia
This stunning naturally beautiful part of Australia is close to Perth and it known for its outstanding Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. The best time to take a wine tour in Margaret River is during October and November, which is when the wildflowers will be in full bloom. The climate here is tempered by the ocean and it is Mediterranean in nature, which means mild temperatures that allow for consistently high quality grapes.
Margaret River VinesThe Coonawarra Region, South Australia
The Coonawarra Region is located only 60 kilometres from South Australia’s Limestone Coast, giving it a climate that is similar to Bordeaux in France. What makes this region distinct is the bright red “terra rossa” soil. It is very suited to grape cultivation and the grapes grown here make excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The wines you will taste there are medium bodied and have flavours of fruit, spice and pepper.
Bunch of Fresh GrapesBarossa Valley, South Australia
The first grape vines were planted here back in 1847 by Johan Gramp and these days the Barossa Valley is the oldest and one of the best Australian wine producing regions, with some winemaking families going back for seven generations. The landscape here is quite diverse, with rolling hills to flat plains, allowing for a range of different grapes to be grown. Shiraz is the signature variety in the region and some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world are located here. You’ll love the rich, velvety dark berry flavours of the wines that are grown here, which only become more deep and complex with age.
Barossa Valley Sunset: Paul Sommers / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0