Wine Regions in Australia: The Best Tours and Destinations

wine regions in Australia
For many people, wine is more than just a simple alcoholic beverage – it’s a way of life! Visiting the wine regions in Australia to see how wines are made and enjoy wine tastings should be on every wine-lover’s To-Do list. So to help you familiarise yourself with some of the best regions to visit we have prepared a list of the best wine tours and destinations in Australia. See them all sooner rather than later!

We are blessed with a plethora of amazing wine regions in Australia, and this huge country of ours has no less than 60 designated wine regions. We are known for producing high-quality wines such as internationally appreciated Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, as well as creating our own varietals such as Cienna and Tarrango. And that’s not to mention Shiraz – this super popular drop (it’s known as “Syrah” in other parts of the world) has been claimed as our own and is now known as a uniquely Australian wine the world over.

If you’re keen to get out and sample some of the best wines the country (indeed the world) has to offer, there are a wide range of tours focused on exploring all the famous wine regions in Australia for you to choose from. However if COVID has you stuck, there’s no need to miss out completely! You can always order excellent wine from a specialty online wine shop like Acker Wines, or participate in wine auctions there, and start researching a tour for your holidays when things return to normal.

Keep reading for the best wine regions in Australia

wine regions in Australia

#1 – McLaren Vale

One of the most famous wine regions in Australia worthy of introduction is McLaren Vale, located in South Australia. Going there, you’ll be stunned with its gentle slopes that are surprisingly densely covered with plantings. Those leafy hillsides play host to some of the gentlest and crispest wines in this country.

The best winery McLaren vale for lunch is definitely D’Arenberg, where you will meet truly eager wine enthusiasts. To get the best experience, it is worth choosing a day when Chester Osborn is there – he is the fourth-generation proprietor and an amazing ambassador of Australian wine who is often willing to take visitors around himself. 

Chester is responsible for introducing some of the winery’s most famous wines onto the international stage, including Footbolt Shiraz, the limited-release Dead Arm Shiraz, and the three-grape Stump Jump Red. Exploring this winery in McLaren Vale with him will be an unforgettable experience for sure!

#2 – Barossa Valley

Another region in South Australia that is excellent for wine tours is the Barossa Valley. Here you can find fantastic private guides that will help you with your wine-tasting travel. These wine guides will take you to the most famous and most appreciated Australian wine brands, namely Wolf Blass, Orlando, Penfold’s, Seppelt, Peter Lehmann, or Yalumba.

After trying various Cabernet Sauvignons and Shiraz’s, you’ll then dine at the most renowned local restaurants and learn about the wine-making process.

After all of that, why not ask to be transferred to a five-star boutique retreat, like The Louise. This accommodation is famous for its outstanding culinary program and cooking courses that are based around local products and, obviously, wine pairings.

If you have never been to Barossa Valley, a trip like this with both food and wine tastings can be absolutely amazing. (Tip: if you’re interested in learning more about wine tasting, you can also visit kingsofwine.com.)

#3 – Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley is the oldest wine region in Australia, located only two hours drive from Sydney. The Hunter, famous for its rich soil that’s perfect for wine growing, is home to family-owned and boutique vineyards and wineries since the 1800’s. Thanks to its close proximity to Sydney, you can easily find a day tour from this city – many of them are relatively cheap and include additional options like lunch and snacks.

Hunter Valley is famous not only for its wine, but also a marvellous food scene, spas, hot air balloons, a cheese factory, and plenty more, so you will never have a dull moment there. One of the best wineries in this region is Calais Wines, appreciated for its colonial setting and boutique wine offerings. As it is a busy Cellar Door, booking ahead is crucial.

#4 – Margaret River

If you want to go for a wine tour in West Australia, Margaret River is the place to visit. This region is well-known for Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blends. Not only can you indulge in delicious red wines and discover some fresh whites, there is also plenty of stunning scenery to enjoy.

You can reach Margaret River in around 3 hours, traveling from Perth. It’s recommended to stay a night or two as there are many beautiful properties to sample. After wine-tasting in Margaret River, you can explore the underground caves and try out excellent local cuisine.

Wine regions in Australia, in summary

If choosing from anywhere around this country, West and South Australia are considered to be the best wine regions in Australia. Here, there are no shortage of exquisite wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and many more.

Apart from the already mentioned regions, there are also other famous ones with delicious Australian wine, such as Yarra Valley, Adelaide Hills, or Tamar Valley. Check out these famous vineyards and wineries, and also enjoy local food and admire gorgeous landscapes while you’re at it.

MORE – Treat Yourself: A Guide To Australia’s Best Spas

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