Australia, a massive continent that’s as untamed as it is civilized, offers awe-inspiring landscapes from lush wine country to the arid desert. This dazzling land “down under” has 65 major geographically recognized wine regions.
Start your Australian wine tour in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. Take a day trip to Barossa Valley and experience the best wines in the region.
1. Hunter Valley
The birthplace of Australian wine and its future, the Hunter Valley is home to an array of renowned vineyards and cellar doors. Its hilly landscape, threaded with vines, is dotted by charming riverside villages and offers up a range of dining and accommodation options.
Established over 200 years ago by viticulture pioneers with vision, this is a region that knows how to produce exceptional wines. Enjoy a glass of the area’s acclaimed unoaked semillon alongside rich red shiraz and classic chardonnay at more than 150 cellar doors. The region is also known for its innovative trailblazing winemakers, such as Borambola Wines, which planted Australia’s first grüner veltliner while Calabria Family Wines creates alternative styles with their Montepulciano and Sangiovese varietals.
Discover the best of the region on a full-day tour from Sydney. Led by a former winemaker, expeditions from Wine Country Tours include visits to three to four wineries and the chance to sample chocolate and cheese at specialty shops. The company aims to facilitate memory-making experiences and caters for up to 13 guests in its luxury minibuses.
For a more independent experience, hire an e-bike to pedal between the vineyards on your own, or take to the skies on a heli wine tour with Aero Logistics or Hunter Valley Helicopters. You’ll be able to hop between wineries, float above the vineyards at sunrise and toast your landing with a glass of Champagne.
2. Yarra Valley
One of Australia’s most established wine regions is Yarra Valley, a 45-minute drive from Melbourne. Here, the climate is ideal for producing old-world chardonnay and pinot noir wines.
The best way to experience the Yarra Valley including Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula is on a tour from a local company such as Dreamscape Tours, which has been around since 1995 and has a stellar reputation for service and quality. The Yarra Valley Winery Tour takes you to five different wineries and includes a delicious lunch at the Yering Station. You can even get a behind-the-scenes look at the winery with an optional guided vineyard walk.
A visit to Yarra Valley is not complete without stopping at the famous Domaine Chandon, owned by Moet and Chandon and purveyors of some of Australia’s finest sparkling wine. This elegant property features a restaurant, tasting bar, lounge bar and shop as well as a beautiful vineyard overlooking the Yarra River.
Those with a keen eye will recognize the distinctive buildings at Dreamscape Tours, which look like they were plucked from Southern Europe and planted in hilly regional Victoria. This boutique winery is a must-visit, not only because it produces a wide range of wines but because its restaurant serves dishes that pair perfectly with its wines. In fact, if you’re looking to take your wine-and-food pairing to the next level, Dreamscape Tours offers private wine and food matching classes.
3. Margaret River
The Margaret River region of Western Australia is home to some of the country’s most celebrated vineyards. With a gorgeous stretch of coastline, this wine region is a must-visit for any true wine enthusiasts. From cabernet sauvignon to chardonnay, the wines here are truly exceptional. Joining a tour will help you to make the most of your time in the region.
This particular tour takes you to 5 different wineries and includes a 2-course winery restaurant lunch. It’s a great way to sample a wide variety of wines without having to do any of the driving or worrying about finding a place to park!
Another great option is to join a winery tour with a local guide. They’ll take you to cellar doors that are otherwise inaccessible to most tourists and will give you insights into what makes the region special. They can also arrange for you to meet the wine maker or have a barrel room tasting.
A few days in the Margaret River region would be perfect if you’re planning a long Australian adventure. With a beautiful coastline, quaint wineries and a range of accommodation options, this is a must-visit wine region.
4. Tasmania
The cool-climate state of Tasmania is becoming the leading culinary destination in Australia, and its wine is a major draw. It is also one of the fastest growing wine regions, and it is home to some of the best sparkling wines in the world. The state capital of Hobart combines historic portside warehouses with cutting-edge restaurants and the renowned MONA museum of modern art.
The Tamar Valley stretches from Relbia to Launceston and is home to some of Tasmania’s top cellar doors. Clover Hill Wines is poised over a valley with breathtaking views; and the rammed-earth winery at Josef Chromy was named Northern Tasmania’s Best Large Cellar Door in 2021.
Further south in the Derwent and Coal River valleys, family-run estates produce some of Australia’s finest Cabernet and Syrah. Look out for the straight-talking Rob Drew, whose wines are a testament to the importance of terroir in Tasmania.
Throughout the region, cellar doors offer tastings and pairings that highlight the unique characteristics of Tassie wine. Sip Pinot Noir with slow-pulled pork, or pair sparkling wines with a local cheese platter. For those who are looking to indulge in the best of both worlds, combine a visit to Moorilla with a tour of MONA for a wine meets art experience. Alternatively, a visit to the award-winning TarraWarra Estate can be combined with a meal at the restaurant onsite.