Whether you’re an avid sommelier searching for your next favourite drop, or a holiday-maker keen to explore ‘wine time’ in more detail, here are some of Australia’s most beloved vineyards.
1. Alpine Valleys, Victoria
Alpine Valleys is one of the most popular foodie destinations in Australia, thanks to its premium wine and delicious seasonal produce.
Drive time: Roughly three hours from Melbourne.
Varietals: 30 different varieties of grapes, producing a range of cool-climate wines.
Where to stay: For a comfortable stay, Chestnut Tree Holiday Apartments is affordable and central.
Why we love it: Breathtaking views and a quirky food culture set the scene for a fantastic stay. For those looking to explore boutique microbreweries, head to the Bullant Brewery.
2. Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
A beautiful region with tranquil vineyards and yummy wines, the Mornington Peninsula is also home to artisan food producers, restaurants, and market gardens.
Drive time: Just over an hour from Melbourne.
Varietals: Pinot noir, pinot gris, pinot grigio, chardonnay, shiraz.
Where to stay: For a luxury experience, check in to the Woodman Estate.
Why we love it: Known as ‘pinot paradise’, with the wineries, beaches and world-class golfing, it’s like a playground for adults.
3. Barossa Valley, SA
The Barossa Valley is an indulgent destination, bursting with beautiful villages and vineyards.
Drive time: An hour’s drive from Adelaide.
Varietals: Shiraz, grenache, mourvèdre, cabernet sauvignon, riesling, chardonnay, sémillon.
Where to stay: The cosy, comfy rooms at Lyndoch Hill are a 10-minute stroll from Barossa Chateau.
Why we love it: The Barossa Valley has a long history of winemaking, with some wineries stretching back over six generations. Check out Hermanns’s restaurant at the Chateau Yaldara for wine with a side of delicious food and sensational views.
4. Kangaroo Island, SA
Kangaroo Island is well-known for its boutique distilleries and microbreweries.
Drive time: Roughly four hours from Adelaide.
Varietals: A blend of cabernet sauvignon with merlot.
Where to stay: The Aurora Ozone Hotel is perfect for the coastal views.
Why we love it: The opportunity to combine a winery wind-down with a beach holiday at Vivonne Bay. With white sands and turquoise water, it’s easy to see why it’s been named one of Australia’s best beaches.
5. Hunter Valley, NSW
One of Australia’s most popular wine regions, the Hunter Valley boasts rich soils that are famed for producing some of the world’s best wines.
Drive time: Two hours from Sydney.
Varietals: Sémillon, shiraz, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, verdelho.
Where to stay: The picturesque Hunter Valley Resort has two on-site restaurants – plus a full-service spa.
Why we love it: As well as lots of winery pit stops, a tour of the Hunter Valley can lead to cheese, chocolate, and brewery tastings. Yum!
6. Margaret River, WA
The Margaret River region is Western Australia’s most sophisticated wine region. It’s even got the celeb endorsement, with Hugh Jackman saying it’s the best he’s ever visited.
Drive time: Three hours from Perth.
Varietals: Riesling, sauvignon blanc, sémillon, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, carnelian, rosé, moscato, tempranillo, petit verdot, merlot, cabernet franc.
Where to stay: Margaret River Bed and Breakfast is beautifully quaint.
Why we love it: More than 200 wineries producing dozens of award-winning varieties: need we say more?
7. Pemberton, WA
With more than 50 local vineyards and cellar doors, the wine region of Pemberton – about a 90-minute drive from the Margaret River – is gaining a solid reputation in its own right.
Drive time: Four hours from Perth.
Varietals: Chardonnay, merlot, pinot noir.
Where to stay: Wind down after your winery tour with a dip in the pool at the Karri Forest Motel.
Why we love it: Pemberton is becoming famous for its delicious (and award-winning) boutique wine and gourmet produce. It’s definitely one to check out.
8. Tamar Valley, Tasmania
Tasmania’s oldest wine-growing region, the unique Tamar Valley offers a chance to explore heritage estates and rich farmland.
Drive time: Three hours from Hobart.
Varietals: Pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc.
Where to stay: The Auldington hotel offers a touch of old-school charm.
Why we love it: Cataract Gorge is a unique (and incredible) natural reserve – the perfect side dish to a glass of local wine.
9. Darling Downs, Queensland
The Darling Downs’ vineyards and wineries produce fantastic, nationally recognised wines.
Drive time: Three-and-a-half hours from Brisbane.
Varietals: Chardonnay, shiraz.
Where to stay: Potters Toowoomba Boutique Hotel offers the perfect blend of country charm and modern elegance.
Why we love it: Nothing beats a day of exploring the Granite Belt for delicious artisanal food and boutique wine. Make sure you check out the microwineries along the way.
10. Gundagai, NSW
The quintessential Aussie town, Gundagai offers a small but surprisingly charming wine experience.
Drive time: Three-and-a-half hours from Sydney.
Varietals: Shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, sémillon.
Where to stay: Hillview Farmstay combines luxury cottage accommodation with free breakfast. You can’t go wrong with that!
Why we love it: Gundagai offers an authentic outback experience. The wine region may be small, but the atmosphere is breathtaking.
