A boozy weekend is a favoured past-time in Australia, but when you couple a good glass of plonk with a stunning view, then you’re really onto a winner. Australia’s wine industry has grown from a few small plantations to world-renowned and award-winning wineries and now there are more than 60 wine-producing regions to take your pick from nation-wide. From the hills to the rivers, here are some of the best wine regions in Australia.
Read more: Plan your own trip to a local winery here
It’s not just the award-winning wine that the Barossa Valley is famous for. This wine-making region comes alive with festivals, markets, small towns full of character and a patchwork of rolling hills. This is one of the oldest wine-producing regions and is home to more than 150 local wineries.
The Yarra Valley has always been a place of development in Victoria. The area was a major stop along the route to the goldfields in the 1850s and became an important food production area before it became a wine-making region, when grapevines were planted in 1838. Now, the area’s cool climate makes it one of the perfect wine-growing regions in the country. Don’t forget to try some of the degustation menus in the area which are specially paired with your wine of choice. Yum!
Just over an hour out of Adelaide is Clare Valley, another popular South Australian winery region that has been producing wine for more than 160 years. As well as more than 30 wineries, most of which are on the smaller side and family owned, there are a host of activities in the area including the annual Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend and the Clare Valley Riesling Trail. The region is also known for its production of riesling, so if you love your white wines, this is the place to go.
With wineries popping up in the area in the 1830s, this is Australia’s oldest wine region and the home of popular names including Tyrrellis and Lindermans. Visit for the wines, but stick around for the lush surrounds, cellar door tours and delicious food created at award-winning restaurants.
One of the younger wine-making regions in the countries, with just 50 years of history, the awards won by the area are a testament to the quality of the wines produced here. There are close to 200 wineries in the area and the region most famous for their production of Semillion and Sauvignon Blanc.
Fertile soils and crisp climates make this region a vibrant cool-climate wine-making part of the country. This is Tasmania’s oldest winery region and the mix of good drops to indulge in along with the award-winning restaurants using the best local produce, make this place a favourite for gourmet foodies and wine lovers alike. Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer are all produced here, so take your pick!