Australia produces some spectacular wines (as well as a lot of wine lovers to help enjoy them). No matter what drop you consider your favourite, there’s a winery in Australia with your name on it. And we think it’s the perfect time to start planning your next visit to one.
Chardonnay
For lovers of a classic Australian Chardonnay, your list of holiday options is lengthy. Chardonnay thrives in a range of climates around Australia providing a variety of styles, from light-bodied and crisp to full-bodied and complex. It’s Australia’s cooler spots though that are the place to be for the world-famous pours. Tasmania, Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia are the leading regions, with some of the very best coming from the Adelaide Hills and Margaret River areas.
Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Stay in Mount Lofty House, where you’ll look out over an outstanding view of the Adelaide Hills wine region and Mount Lofty vineyards.
Margaret River, Western Australia
Enjoy some rustic luxury at Cape Lodge in the heart of this famous wine region.
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Sauvignon Blanc
A relatively new player in the Australian wine game is Sauvignon Blanc. In 1970 there were only 20 hectares of the vineyards in Australia - now there are over 6,100. Adelaide Hills takes the shining top spot for a high-quality wine, being described as the benchmark for a great Australian “Sauv”. But Tasmania, Orange and the Yarra Valley are not to be discounted. There are some excellent wines coming out of these regions too.
Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Bird in Hand, Longview and Petaluma are some outstanding vineyards to visit for a great Sauv. If you’d prefer a city stay over the secluded Mount Lofty House, we recommend a stay at The Playford or The Mayfair.
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Riesling
Riesling has a long history in Australia - it was one of the original grape varieties planted by the First Fleet in New South Wales. It’s now grown in most regions of Australia, but Clare Valley and Eden Valley sit high on the list of the best Riesling producing vineyards in the country. The beauty of these spots for its biggest fans - they’re so close together, so you can try some of the very best pours in one delicious holiday.
Clare Valley and Eden Valley, South Australia
Our favourite luxury accomodation is nestled between both beautiful valleys within the Barossa is The Louise.
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Pinot Noir
Despite being a popular red, Pinot Noir really doesn’t love Australia all that much. The grape is difficult to grow and prefers milder climates, preferably near the ocean or at a high altitude. Victoria meets this brief well, with the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley delivering some beautiful and well-known wines. But Tasmania also has some delicious pours, benefiting from the cooling effects of the Southern Ocean on most vineyards on the island.
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
Jackalope in Mornington Peninsula combines 5-star luxury with contemporary design perfectly.
Yarra Valley, Victoria
In a complete contrast of style, Chateau Yering is a more classically beautiful luxury stay.
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Grenache
Another grape with a long history in Australia is Grenache, which was apparently one of the original varieties planted in the 1800’s. Grenache is better suited to warner areas, and you really can’t get any better than in the Barossa (actually home to the oldest productive Grenache vineyard in the world!) and McLaren Vale in South Australia. Luckily, both of these world-class wine regions are very close to one another. So you can taste every beautiful drop in one trip.
Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, South Australia
The Louise is a complete luxury experience in the heart of it all.
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Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon (or as we like to call it, a good “Cab Sauv”) has also been around Australia for a while, but it did take some time to find just the right spot for the grape to thrive. Moderate climates in South Australia and Western Australia have helped Coonawarra and Margaret River become globally regarded as some of the very best producing regions for the wine. The Barossa also has a good reputation, with the Penfolds Block 42 vineyard thought to be the oldest surviving “Cab Sauv” vineyard in Australia.
Margaret River, Western Australia
Enjoy some rustic luxury at Cape Lodge in the heart of this famous wine region.
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Shiraz
Australia loves a good Shiraz, and we actually have some of the world’s oldest Shiraz vines still in production. The largest collection of vineyards is in the Barossa Valley, but with the grape being so adaptable there are many delicious drops popping up in other parts of Australia too. Australia’s oldest wine producing region, Hunter Valley, delivers a signature Shiraz grape that is quite unique to those found further south in the Barossa and McLaren Vale.
Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, South Australia
The Louise is a complete luxury experience in the heart of it all.
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Chateau Elan At The Vintage is the perfect spot if you enjoy a game of golf in between your wine tastings.
Rose
The perfect summertime pour, Rose comes in such a wide range of variations it’s hard to pick a standout region. If you prefer a drier Rose, a Pinot Noir-based wine will find you in the Adelaide Hills or Yarra Valley regions. For those craving a sweeter taste, Grenache and Cabernet-based wines can be found in the Barossa or throughout Western Australia.
Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, South Australia
The Louise is a complete luxury experience in the heart of it all.
Yarra Valley, Victoria
Stay in classic elegance at Chateau Yering.
Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Choose The Playford or The Mayfair for a city base, or venture a little further out to a bush-surrounded 5-star escape at Mount Lofty House.
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A little bit of everything…
We can’t forget Queensland when it comes to spectacular wine producing. Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Verdelho, Merlot and Semillon are just a few of the famous pours.The state, while seemingly small in the wine game when compared to the others, is known for its “wildcard” creations. The Granite Belt, South Burnett and the Scenic Rim produce wines just as good as their stunning landscapes and make the perfect place for a winery weekend escape.
The Granite Belt, Queensland
In the heart of Stanthorpe are some spectacular wineries. Enjoy them while staying at 31 The Rocks in comfortable country-style villas.
Scenic Rim, Queensland
Spicers Peak Lodge and Spicers Canopy are sister luxury properties not far from one another. Try Spicers Canopy for a unique “glamping” experience.
Our experienced travel advisors can help you plan an incredible winery experience, not matter your favourite drop.
Contact your local travel advisor here.
