From reds to whites, Australia’s sprawling and varied wine country is spread across its many states. Taking a state-by-state tour of this amazing tropical viticulture can be an interesting and unique journey for any wine enthusiast.
New South Wales offers a wide selection of red wine to try from single estates, such as the well-known bottles of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Semillon. There are also Chardonnay varieties from the famous Hunter Valley and reds from Central Ranges. Victoria showcases bold reds and white blends in its cool climate valleys such as the Yarra Valley, King Valley, Macedon Ranges and the Mornington Peninsula. The red wines here tend to have concentrated flavours with intense dark berry flavours that are complemented by fine tannins and strong oak complexity.
Queensland has red wine offerings such as Cabernet Merlot blends which exhibit an excellent combination of red fruits, spices and a wonderful length of palate, while Western Australia provides excellent red and white expressions with red varietals, with Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir dominating the landscape.
Here is a short tour of the various wine experiences available across the country that are definitely worth at least one visit in your lifetime.
Western Australia
When it comes to wineries, Western Australia is truly a hidden gem. From the Margaret River in the south west, to the Swan District in the west and right up to the Perth Hills in the east, this beautiful region boasts some of the best wineries in Australia, including the world-famous Voyager Estate Wines.
The red-earth valleys and rolling hills of the Great Southern are internationally acclaimed for producing top quality wine, whilst world class wines can also be found up the coast towards Exmouth. If you’re looking for great Australian produce coupled with unforgettable experiences, then a visit to any of these superb wineries will be sure to please even the most discerning of wine connoisseurs.
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Queensland
Queensland’s discerning wine enthusiasts can rejoice – the state abounds with outstanding wineries and breweries, catering to every taste. One of the top-rated spots has to be Stanthorpe and Granite Belt; some of their freshest vintages have achieved international acclaim. For those who prefer boutique-style production, Sirromet is ideal. Here, visitors will discover a range of wines from a plush Mondrian-esque cellar door.
In addition, Sunshine Coast wineries tempt connoisseurs with handcrafted brews complete with tasting notes for maximum pleasure. So no matter what tickles your palette, Queensland will surely have a bottle of something to pique your fancy.
New South Wales
When it comes to tasting world-class wines in Australia, there is no better place than New South Wales. Known for its spectacular countryside and wide sprawling vineyards, NSW is home to some of the country’s best wineries. From Hunter Valley, the oldest wine region in Australia, to Riverina in the southwest, and Mudgee, Orange and Southern Highlands further inland – there are plenty of destinations to explore.
It’s no wonder that these top wineries attract both Aussie and international tourists alike who come from far and wide for an unforgettable experience. With stunning views of rolling hillsides or lush woodlands and unforgettable flavours of every variety – a visit to one of these renowned wineries is sure to be a colourful highlight of any stay in New South Wales.
Victoria
Visiting the wineries of Victoria offers something for everyone, from wine-lovers to gourmet food lovers, to families looking for a day out. And there is no better place to start than with the world-renowned Yarra Valley. Here, visitors can take their pick from dozens of wineries, each offering its own unique experience. Further down south lies the Mornington Peninsula, renowned for its boutique wineries and picturesque scenery.
Rutherglen is home to some of Australia’s oldest family-run vineyards, famed for producing fine fortified wines such as port and muscat. Last but not least is the Alpine Valleys which is perfect for those looking to escape and find that perfect bottle of red amongst its rolling hills and valleys – a true wine enthusiast’s paradise.
South Australia
South Australia has a rich culture of winemaking, and its award-winning vineyards have been producing acclaimed wines for centuries. The beautiful Barossa region has played an important role in the state’s wine production, with its intense Shiraz grapes being used to create some of South Australia’s most popular drops.
The McLaren Vale is well known for its full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon and classic Chardonnay, while the Clare Valley produces highly acclaimed Rieslings. Last but not least, the Coonawarra region is home to some of Australia’s most refined varietals, including complex red blends and single-origin wines that are perfect for dinner parties. No matter where you go in South Australia, there will undoubtedly be exceptional wineries to discover.
Tasmania
Tasmania is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and breathtaking views, but the state has something else to offer – some of the best wineries in Australia. Puddleduck Vineyard, Freycinet Vineyard, and Pooley Wines are among three of the top choices when looking for a delicious local wine.
All three offer a wide variety of varieties that showcase the best flavours of Tasmania’s terroir. These award-winning wineries also provide activities for visitors, such as scenic tours, pairings with local produce, and even opportunities to relax outdoors with a glass in hand.
There’s no better way to soak up the culture of this gorgeous part of Australia than an afternoon spent amongst the vines at one of these incredible wineries.
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Australia is one of the world’s most celebrated wine-producing countries, with its bold and diverse range of luscious offerings. From Shiraz to Cabernet Sauvignon, this country has something to offer every lover of the fermented grape beverage.
And while it may seem like a daunting task to take on every single state, armed with just a little research and direction, focused yet comprehensive explorations through Australia’s vineyards can become a reality.
The four main growing regions are South Eastern Australia, Victoria, Western Australia and New South Wales; each claiming their own unique specialties in varietal production that make traversing the country entirely worthwhile.
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