Top 5 Wine Country Travel Destinations in Australia

Top 5 Wine Country Travel Destinations in Australia

Tom Lloyd

Lets get it straight The Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley, McLaren Vale, and Margaret River wine regions are the finest in Australia. Wine tasting can be achieved as a day trip from Sydney or Melbourne, or you can stay at a lovely hotel set among the vineyards for a few nights. These wine regions have it all, from behind-the-scenes experiences to casual dinners with the winemaker.

Australia is well-known for its Shiraz, but there are several other wine regions and varietals to explore on your next trip!

Shiraz and Chardonnay account for 44 percent of total Australian wine production, but other varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc are gaining momentum.



Here are the best wine tasting spots in Australia:

 

Barossa Valley

Why visit Barossa Valley: The world's oldest living vines can be located in the Barossa Valley! The Barossa Valley is 45 minutes from Adelaide and is surrounded by spectacular rolling hills.

Famous for: When you wander around wineries and drink in the scenery, it's easy to feel detached from the rest of the world.

Getting there: The Barossa Valley is approximately one hour's drive from Adelaide. 

Don’t miss: Barossa Valley is home to some of our favorite wineries, each with a unique feel and experience.

 

McLaren Vale

Why visit McLaren Vale: What are the advantages of visiting McLaren Vale? Visit for the wine, but stay for the dinner! McLaren Vale is best known for its Shiraz, but it also produces Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. When visiting McLaren Vale, you will be able to sample everything from high-end wines to everyday vinos. Combine your wine experience with some snacks to round out your tour.

Famous for: McLaren Vale is well-known for its Shiraz, but it also produces Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. Mediterranean varieties include Fiano, Vermentino, Tempranillo, and Sangiovese.


Getting There: McLaren Vale, situated in the Fleurieu District, is a 40-minute drive from Adelaide.

 

Yarra Valley

Why visit Yara Valley: The Yarra Valley, situated in Victoria near the lively city of Melbourne, has a cool climate that produces excellent Pinot Noir.
The Yarra Valley is Victoria's oldest wine region, dating back to 1838.
You can sip anything from white champagne to a lovely crisp rosé. 

Famous for: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are common in the Yarra Valley.
The Yarra Valley is also known for its fresh produce such as salmon, trout, and caviar, as well as handcrafted cheeses and preserves. 

How to get there? The Yarra Valley is about an hour's drive from Melbourne. 

 

Margaret River

Why visit Margaret River: Margaret River is well-known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blends. It's a little off the beaten path in Western Australia, but it has stunning scenery. Margaret River is a perfect place to visit if you want to indulge in a great red wine or find any new whites!

Famous for: The Margaret River region is well-known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blends. Margaret River is well-known for both red and white wines, but Cabernet Sauvignon is their specialty. It's known as the "star" variety in the area, and it's often blended with Merlot for a full-bodied, earthy taste. 

How to get there: Margaret River is situated in Western Australia, about three hours from Perth. We recommend staying for a night or two; there are some lovely places to visit. 

 

Coonawarra:

Why visit Coonawarra: If you are a fan of Cabernet, Coonawarra is the place for you! Coonawarra's flat and fertile land attracted settlers in the mid-1800s, who saw promise in the land and founded the wine region. Coonawarra is well-known not only for its wine, but also for its sheep products. Many sheep herders have moved to the region because of the lush soil. 

Famous for: Coonawarra is known as the Cabernet King, but several other grape varietals, such as Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, can also be found in this area. 

How to get there: Coonawarra is approximately halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide, so it's a nice place to stop if you're driving the Great Ocean Route.