The Hunter Valley
With Australia’s international borders opening this week to overseas visitors, we take a look at some of the country’s premier wine destinations.
Australia is one of the most beautiful and diverse wine-producing countries in the world, highlighted by a vast array of classic and distinctive wines across more than 1,600 square kilometres of vineyards.
There are exciting wine regions to be found right across the country and each of them is now a highly popular destination in its own right.
So, where to begin? From the rolling hills of the Barossa Valley, to the turquoise waters of Margaret River, to the pristine wilderness of Tasmania, here’s a rundown of five of the best Australian regions to raise a glass:
The Hunter Valley (NSW)
Only two hours travel north of the concrete jungle of Sydney lies picturesque rolling hills, fresh crisp air and rows of vines that stretch as far as the eye can see. These vines that represent over 100 years of wine making history, passed through the generations.
Arguably Australia's most famous wine region, the Hunter Valley is a vast area which was established in the mid-19th century and its southern end begins around 120 kilometres north of Sydney. Semillon is widely considered the iconic wine of this region but the Hunter produces wine from a wide variety of grapes including Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Verdelho.
Although wine is a major drawcard, the region is also a tourist hub famous for country-style hotels, outdoor pursuits including golf and ballooning, and it’s also home of a number of top class restaurants thanks to local fresh produce. The Hunter Valley’s proximity to Sydney makes it a popular venue for events including music festivals and the Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival.
Photo caption: Barossa Wine
Barossa Valley (South Australia)
This is one of Australia's oldest wine regions, shaped by German settlers in the the 1800’s which is approximately 56 kilometres northeast of the city of Adelaide. Many of Australia's largest and most notable wineries are either headquartered or have significant holdings here in this quintessential Australian wine producing region, which is famous for a full-bodied Shiraz, as well as Chardonnay, Eden Valley Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon. There are more than 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors.
Also worth a look: Part of the Mount Lofty Ranges, east of the city of Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills area produces some exceptional Sauvignon Blancs and Rieslings as well as most of the reds, while the Clare Valley, which is around 120 kilometres north of Adelaide, is another old wine region best known for Riesling wines. Coonawarra, which is located on the Limestone Coast of South Australia close to the border with Victoria, is famous for Cabernet Sauvignon wines produced on its "terra rossa" soil.
Photo caption: McLaren Vale – Serafino
McLaren Vale (South Australia)
McLaren Vale, which is around 35 kilometres south of Adelaide, dates back to 1838 and has more than 88 cellar doors, as well as being recognised as one of the best Shiraz growing regions in Australia.
It is one of Australia’s oldest and most acclaimed wine regions and foodies’ paradise and this is where you can eat and drink your way through iconic wineries including d’Arenberg, the elegant Chalk Hill and Serafino.
Apart from its world renowned Shiraz, McLaren Vale is also where you will find ultra-premium Grenache and Cabernet along with Mediterranean varieties such as Fiano, Vermentino, Tempranillo and Sangiovese. This is all down to the climate which is very similar to the Mediterranean.
This region is not just about the wine either. More than one third of the cellar doors offer local produce as part of the tasting experience and these range from high-end, starred restaurants to casual platters while wine tasting.
McLaren Vale and its surrounding vineyards are on the doorstep of the Fleurieu Peninsula and its stunning coastline and sandy beaches. Cycle along the nine kilometre Shiraz Trail and soak in the stunning views of wineries, farms, gumtrees and ocean views.
Photo caption: Margaret River coastline
Margaret River (WA)
Located in the southwestern corner of the state, south of Perth, this region is only around 50 years in the making but has built a reputation as one of the foremost regions for fine wine. Today it has around 215 boutique wine producers, and is believed to account for 20 percent of Australia’s premium wines.
Margaret River has a similar climate to that of Burgundy in France with the principal grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Shiraz, Merlot, Chenin Blanc and Verdelho.
Also worth a look: Swan Valley is an easy day trip from Perth as is Perth Hills while there’s a cluster of wine regions in the south-west part of WA including Peel, Geographe, Blackwood Valley, Pemberton, Manjimup and Great Southern.
Photo caption: Tamar Valley
Tamar Valley (Tasmania)
The Tamar Valley in Tasmania is one of Australia’s emerging wine regions and its unique cool climate makes it exceptional for Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling and sparkling wines. The Tamar Valley is the island state’s oldest and largest wine district with a real old world and rustic feel which makes it a great holiday destination for a romantic getaway.
Tamar Valley is near Launceston and some of the better known wineries include Swinging Gate vineyard, Josef Chromy with its excellent cellar door and restaurant complex, Velo Wines, Tamar Ridge, Stoney Rise and Holm Oak. Some of the emerging wineries include Goaty Hill, Moores Hill, Native Point, Humbug Reach, Three Wishes, Marion's Vineyard and Winter Brook.
Also worth a look: The Pipers River region, north-east of Launceston which produces great sparkling wines, the East Coast wine region stretches from Bicheno to the Tasman Peninsula and the coast road, the North West which is the newest wine region in Tasmania and the Derwent Valley which is to the north of Hobart stretching past New Norfolk.
(DealsAway has package deals and tours for all major wine regions in Australia and provides a dedicated trip concierge for all customers)
