Follow Australia’s wine trail and discover the 13 best regions that offer a rich and diverse wine tasting experience. From the lush vineyards of the Hunter Valley to the cool climate wineries of Tasmania, each region offers a unique taste of Australia’s finest wines.
Hunter Valley
As Australia’s oldest and most renowned wine region, the Hunter Valley is a must-visit for any wine enthusiast. Located just two hours north of Sydney, the region is home to some of Australia’s most renowned wineries.
The Hunter Valley is best known for its Semillon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay. Notable wineries for tastings include Carillion at Tallavera Grove for beautiful views and Italian-style wines, and Scarborough Wines if you love Chardonnay.
Read our guide to the: 10 Best Wineries in the Hunter Valley →
Mudgee
Just a few hours from Sydney, Mudgee offers visitors a chance to explore its many wineries and taste some of the finest wines the region has to offer. Mudgee is best known for producing a variety of wine styles, including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Semillon.
Notable wineries for tastings include Lowe Wines for beautiful views, great wine and a cheese board, and Logan, a modern cellar door with great views over their vineyard.
Read our guide to the: 10 Best Wineries in Mudgee →
Orange
Located just a 3.5hr drive from Sydney, Orange is known for its cool climate wines, particularly its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. The region is home to several award-winning wineries, making it a great destination for a weekend of wine tasting.
Wineries of note include Printhie, Rowlee and Phillip Shaw— but with over 30 cellar doors to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Read our guide to the: 10 Best Wineries in Orange →
Canberra
Despite being one of the country’s smaller wine regions, Canberra is home to a number of high-quality wineries. Known for its Shiraz and Riesling, the region offers a unique wine tasting experience with its combination of history, culture, and excellent wines.
Wineries of note include Clonakilla, Shaw Wines and Four Winds— but with 28 wineries to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Canberra’s wine region is also known for its innovative winemaking techniques and sustainable practices.
Read our guide to the: 10 Best Wineries in Canberra →
Yarra Valley
Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Known for its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines, the region offers a diverse range of wineries and tasting experiences.
The Yarra Valley is also home to some of the country’s most innovative winemakers, who are pushing the boundaries of traditional winemaking techniques. The region also boasts stunning landscapes, making it a perfect destination for wine tourism.
Notable wineries include De Bortoli, known for their exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and Yering Station, which offers a unique blend of history and innovation with their wines.
Read our guide to the: 10 Best Wineries in the Yarra Valley →
Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is renowned for its cool climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. With its stunning coastal scenery and numerous boutique wineries, it’s a perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
The region’s wineries are known for their focus on quality and sustainability, with many employing organic and biodynamic farming practices.
Notable wineries include Montalto, known for their award-winning Pinot Noir and elegant Chardonnay, and Crittenden Estate, which offers a diverse range of varietals and innovative winemaking techniques.
Read our guide to the: 10 Best Wineries in the Mornington Peninsula →
Barossa Valley
Located in South Australia, the Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious wine regions. Known for its bold Shiraz, the region is also home to a number of other varieties including Grenache and Mourvèdre.
The Barossa Valley is also known for its rich food culture, with many wineries offering gourmet dining experiences alongside their wine tastings.
Notable wineries include Penfolds, known for their iconic Grange, and Yalumba, Australia’s oldest family-owned winery. The region’s rich history and stunning landscapes make it a must-visit for any wine enthusiast.
Read our guide to the: 10 Best Wineries in the Barossa Valley →
McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale in South Australia is known for its rich, full-bodied Shiraz, as well as premium Grenache and Cabernet. With its beautiful vineyard scenery and close proximity to Adelaide, it’s a popular destination for wine lovers.
The region is also known for its commitment to sustainable and organic viticulture, with many wineries practicing minimal intervention winemaking.
Notable wineries include d’Arenberg, known for their distinctive wines and unique cellar door experience, and Wirra Wirra, which offers a range of premium wines in a beautiful setting.
Read our guide to the: 10 Best Wineries in McLaren Vale →
Adelaide Hills
Adelaide Hills is known for its cool-climate wines, particularly its Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. The region’s high altitude and diverse microclimates contribute to the unique character of its wines.
The Adelaide Hills is also home to a number of innovative winemakers who are experimenting with a range of grape varieties and winemaking techniques.
Notable wineries include Shaw + Smith, known for their Sauvignon Blanc and Meltwater, a boutique winery that focuses on producing premium cool-climate wines.
Read our guide to the: 10 Best Wineries in the Adelaide Hills →
Clare Valley
Located in South Australia, Clare Valley is renowned for its Riesling. The region’s wineries are scattered amongst rolling hills, offering visitors a picturesque wine tasting experience.
The Clare Valley is also known for its historic wineries, some of which have been in operation for over 150 years. The region’s unique combination of climate and soil conditions also allows for the production of a range of other wine styles, including Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Notable wineries include Sevenhill Cellars, the region’s oldest winery, and Paulett Wines, known for their exceptional Riesling.
Read our guide to the: 10 Best Wineries in the Clare Valley →
Margaret River
Located in Western Australia, Margaret River is known for its premium wine production, particularly its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The region’s wineries are surrounded by stunning coastal scenery, making it a popular destination for wine tourism.
Margaret River is also known for its commitment to sustainability, with many wineries implementing environmentally friendly practices.
Notable wineries include Vasse Felix, the region’s first winery and a pioneer in the production of premium wines, and Leeuwin Estate, known for their Art Series Chardonnay.
Read our guide to the: 10 Best Wineries in Margaret River →
Swan Valley
Just a short drive from Perth, Swan Valley is Western Australia’s oldest wine region. Known for its Verdelho, Chenin Blanc, and Shiraz, the region offers a diverse range of wine tasting experiences.
The Swan Valley is also known for its food and wine trails, which allow visitors to explore the region’s wineries, breweries, and local produce.
Notable wineries include Sandalford Wines, one of the country’s oldest and largest family-owned winemakers, and Houghton Wines, known for their award-winning white wines.
Read our guide to the: 10 Best Wineries in the Swan Valley →
Tasmania
Tasmania’s cool climate makes it ideal for the production of sparkling wines, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. The island’s pristine environment and stunning landscapes add to the appeal of its wine tasting experiences.
Tasmania’s wine industry is also known for its focus on quality over quantity, with many wineries producing small batches of handcrafted wines. The island’s unique terroir and commitment to quality make it a must-visit for any wine enthusiast.
Notable wineries include Josef Chromy, known for their exceptional sparkling wines and Pinot Noir, Moorilla Estate, which offers a unique blend of wine, art, and architecture at their Hobart location, and Pooley Wines, a multi-award winning family winery renowned for their Riesling and Pinot Noir.
Read our guide to the: 10 Best Wineries in Tasmania →
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or new to the world of wine, these Australian wine regions offer a diverse range of experiences to suit all tastes. So why not plan your next weekend getaway around a visit to one of these stunning wine regions?
