Down Under is not only one of the most attractive countries in the world to live by dozens of criteria, but it is also a home to more than 2,000 wineries. Also, this amazing gem of incredible nature and mild climate also hosts more than 100 grape sorts, which is why it stands shoulder to shoulder with France, Italy, Argentina and Chile when it comes to the quality of wine production. From Western Australia to New South Wales, to Victoria, offers a huge variety of bud-patting wines made from high-class vines that grow from the wine-friendly Australian soil of Australian regions. The landscapes by themselves are of course worth seeing, but traveling trough this gigantic country in search of good bottles and to discover the places they com from is an amazing experience.
The Hunter Valley
Wine-lover hails New South Wales
As you may know, the cornerstone of New South Wales is Sydney. This large city is the economic and tourist center of the state. However, there is so much more to this state than its capital. The most important factor that benefits the fruitful (or rather wineful) character of this region is its climate, which although diverse, is perfect for growing vine and making delicious wines.
When you leave Sydney and move northwards, at some 75 miles away from the capital, you will get to the Hunter Valley. In this region you will find some of the most charming Australian vineyards and wineries and every wine enthusiast will make a few-day stop here to taste and feel the beauty of this region and its wines. Tasting Australian Shiraz from the Lower Hunter region will be a thrilling experience for real wine-lovers.
On the other side, going southwards from Sydney will take you to the beautiful coastal region of Shoalhaven Coast, which enjoys a mild, Mediterranean-like climate. As you turn towards the inland, you will get to the capital Canberra. If you penetrate even deeper into the continent, you will find the vine-abundant regions of Riverina and Pericoota, which also need to be paid a visit on your Australian wine quest.
Vineyard 1
Australian Wine Wine West
The core of the Western Australia wine experience lies in the vineyard-studded Great South West, which spreads from Perth to the south. The area north from Perth is not to be missed, too, since there are two great wine-yielding regions – Swan District and Perth Hills – which together comprise more than 50 wineries. But the heart of Western Australia in terms of wines and wineries lies in the Margaret River Region. This region is a real paradise lost (though it can be easily accessed by car or bus). Its slopes offer most beautiful views of endless rows of grapevines and once you get to the coast, you feel as if you are on Malibu Beach, since the Margaret River coast is one of the most popular surfers’ heavens in Australia. Wine producers of this region, where they produce wonderful Semillon Sauvignon Blanc and many other wines, try to attract tourists not only with wine: they are also developing culinary tourism which goes hand in hand with their renowned and miraculous wines.
Barossa Valley
Victorian vine-abundant slopes
The state of Victoria is one of Australia’s smaller states, which can only be an advantage for wine tourists, since everything is at an hour- or two-distance from Melbourne, the main center of the state. When visiting Victoria for wine-indulging purposes, every viticulture know-all has to put their foot on Mornington Peninsula, lying south from Melbourne. Once you enter the inland part of this region, it seems that you have come to south Italy. An abundance of vine rows, fruit trees and orchards, olive trees and the taste of ocean breeze make this wine region one of the most attractive parts of wine Australia.
Those who want to try some of the best pinot noir and sparkling wines should definitely visit Yarra Valley, in the continental part of Victoria. If you move further northwards, you can taste the wines of Goulburn, Glenrowan and many other wine regions of Victoria.
As a result of their partly European origins, the Australians started growing grapevine already in the 1850s and found a perfect region for this beloved plant and the sacred drink if gives. Today a wine enthusiast can enjoy the fruits of their work and have a great time on wine tours around Australia: one can do this alone with a good map, renting cars in each region, or go through a specialized travel agency.
Vincent is a 37 years old French digital nomad & a wine-lover. Therefore, wherever he’s traveling, he loves to explore wineries, taste good bottles, and write about it afterwards.
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