Who doesn’t enjoy a day out at a winery? You get to relax on a picnic blanket and take in the fresh air. Even if you’re not a wine drinker, the peaceful views are still something you would enjoy. Did you know that Australia’s food and wine scene is extremely competitive? There are so many different vineyards and wineries to go to, all offering something unique. It makes it so easy to explore Australia’s wine regions with a road trip, hitting a few vineyards in a day.
We’ve got a list of Australia’s best wine regions to make your next holiday planning that much easier, and a holiday loan can help you kickstart the fun. Grab some friends, grab your tickets, and go check out what’s on around the country!
Overview
- Yarra Valley, VIC
- Hunter Valley, NSW
- The Barossa Valley, SA
- Margaret River, WA
- Coonawarra, SA
- Piper’s River, TAS
- Granite Belt, QLD
- Australia’s wine regions FAQs
Yarra Valley, Victoria
Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s biggest wine regions, boasting over 300 vineyards and 160 wineries. Located just North East of Melbourne, it’s just 30 minutes away from the CBD, making it one of the most urban wine regions. Even if your goal is just to explore wine country, take advantage and find some cheap things to do in Melbourne!
It’s the home of one of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival signature events. The River Graze transforms the Yarra River into a foodie playground, with more than 20 culinary hotspots dotted along the river’s edge. There’s a great range of food and drinks on offer, as well as free entertainment for the whole family. Expect pop-up bars serving Victorian wines and beers, mini produce markets, fresh seafood and food trucks.
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
The Hunter Valley, also known as Wine Country, is located north of Sydney in New South Wales. It’s one of Australia’s major wine regions, with over 150 producers. It’s also host to the popular Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival each June. The festival features events at the region’s many wineries, including tastings, cooking classes, popup stalls and concerts. You’ll also find many concerts and festivals throughout the year, with big names such as Rod Stewart stopping off in the region.
Whilst Semillon is considered the dominant variety of the region, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Verdelho are also common. The Hunter Valley’s local wineries offer wine tours year-round, including pet friendly and child friendly trips.
Elbourne wines is a great option for those looking for a family-friendly option. In addition to tastings, they have a collection of farmyard animals that the kids will love.
The Barossa Valley, South Australia
Located approximately an hour’s drive north of Adelaide, the Barossa is likely the most famous wine region of Australia. It’s renowned for its full-bodied Shiraz as well as Chardonnay, Eden Valley Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon. With more than 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors, there are plenty of varieties to sample.
In addition to its wineries, the valley is also famous for its seasonal artisanal produce. Along the butcher, baker, winemaker trail you’ll find freshly baked bread, handmade sausages, gourmet cheeses, and of course, wine! All the essentials for a picnic. The best time to visit the Barossa Valley is from March to May, during the autumn season.
Seppeltsfield Winery can give you the best of both worlds, hosting the comedy event Grapes of Mirth each year. Grapes of Mirth does the rounds at many different food and wine festivals – so explore one near you!
Margaret River, Western Australia
If you are looking for Western Australia wine regions, Margaret River is a small town 3 hours south of Perth. In only 50 years, the region has built a reputation as one of the foremost provinces for fine wine with approximately 215 boutique wine producers. The region produces arguably Australia’s best white varieties, including Riesling, Sauvignon blanc, Sémillon and Chardonnay.
The area south of Perth has a unique climate in Australia, featuring unusually high rainfall and very even temperatures year-round. Although they produce only 3% of Australia’s grapes, they contribute 20% of the premium wine market. If you are serious about good wine, you will want to visit Margaret River! The region also produces truffles, making it a foodie paradise. If you can’t deny some truffles and wine, try visiting Truffle Hill! Their restaurant features indulgent truffle inspired food, local wines and seasonal produce.
Coonawarra, South Australia
Coonawarra is another famous South Australia wine region.We know, double dipping into the same state might seem excessive. But there’s a reason South Australia is responsible for over half of Australia’s annual wine production. If you’re a fan of Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra should be high on your list of places to visit. As the home of Australia’s best Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s a must-do for red wine lovers. Coonawarra, which was the word the traditional custodians, the Bindjali people, used for Honeysuckle, is located on the Limestone Coast bordering Victoria.
Whilst the region hosts various events such as festivals, cellar doors and tours, the town itself is home to just 136 people. This makes it ideal for a quiet country getaway for wine lovers.
One local winery, Raidis estate, holds regular events featuring live music, tastings and canapes.
Piper’s River, Tasmania
The cool climate of the Piper’s River Region in Tasmania is similar to that of Champagne in France, making it ideal to produce sparkling varieties — making it arguably one of Australia’s best wine regions. It produces the majority of Australia’s premium sparkling varieties.
One local winery, Bay of Fires, features a large range of sparkling varieties typical of the region. They have a cellar door located in the picturesque Piper’s River region.
Piper’s River might be one of the more expensive destinations in Tasmania, but with landscapes reminiscent of the English countryside and a low population, it’s the perfect stop on a road trip. Hire a car and break up your wine stops with some cheap places to travel.
You can also explore the region as part of the Tamar Valley wine trail. Non-drinkers will still enjoy all the other gourmet food such as Tamar Valley dairy (which produces the most delicious commercial yoghurt) and small food producers.
Granite Belt, Queensland
Just three hours from Brisbane and 1000 metres above sea level, you’ll find Queensland’s wine producing capital. Over 60% of all Queensland wine production happens in and around Stanthorpe in the Granite Belt, with a unique climate that creates growing conditions unlike anywhere else in the country. That might explain the region’s long affinity with alternative varieties, known as Strange Birds. So if you’re looking beyond the typical chardonnay and shiraz, you should check out the Strange Birds Wine Tour! You’ll be trying small-run bottlings and boutiques you can’t find in shops and restaurants.
If you want to try them all in one place, plan a trip in October for the Australian Small Winemakers Show.
Explore Australia’s best wine regions with Swoosh!
If our list has got your taste buds salivating, you’re not alone. But between flights, accommodation, winery packages and tour prices, it can be tricky to cover all your costs upfront. That’s where Swoosh comes in. With a holiday loan, you can book your trip with peace of mind. Apply online in minutes to get your cash fast!
Australia’s wine regions FAQs
Which part of Australia has the best wine?
With their cool climates and a diverse mix of established and independent producers, South Australia and Victoria dominate the list of top producers. These two states account for 74% of producers, and conveniently they’re right next door if you wanted to kill two birds with one stone.
What is the wine capital of Australia?
Adelaide is the wine capital of Australia, with so many beautiful and world-famous wineries just a short drive from the city.
What is the Australia’s oldest wine region?
The Hunter Valley is the oldest wine growing region in Australia. The oldest winery is the Wyndham Estate (also known as the Dalwood Estate), which was established in 1828.
Which is better, Hunter Valley or Yarra Valley?
It depends on your wine, food and travel preferences. The Yarra Valley is only 30 minutes from Melbourne while the Hunter Valley is over 3 hours from Sydney. However, the Hunter Valley holds more wineries and history, specialising in pinot noir and sparkling wines. The Yarra Valley is famous for its seafood, beer and artisanal goods, along with Semillon, Shiraz and Chardonnay.
