Australia is famous for its wine production. It is ranked sixth in the world by the amount of wine produced. But it’s not all in quantity, there’s something in quality as well. And more than 60 designated wine regions prove that. You can enjoy any type of wine you like throughout Australia while combining both tourism and love for fine wines. Almost all of Australia’s wine production is concentrated on the south coast of the island as the climate is cooler and more Mediterranean-like.
If you’re not sure how to choose a great wine tour package, read on to learn about some of the top wine regions and the particular wines they offer.
Tasmania with its satin-like Pinot Noir and top-notch sparkling wines
One of the amazing road trips in Tasmania is definitely the road to the wineries. It is a fact that some of Australia’s wines come from smaller regions such as the island of Tasmania. The Tamar region is the leading wine region on the island. This region is situated next to the second-largest city on the island and this makes it easy to add the trip to the wine valley to any travel itinerary. It is a perfect place for a weekend getaway! Some of the top quality wines produced on the island are satin-like Pinot Noir and fruity varieties of Riesling. Pinot Noir wines coming from the Tamar Valley region are special as they are light and produced from delicate red fruits, cherry and apple flavour. Over the recent year, the valley has gained its reputation for producing Chardonnay as well as top-notch sparkling wines. Don’t miss out on it!
The Hunter Valley with its outstanding long-aging Semillon
If you’re a wine lover and you’re not sure when you should explore Australia, visiting wineries located in the Hunter Valley in the wintertime is a perfect thing to do. It is a region located north of Sydney and it was established in the mid-19th century. The region has won many prestigious awards for its outstanding Semillon. The Hunter Valley is one of the most popular wine regions that people visit in Australia. And it’s no wonder, as the region also produces wines such as rich-tasting Chardonnay and savoury Shiraz. The scenery surrounding the valley is breathtaking. The north of the valley is surrounded by the Barrington Mountain Range, a World Heritage-listed site. It is a paradise for people who enjoy walking and hiking, spending time in nature, bird-watching and sipping quality wine. If you’re one of the people who enjoy the things mentioned, don’t dawdle but search for the Hunter Valley accommodation and pack your suitcases – the wines are awaiting!
Spicy, rich Shiraz from the long-standing Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley is one of the most prominent and prestigious wine regions of Australia. It was established more than 150 years ago. The valley is most famous for its spicy, rich-tasting Shiraz. This distinguished wine is the one that has put Australia’s wines on the international level of superiority. It is located 45 minutes from Adelaide and it is a place you must visit when in South Australia. Besides top-notch Shiraz, other wines are made here as well, wines such as Riesling, Chardonnay and Cabernet. A wine that’s sure to tickle your imagination is a red blend of the Southern Rhone wines, combining grapes such as Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Besides fine wines, the region also features spectacular views of the Barossa. There is also a nearby region producing age-worthy and citrusy Riesling, the Clare Valley, so make sure not to skip it if you’re a white wine fan.
The Margaret River and the magnificent Cabernet Sauvignon
The Margaret River is a region known for the best Cabernet Sauvignon outside of Bordeaux. It is a three-hour drive from Perth in Western Australia. It is a fairly young wine region when compared to other Australian wine regions. But nevertheless, the regions quickly caught up on the other wine regions and it has received the world’s recognition with its award-winning Sauvignon Blanc and some of the magnificent combinations of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The mild climate and consistent sunshine are factors that have influenced the production of other types of wines as well, such as Chardonnay and Shiraz. All the premium wines stemming from this particular region have led people to call it the Tuscany of the Southern Hemisphere! The region also offers stunning views of the coast and nearby beaches.
World-class wines coming from the Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley is located just an hour from the city of Melbourne. It is home to more than 80 wineries, some of which are rustic family-owned ranging to some that are a part of large wine estates. A great wine tasting experience is inevitable in this region, as it is abundant in picturesque nature and lush greenery. You can try some of the world-class wines here, including intensely flavoured Chardonnay, aromatic Pinot Noir, traditional Cabernet and savoury Shiraz. Don’t miss on the mature wine tasting straight from the barrel – it’s something that can’t be described with words! Winemakers of this region are famous for their special production practices, which respect the land and nature while at the same time produce some outstanding wines.
Australia is abundant in wine regions and all of them offer some additional touristic experiences besides the wine-tasting ones. If you decide to go wine-tasting, make sure to book a long weekend, as you won’t be able to appreciate all the features of the wine-tasting tour in just one day!