Top wine regions in Australia

Hunter Valley

Australia’s oldest wine region and a weekend favourite that attracts visitors to over 150 cellar doors. Sip rich, oaky chardonnays, award-winning semillon and sophisticated shiraz and cabernet while attending one of the regular vineyard concerts.  

• Best for: A romantic hot air balloon ride or a getaway with friends featuring wine tasting and golf or a major music event.
• Popular wineries: Lindeman’s, Mount Pleasant, Tyrrell’s, Brokenwood Wines, De Bertoli, Tempus Two, Audrey Wilkinson Winery.
• Getting there: Drive from Newcastle in 90 minutes or from Sydney in under 3.5 hours. Stay at one of the charming Airbnbs in the Pokolbin region, or splash out for the luxurious Spicers Hunter Valley Retreat.

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Orange

It’s the cool climate vineyards and enviable food scene that brings visitors to this region in New South Wales’ Central West. Explore over 60 high altitude vineyards and 30 cellar doors including Australia’s only carbon neutral winery, Ross Hill Wines. Even better, plan your trip to coincide with Orange Wine FestivalOpens external site in a new window in October.

• Best for: A bit of everything. The diversity of food, wine varieties, cider houses and breweries mean that there’s something here for everyone.
  
• Popular wineries: Borrodell Estate, De Salis Wines, Nashdale Lane, Canobolas-Smith, Philip Shaw Wines, Ross Hill Wines, Swinging Bridge Wines.
• Getting there: Fly direct to Orange on QantasLink or drive from Sydney in just under 4 hours and stay at the impressive De Russie Boutique Hotel.

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Mudgee

A charming foodie region that packs a punch for its remote location and small size. Sample robust reds and world-class chardonnays in one of the 35 cellar doors. Dine in paddock-to-plate restaurants adjacent to picturesque vineyards or take a heritage walking tour or cooking class.

• Best for: Something different still close to Sydney. Cycling through vineyards.
  
• Popular wineries: Lowe Wines, Logan Wines, First Ridge, The Cellar by Gilbert, Burrundala Wines, Manners Wines.
• Getting there: Fly direct to Dubbo (1.5 hours from Mudgee) or Orange (2.5 hours from Mudgee) or drive from Sydney in approximately 3.5 hours. We recommend a stay at Peppertree Terraces or Perry Street Hotel.
  

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Griffith Riverina Region

Done it all and looking for something new? The Riverina is where Mediterranean climate and Italian history meets Australian wines. Visit destination restaurants including Limone DiningOpens external site in a new window or explore the waterfalls, lookouts and caves of Cocaparra National Park before enjoying one of the region's famous semillon dessert wines.

• Best for: A Mediterranean foodie escape in the New South Wales countryside.
  
• Popular wineries: LillyPilly Estate wines, De Bertoli Wines, Calabria Family wines, Yarran Wines. 
• Getting there: Fly direct to Griffith or drive from Canberra (4.5 hours) or Sydney (6.5 hours). For something different, Catania Fruit Salad Farm provides daily tours and tastings.
  

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Yarra Valley

Only an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s most historic and popular wine regions. Famous for award-winning restaurants and cellar doors offering quality cool-climate drops including pinot noir, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. 

• Best for: Escaping the city for a gourmet lunch, hot air ballooningOpens external site in a new window over valleys and vineyards.
  
• Popular wineries: De Bertoli, Domaine Chandon, Rochford, TarraWarra, Dominique Portet, Seville Estate. 
• Getting there: Only an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Make a day trip of it, or stay at one of the many Airbnbs in the region or nearby Dandenong Ranges.

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Rutherglen

The gold rush brought wines to this historic region. Considered the fortified wine capital of Australia, you’re not going to find a better place to sample bold reds or crisp white varieties while surrounded by a palette of greenery from vineyards, produce fields and quintessential Aussie bushland.

• Best for: A winter escape. World-class vineyards among historic towns and Aussie bushland.
  
• Popular wineries: All Saints Estate, Campbells Wines, Morris Wines, St Leonards.
• Getting there: Fly to Albury with QantasLink or drive from Melbourne in 3 hours. Rutherglen Convent, Mount Ophir Estate or The Tower all offer unique historic accommodation.

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Mornington Peninsula

Also within an hour’s drive of Melbourne city, this region is perfect for a day out or a wine-tasting weekend by the beach. Sample perfect pinot noir, pinot gris and chardonnay on the grounds of Montalto, or stroll through the sculptures at Point Leo EstateOpens external site in a new window overlooking Western Port Bay.

• Best for: A combined beach and cellar door weekend.
  
• Popular wineries: Paringa Estate, Jackalope, Montalto, Point Leo Estate, Ten minutes by Tractor, Merricks Creek Winery.
• Getting there: Only an hour's drive south of Melbourne. Make it special and stay at the architecturally spectacular Jackalope, a five-star hotel among vineyard featuring an infinity pool and fine dining restaurant Rare Hare.

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Tasmania and the Southern Wine Trail

Tasmania is world-renowned for top quality farm produce, seafood and artisanal foods, so it’s no surprise that their wine game is also strong. Follow the Southern Wine TrailOpens external site in a new window in and round Freycinet Peninsula and stop at Devil’s CornerOpens external site in a new window Cellar Door, overlooking sloping hills and the ocean below.

• Best for: A cellar door detour on your foodie’s tour of Tassie. Tastings accompanied by mussels, abalone and artisinal cheese. 
  
• Popular wineries: Josef Chromy Wines, Pooley Wines, Clover Hill, Stefano Lubiana Wines, Riversdale Estate, Ghost Rock Wines, Stoney Vineyard, Freycinet Vineyard, Pipers Brook, Devil’s Corner.
• Getting there: The Southern Wine Trail is all within a couple of hours’ driving distance of Hobart. Fly to Tasmanian with Qantas and stay in one of hundreds of wineries, Airbnbs and luxury hotels in the state. For something extra special, Freycinet Resort, Piermont Retreat and Saffire Freycinet are among the best.

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