Best Wine Regions in Australia: Top Places for Wine Tasting
- Janine
- Oct 15
- 6 min read
Australia is home to some of the best wine regions in the world. Wine lovers can explore lush vineyards, taste award-winning wines, and enjoy breathtaking views. The best wine regions in Australia offer unforgettable experiences for travelers. The must-visit wine regions in Australia ensure you can enjoy a relaxing vacation in between your guided wine tours. If you’re wondering where to go wine tasting in Australia, look no further. From the infamous Barossa Valley to the scenic Hunter Valley, you’ll find world-class wineries everywhere in the country. Today, I am sharing where you will discover the best wineries in Australia, so you can enjoy every minute of your dream vacation.
Best Wine Regions in Australia: Top Places for Wine Tasting
Barossa Valley in South Australia
Since I mentioned Barossa Valley above, you already know it is one of the best wine regions in Australia. This must-visit wine region in Australia is known for its bold Shiraz, as well as its rich history. Plus, there are more than 150 wineries for you to choose to visit during your Australian vacation.
If you don’t want to choose which wineries to visit in this region, that’s okay! I recommend taking a guided Barossa Valley wine tour. This will ensure you see world-renowned wineries like Jacob’s Creek, Seppeltsfield, and Penfolds. A few of the hidden gems will be included in this winery tour as well.
In between wine tastings, explore historic towns like Tanunda and Angaston. These charming towns are packed with artisan shops and cafes serving delicious local cuisine.
Although, I recommend shopping for gourmet local produce at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop. Or grabbing a bite to eat while sitting on stool looking out the window at the olive grove.
Hunter Valley in New South Wales
The Hunter Valley wine region is a short two hour drive from Sydney. So, this wine region in Australia should be on your list even if you are just planning a vacation in Sydney.
You can taste award-winning Semillon and Shiraz at some of the best wineries in Australia during your visit to Hunter Valley. I recommend enjoying a wine tasting at Tyrell’s, Brokenwood, and Audrey
Wilkinson.
Gourmet meals are available at some vineyard restaurants in Hunter Valley. Sit down to indulge in one of those meals, while enjoying the views of winding vines filled with grapes.
If you want to relax during your time in Hunter Valley, venture over to the Hunter Valley Gardens. Their floral displays will have you wanting to sit and enjoy the tranquil ambiance that surrounds you.
Oh, and a slightly more adventurous activity for your Australian vacation would be a hot air balloon ride. Imagine riding high above the countryside, as you check out the breathtaking panoramic views of the endless vineyards in Hunter Valley.
Yarra Valley in Victoria
Some of the best wineries in Australia can be found in Victoria. The Yarra Valley is considered one of the best wine regions in Australia. This cool-climate region is known for its Pinot Noir and sparkling wines.
This is another wine region in Australia where you can take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards as the sun is coming up. Allow me to plan this incredible experience for your vacation in Australia, so you have a unique memory to remember forever. +
When you are not tasting wines in Yarra Valley, you may want to consider checking out the wildlife. The Healesville Sanctuary is the best place to see native Australian wildlife in this region.
You may also want to sample gourmet cheeses and chocolates from local producers in between sips of wine.
Margaret River in Western Australia
If you love drinking Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, the Margaret River wine region in Australia is going to be your best option during your vacation. The best wineries in Australia for these types of wines include Vasse Felix, Cullen Wines, and Leeuwin Estate.
There is so much more to do than wine tasting in this region of Australia. Ancient limestone caves like Mammoth Cave and Lake Cave are perfect places to visit when you want an adventure.
A hike through the Boranup Forest, or along the Cape to Cape Track, will allow you to see gorgeous views of this region. And you can’t go wrong when you decide to relax on the sand at Prevelly Beach or Yallingup Beach.
Canberra District in Australian Capital Territory
The Canberra District is one of the newer must-visit wine regions in Australia. The cool-climate in this region makes it the perfect place to produce Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz.
Wine lovers will want to focus on visiting cellar doors while on vacation in this region of Australia. At these cellar doors, you will be able to connect with winemakers, learn about winemaking, and hear the stories about each bottle of wine that is produced.
Mount Majura Vineyard is an incredible place to visit in this Australian wine region. Allow me to plan your visit, so you can participate in their Winemakers Choice Tasting or Piquette Picnic.
The Canberra District also has a thriving arts and culture scene. I recommend exploring the city center to check out the art galleries. Canberra Glassworks, Canberra Museum and Gallery, and the National Gallery of Australia are the most popular places to visit.
Swan Valley in Western Australia
Swan Valley is the oldest wine region in Western Australia. This wine region is only a 25 minute drive from Perth. And it is known for Chenin Blanc and Verdelho wines.
While you can drive to the vineyards in Swan Valley, there is another option. A river cruise from Perth to the vineyards will allow you to relax and enjoy the views before your wine tasting adventures.
I recommend following the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail during your visit. This trail will have you visiting some of the best wineries in Australia.
Orange in New South Wales
Orange is a wine region in Australia that is known for producing high-altitude wines. The best time to visit this wine region is during the spring. That is when the Orange Wine Festival is held each year.
Of course, if you miss the wine festival, you can still participate in wine tastings at some of the best wineries in this region of Australia. Printhie Wines, Philip Shaw, and Rowlee Wines are a couple of the best wineries in Orange.
You can do so many other activities while on vacation in this part of Australia. The hiking trails at Mount Canobolas offer stunning panoramic views of the region. And you can satisfy your appetite when you purchase local produce and other foods at the farmers’ markets.
Rutherglen in Victoria
Wine lovers searching for fortified wines in Australia must visit the Rutherglen region. Muscat and Topaque are two of the sweet wines most people love in this area.
The historic town of Rutherglen is the perfect place to walk around in between wine tastings. Although, you may not want to walk around if you take a cycling tour of the nearby vineyards.
I however do recommend exploring nearby Lake Moodemere on foot. It is an excellent area to enjoy a peaceful nature escape after a day of wine tastings.
Adelaide Hills in South Australia
One of the best wine regions in South Australia is Adelaide Hills. This area is only a 30 minute drive from Adelaide. And its cool-climate is perfect for producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines.
You can enjoy wine tastings at quite a few of the best wineries in Australia when you visit Adelaide Hills. A couple of the best wineries include Bird in Hand, The Lane Vineyard, and Shaw & Smith.
I recommend choosing wineries that offer wine and cheese pairing tours. This will ensure you can taste some of the best cheeses that pair well with the wines you are sipping.
Local German-inspired cuisine can be eaten while visiting the villages of Hahndorf and Stirling. And you won’t want to skip the views available while exploring Mount Lofty Botanic Garden.
McLaren Vale in South Australia
Vibrant red wines are the specialty of the McLaren Vale region in Australia. The Mediterranean climate produces some of the best Grenache and Shiraz wines.
Unique wine tastings that include an art experience are available at d’Arenberg Cube. Although, you may prefer cycling along the Shiraz Trail to see the vineyards located within this wine region in Australia.
I recommend visiting a couple of the top vineyard restaurants during your visit to McLaren Vale. You can indulge in delicious farm-to-table meals at those restaurants.
Exploring Australia’s best wine regions is a dream for wine lovers. Each destination offers exceptional wines, stunning landscapes, and memorable experiences. From the rich Shiraz to the Pinot Noir, there’s a perfect sip for every palate. Whether you prefer guided tours or leisurely wine tastings, these regions provide unforgettable adventures. Let’s chat today to start planning where you will go wine tasting in Australia. The result will be a personalized itinerary that will have you discovering the best wines, and wineries, in Australia!
