wine regions australia
More than 100 grape varieties are grown in Australia and the wine it produces ranks among the world’s best. The diversity means that you will always find something to amaze your tastebuds. Here is an outline of wine regions in Australia.
Margaret River
Margaret River is Western Australia’s most famous wine region and produces some of the most elegant and exceptional wines in Australia. The region is particularly known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, with many winemakers championing natural fermentation, organic and biodynamic practices. There are more than 90 cellar doors in the Margaret River wine region, including world-renowned wineries such as Vasse Felix and Leeuwin Estate.
Barossa Valley
Located in South Australia, the Barossa Valley offers the regions claim to fame in the exceptionally smooth, big, bold shiraz. South Australia is home to some of the oldest continuously producing vineyards in the world and you will find the essential Barossa cellar door of Penfold’s, a winery founded in 1844, or the exceptional restaurant and cellar door at Hentley Farms amongst others.
McLaren Vale
Just 45 minutes south from Adelaide, scenic McLaren Vale is the birthplace of wine in South Australia. You will discover world-renowned wineries, including one of Australia's most unique cellar door experiences at the d’Arenberg Cube - an impressive five-storey structure fashioned after an unfinished Rubik’s Cube.
Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley is Victoria’s oldest growing region, found east of Melbourne. The first grapes were planted here in 1838 and the region is famed for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. For a unique cellar door experience visit TarraWarra Estate for an exceptional taste experience underneath a grassy hill.
Mornington Peninsula
An hour south of Melbourne and you’ll be in the undulating hills and charming scenery of Mornington Peninsula, where you’ll find wineries and restaurants like Pt. Leo Estate, home to single-vineyard, hand-harvested wine. The don’t miss tastes in this region are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is known for its unique expression of Semillon and is the oldest wine region in Australia. Take the three hour journey here from Sydney and you will discover some of Australia’s most famous winemakers, such as Tyrrell’s Wines.
Adelaide Hills
Less than an hour from the city of Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills has a cool climate and an elevated altitude that makes its wines distinct from others produced in the state. Wine tasting here will offer complex, medium-weight wines like Pinot Noir. It's home to some of Australia's most notable estates, like Penfolds’ Magill Estate cellar door.
Tamar Valley
Some of the best Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines in Australia are made in Tasmania due to its climate and soil. The Tamar Valley, located less than an hour from Launceston, is home to several wineries that show off the best of the region.
King Valley
Some of Australia’s most diverse vineyards are located in King Valley, a wine region three hours north-east of Melbourne, known for its Italian heritage. Some of the country's best prosecco is found here. Brown Brothers is a popular Australian wine maker, producing a wide range of wines from Shiraz to their light and fruity Moscato.Canberra District
The Canberra wine district is experimental, with new varieties coming to the forefront. Winemakers Mount Majura is known for crafting the region’s favourites – Shiraz and Riesling – but also experimenting to produce something special. The vines at Clonakilla have produced a unique blend of Shiraz and Viognier.
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