Australia wine regions map: 10 top destinations for wine tours

Australia’s original dedication to Shiraz gave the country a supporting role on the international wine stage, but great efforts have been made to diversify production in recent years – with Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc all now playing a part.

On any Australia wine map, the largest wine producing region by far is South Australia – where half of the nation’s vineyards can be found, encouraged by a Mediterranean climate created near the coastal areas.

The best wine regions in Australia are concentrated around the city of Adelaide, including Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, Eden Valley, Clare Valley and McLaren Vale. There are also aspiring regions in Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales – while even the small island of Tasmania has made an impression.

A Wine Paths, our local experts can arrange exclusive wine tours across all regions of the Australia wine map, which include elaborate tastings, luxury accommodation, gourmet cuisine and unique experiences. All of our private tours can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements, ensuring every detail is taken care of so that you can relax and enjoy the matter at hand – sampling fine wines while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

Although there are 65 designated wine-growing areas in Australia, we have created an overview of 10 renowned regions across the country to help you decide on an ideal destination:  

south australia wine map - Wine Paths
  1. The Barossa Valley is arguably the most prestigious wine country in Australia. With a German-influenced wine growing heritage dating back to 1842, this region in South Australia has some of the world’s oldest vineyards and is internationally recognized for its Shiraz.
  2. Margaret River in Western Australia did not emerge as a destination on the Australian wine region's map until the 1970s when scientists discovered that the gravelly, sandy loam was ideal for viticulture. There are now 155 wineries in the area renowned for its Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
  3. Hunter Valley, north of Sydney in New South Wales, was historically the heart of winemaking in Australia. The region arguably produces the country’s finest Shiraz while its Semillon is regarded as world-class – making it the sixth most visited place in Australia.
  4. Of all the regions on the Australia wine map, McLaren Vale in South Australia is the country’s most environmentally progressive area – and one of only two regions to have been granted ‘character preservation’ legislation in 2012.
  5. Yarra Valley is the birthplace of Victoria’s wine industry, which dates back to the early 19th century. As one of the coolest wine-growing regions on the Australian wine map, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz flourish here.
  6. The red clay soil in South Australia’s Coonawarra region is Australia’s most famous terroir and is perfect for creating exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon styles.
  7. Riverland, South Australia is one of the most productive grape-growing regions of wine country in Australia, with around 1,100 growers producing about 25% of Australia’s entire wine.
  8. Riverina in New South Wales is one of the few areas on a wine map of Australia that carries an Italian influence. Wine-making here excelled after the introduction of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Scheme in 1912, making it the country’s second-largest wine producer.
  9. Rutherglen in Victoria is the undoubted capital of the country’s fortified wine, which has been grown here since the 1850s. Here, the disparity in diurnal temperatures produces favorable conditions for sweet tokajs, muscats and ports.
  10. Outside of the main wine map of Australia, Tamar Valley in Tasmania is the island’s oldest wine-growing region. The Valley produces around 40% of the state’s wine with Pinot Noir dominating, although Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc are also grown.

Contact Wine Paths for more inspiration before planning an exclusive adventure across the Australian wine regions map.

 

If you're interested in one of our Australia Wine Tours, please visit this link.

 

Wine map courtesy: Winefolly.com

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