There are few better places on earth to enjoy wine tasting than in Australia; a country that’s awash with highly acclaimed wine estates producing award-winning vintages amid some incredibly stunning settings.
Wineries in Australia first came to the attention of international audiences after the country’s signature Shiraz exploded on to the scene in the 1980s. Shiraz (known elsewhere as Syrah) still reigns supreme across many Australian wine regions, although their diverse nature has also given rise to acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon and Pinot Noir.
Australian wineries are scattered across all six states, including the Island of Tasmania, but the epicentre of the country’s wine industry is undoubtedly South Australia – where most recognisable names are based at vineyards in the Barossa Valley, Eden Valley and McLaren Vale. Some of the best wineries in Australia can also be found in the Margaret River region of Western Australia, which is renowned for its Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, and New South Wales’ Hunter Valley – where arguably the country’s finest Shiraz is produced.
At Wine Paths, our local expert can organise exclusive wine tours of the best Australian wineries, which can include elaborate tastings, luxury stay, fine dining experiences and some unique activities.
Our private tours can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements, ensuring every detail is taken care of so that you can enjoy the matter at hand. Here is an overview of just some of the wineries in Australia that can be visited.
Australian wineries: South Australia
The Barossa Valley is regarded as the country’s most influential wine-growing regions and home to large scale commercial producers, including Penfolds, Jacob’s Creek and Wolf Blass, among over 150 wine estates. Few Australian wineries are more iconic that the Seppeltsfield Vineyard and it’s famous ‘Centennial Cellar’ – a living museum of winemaking that has stored vintages from every year since it was completed in 1878. Visitors can taste a piece of history by selecting wines from the year of Elvis Presley’s death (1977), the Moon Landing (1979) or the Titanic sinking (1912).
Australian wineries: Western Australia
Margaret River was a relative latecomer that did not emerge as a destination for viticulture until the 1970s, but now has over 155 top Australian wineries with an emphasis on Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. This is where the famous Cullen Wines have their roots. The winery is certified A Grade Biodynamic & 100% carbon neutral to promote sustainability and bring the purest sense of terroir to the wine. The Voyager Estate not only offers guests the opportunity to sample some of these premium wines, but also take part in a six-course sensory dining experience that charts the story of the estate’s wines from vineyard to glass.
Australian wineries: New South Wales
Hunter Valley is among the oldest of Australia’s wine regions where you will find some of the finest Shiraz in the country, as well as exquisite Chardonnay and impressively long-lived Semillon from some of the best wineries in Australia. The Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard was named after one of Australia’s early wine pioneers, and his legacy is a magnificent estate where visitors can enjoy a behind the scenes tour before being whisked off by helicopter for a three-course meal at one of the valley’s exclusive restaurants.
Australian wineries: Victoria
With over 600 estates, there is a greater list of Australian wineries in Victoria than any other state in the country, largely producing wines from Cabernet Sauvignon for the reds and Chardonnay for the white styles. At the Tahblik Winery, visitors are given a guided tour through the history of winemaking techniques as well as the chance to blend their own bottle before enjoying a meal on-site that has been paired with several premium vintages.
If you are interested in a bespoke tour of Wineries in Australia, contact Wine Paths for more information and inspirational ideas before planning a visit.