I’ve mentioned it before, and I’ll say it again: wine is a fantastic reason to travel! This is especially true for a trip to Australia. Sure, there are tons of amazing destinations to explore in Australia, but it’s also packed with incredible wine regions. You can’t overlook the fantastic vineyards scattered all over the country.
When you’re on the hunt for great wine, you’ll likely find yourself traveling far and wide. Some places, though, truly shine for their exceptional wines. Australian wines, in particular, have a global reputation, so it’s no surprise that you’d want to seek out the finest vineyards here.
With around sixty wine regions across Australia, narrowing down the best vineyards to visit can be a challenge. To help you out, I’ve put together a list of my top picks for vineyards that you should definitely check out.
Let’s dive into some of the best vineyards Australia has to offer. Enjoy your wine adventure, and save me a glass!
De Bortoli is among the largest and oldest of over 80 vineyards in the Yarra Valley. Purchased back in 1987, this Italian-owned estate spans nearly 600 acres. You can join a behind-the-scenes tour to see the vineyard and winery, taste wines straight from the barrels, and finish off with a delightful cheese and wine meal in the Trophy Room. Their specialty is the ‘Noble One’ dessert wine, which is irresistible if you have a sweet tooth like mine. The Yarra Valley is famous for its pinot noir, sparkling wines, and cool-climate varieties, and De Bortoli is located just northeast of Melbourne, making it a must-visit if you’re in the area.
The Margaret River region, three hours south of Perth, boasts over 120 wine producers. Here, you’ll discover an array of wines like cabernet, sauvignon, chardonnay, semillon, sauvignon blanc, merlot, and shiraz. Vasse Felix started in 1965 when Dr. Thomas Cullity experimented with planting grapes in Australia. A study around that time highlighted the region’s climate and soil similarity to Bordeaux, which encouraged Cullity to continue, eventually producing his first wine in 1972. At Vasse Felix, you can enjoy behind-the-scenes tours and private tastings, as well as explore their art gallery, gardens, and sculpture walk.
In 1842, European immigrants settled in the Barossa Valley, and soon after, 150 wineries and vineyards flourished. Jacobs Creek, the first commercial vineyard in the area, began here and remains active today. You can join food and wine masterclasses, have picnics among the vines, and cycle through the stunning Barossa Valley, making it one of Australia’s top vineyards.
Just outside Adelaide lies Penfolds Magill Estate, established in 1844. It’s known for its prestigious Grange wine. This urban vineyard offers underground tunnels, a cottage, bluestone cellars, a premium wine collection, and an award-winning restaurant, making it an unforgettable visit.
D’Arenberg, in South Australia’s McLaren Vale, is famous for its traditional winemaking practices and Shiraz wines, thanks to its Mediterranean-like climate. At this vineyard, you can enjoy small-batch, basket-pressed grapes and even partake in the Blending Bench, where you can create and name your own wine.
Audrey Wilkinson vineyards, in the Hunter Valley, were established in 1866, and specialize in handcrafted wines. The Hunter Valley holds Australia’s oldest vineyards, dating back to the 1820s. Located at the foothills of the Brokenback Mountain range, the vineyard’s cellar door offers stunning views. You can even stay in one of their cottages for a picturesque experience.
The Mornington Peninsula, just south of Melbourne, has over 200 vineyards. Montalto, with its olive grove, features beautiful architecture and a cozy cellar door. The venue includes a restaurant, café, sculpture walk, and wetlands, providing a breathtaking setting. Here, you can choose from three tour options: golf and dining, a full estate tour with a meal, or a winery tour with a three-course lunch and paired wines.
In the historic Clare Valley region, Sevenhills dates back to its beginnings as a Jesuit monastery in 1851. Known for its Riesling, the area offers both self-guided and staff-guided tours and boasts over forty wineries. Initially producing altar wines, this vineyard now creates popular wines enjoyed by many.
Lancaster Wines, just 20 minutes from Perth, offers a charming outdoor tasting shed and bar along the Swan River. Part of the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail, Lancaster Wines is famous for verdelho, chenin blanc, chardonnay, shiraz, and cabernet wines.
Lastly, in Relbia, Tasmania, you’ll find an award-winning vineyard. Known for cool-climate grape varieties, this region specializes in pinot noir, chardonnay, riesling, and sauvignon blanc. Tasmania is also renowned for its popular sparkling wines, rounding out the list of must-visit vineyards in Australia.
