For anyone who has a thing for wine, traveling around the globe becomes commonplace. There are so many great destinations in the world that offer relishing variants of wine. In this think-piece, we will discuss the best of the lot.
While the entire world, all around the globe has some exotic wine to offer, today we would limit our discussion to wineries in Australia only.
Warning: places discussed below, once visited, you will never want you to leave! 😉
- Barossa Valley
If you are looking for Australia’s finest Rieslings and bold Shiraz Wines, Barossa Valley must be on your go-to list. This place is also known to be the hot favorite for artistic wine enthusiasts. You can sip in Mediterranean varieties like Montepulciano, Sangiovese, and Tempranillo at the rustic Pindarie Wine, which is quite well known.
You must also try wine tasting while on a tour of this valley, aged as old as your birth, from notable wineries including Thorne-Clarke, Grant Burge, and Seppeltsfield. Don’t just restrict yourself to wine, the game of croquet is also a lot of fun!
- McLaren Vale
Also known for its Shiraz, McLaren Vale has got the best – from high-quality wines to everyday sip-ons – offering you the best of both worlds. So, don’t leave out any on the list when you are here! 😉
Also, like Shiraz, wine lovers rate their Grenache, Cabernet, and quite a few Mediterranean varieties quite highly. Plus, reaching McLaren Vale shouldn’t be a problem either as it is just 40 minutes from Adelaide.
- Yarra Valley
Geographically speaking, the cool climate within Yarra, makes it one of the best in the world when it comes to Pinot Noir. If you are a winter lover, you definitely cannot miss this place.
Plus, this place has a history dating back to 1838. Coming back to wine, experts rate their Chardonnay quite highly as well. Yarra Valley is an hour’s drive away from Melbourne, and if you are nearby, don’t, I repeat, DON’T dare miss this place.
Also Read: Seven Kinds of Fermented Rice Wine From Asia Made From Rice
- Hunter Valley
You probably have heard of one before as it is extremely popular for its wines. Boasting a history more than 180 years old and blessed with 150 wineries, this is a must-visit!
Unlike the previous ones on our list, this place is not known for a special varietal, but that doesn’t make it any less worthy.
- Mornington Peninsula
This place is quite a beauty when it comes to hills, pastures, and vineyards. You don’t visit a place just for its wine, you visit the place for the backdrop of the perfect leisurely sip it has to offer to you, and this place does that with utmost efficiency.
Famous for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris, 40% of the wines here are white, and 60% red. But among all the three, my personal favorite is Chardonnay. Ofcourse, for the rich flavor, which has notes of melon, citrus, and fig. This place as well is also an hour’s drive from Melbourne but towards the south.
- Coonawarra
I haven’t really spoken much about Cabernet in this article, because we were waiting for this place. Well, wine lovers around the world call this place the king of Cabernet, so, if you are a fan of the same, it’s quite clear by now that you cannot miss this place.
But don’t just restrict yourself to Cabernet, there are many great grape varieties this place can offer including Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
If you make up your mind to visit Coonawarra, they have a name not just for wine in the history books, but also for sheep produce, you don’t want to miss!
Over to you…
Although there are many more wine destinations in Australia, but since we promised top picks, we would leave it here!
Places like Tamar Valley and Adelaide Hills are quite exceptional as well, and if you, by chance exhaust the ones mentioned above – try them!
In the end, let me end with one last piece of advice: irrespective of the place you are visiting, don’t keep a predetermined picture in your mind. Then only will you be able to enjoy the place to its fullest.
