Exploring regional Australia via the Vineyards by Emma Lovell

Australia is famous for our world-class vineyards and unique wines. The Hunter Valley of New South Wales, Barossa Valley in South Australia, Yarra Valley in Victoria and Margaret River in Western Australia have all become tourist hot spots for their bevy of vineyards and well established winery tours.

For visitors to Australia, visiting a vineyard has become a must on any itinerary, adding significantly to our economy. Wine tourism showcases not only the fine vintages, but also the spectacular locations in which their wines are made. Here are some other beautiful regions:

Orange, New South Wales

This quaint, regional town in the heart of country NSW is a rising star in the Australian food and wine industry. Enjoying a cooler climate provided by the higher altitude, Orange boasts some fine vineyards offering unique flavours.

Cargo Road Wines

Winemaker James Sweetapple has employed holistic farming methods to produce his ‘cool climate wines with altitude’. Some using Barbera and Zinfandel grapes, unique variants used by only a few vineyards. Indulge your taste buds as you sit on the sun drenched balcony sipping on their divine Primitivo Love Rosé.

Orange Mountain Wines

Terry Dolle is an award winning winemaker and well known for his unique Orange Mountain Ice Viognier. Family run and operated, this inviting cellar door will give you a treat as you sample their selection of ice wines; the only vineyard in the region to produce them.

Mt Tambourine, Queensland

Situated in the stunning hinterland of Queensland, Mt Tambourine is an enchanting getaway within an hour of both Brisbane and the Gold Coast. To many visitor’s great surprise, this mountainous region is home to some fine varieties of wine. Book a weekend, enjoy the stunning nature walks, and plan ample time for tastings.

Mount Tamborine Vineyard & Winery

Stroll down the Gallery Walk, the artistic main street of Mount Tamborine and you’ll come across this quaint cellar door. Always bustling with locals and visitors, the friendly staff will be happy to offer you a tasting of some of the locally grown vintages. Don’t miss the adjoining shop full of handmade treasures and the charming gardens that surround it.

Witches Falls Winery

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Witches Falls. Start with a short bush walk at the nearby trail and enjoy panoramic views of the hinterland. Then head to the vineyards and to sample some of the bold and distinctive wines at the cellar door, paired with locally made Jambreen cheeses, enjoyed best as a picnic in the lovely gardens.

Hobart, Tasmania

Well known for their fresh produce, Tasmania continues to draw attention to their culinary scene. Hobart offers the picturesque, puzzle shaped harbour viewed best from the panoramic lookouts at Mt Wellington and Mt Nelson. You’re spoilt for choice for restaurants and bars but making a visit to one of these vineyard’s cellar door will always be a treat.

Moorilla Wines

A trip to Hobart is not complete without visiting the remarkable MONA, an experience you’ll never forget. Moorilla wines have conveniently opened their cellar door right beside the famous museum providing guests a day of sophistication and culture. You can even get a package which includes the ferry, the gallery and the wine sampling.

Puddleduck Vineyard

For the name alone, you simply must visit this boutique, family run vineyard. Not only offering delicious wines, they also manage to run at an energy neutral rate by processing their wines within an hour of picking the grapes. Block out a few hours to be welcomed by your delightful hosts, sit by the pond and enjoy a generous tasting in an idyllic setting.

McLaren Vale, South Australia

Travel to the picturesque town of Hahndorf, just an hour outside of Adelaide and enjoy a step back in time in Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Stay in charming bed and breakfasts’ and enjoy meandering down the tree lined streets, pottering in the stone-clad shops and restaurants. Book a wine tour or enjoy a leisurely drive to explore the vineyards of McLaren Vale.

d’Arenberg

This world-renowned brand offers a whole new sensory experience at the vineyard which cannot be missed. The d’Arenberg Cube is an immersion for the senses, inspired by the puzzles and complexities of wine making according to designer Chester Osborn. You won’t just taste wine here, you’ll see it, feel it and truly experience it through video, a virtual fermenter and of course, samples.

K1 by Geoff Hardy

Arriving to a long dirt track with vines rising high either side, be met by a wooden chalet looming over a still lake. Once inside, savour sampling their decadent Rosé, made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. K1 by Geoff Hardy is exquisite, a vineyard that offers more than just wines; it’s the perfect backdrop for your weekend escape.