Australia has always had an exceptional wine scene, and many of our states are home to impressive wineries positioned in gorgeous regional pockets. At this point in time, vineyards in Australia are host to 100 different grape varieties in 65 wine regions, making the wine scene here ripe for variety if nothing else! Although many people regularly drink the wines produced by these wineries, far fewer actually take the time to actually visit them, which is a shame as learning more about the wine in the place I was produced is a very rewarding experience. In this article, we discuss a few areas that you should visit as soon as possible, particularly if you’ve not yet had the opportunity to visit any wineries.
Checking out wine country in the eastern states
If you’ve typically only bought wine online, you’re definitely missing out on a special and unique experience by not visiting the areas in which these wines are produced. If you’re a Victoria native, then the Yarra Valley should definitely be next on your adventure list – right now, the Yarra Valley contains 300 vineyards and an impressive 160 wineries, making for a lot of potential stops if you have the time! The Yarra Valley should be of particular note to fans of sparkling wine, as the region’s coolers climate lending itself to the production of sparkling Chardonnay, in addition to other favourites such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinot Noir. If you call New South Wales home, then the Hunter Valley should be somewhere you check out as soon as possible. The Hunter Valley is where James Busby, considered by many to be the father of Australian wine, established the 20,000 vine cuttings he brought from Europe in the mid-19th century. The fruit produced by these vines now create remarkable and heavily awarded examples of Chardonnay, Shiraz and Semillon.
Wineries in South and Western Australia
South Australia perhaps the best reputation as a wine producing state, and the Barossa Valley is perhaps the best example of the wine grown here. Originally settled by German immigrants in 1842, the Barossa contains some of the oldest examples of vines in the world. It is in the Barossa Valley that the 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors produce a remarkable assortment of Chardonnay, Eden Valley Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, ensuring that whatever your preferred tipple is, you’ll find a remarkable example of it here. Finally, if you’re on the Western coast of Australia, Margaret River is by far the best area for wine you can visit. It is here in the southwest nook of Western Australia where you can find 215 wine produces, and although you might think that the other states produce more overall, Margaret River still accounts for a staggering 20 percent of Australia’s premium wines. It is here you will find delicious Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
Visit the homes of your favourite drinks todayIf you’ve never properly considered the lush, scenic areas where Australia’s wines are produced, perhaps now is the time to start planning your first trip. This way, you can pick the brains of people who live and breathe wine and learn more about your preferred style than you ever thought possible.