With more than 60 wine regions scattered throughout Australia, winemakers are spoiled with varying climates and soils that lend themselves favourably to most of the major wine varietals. While Shiraz and Chardonnay come out on top with roughly 44% of Australia’s total vineyard production, wineries throughout the country produce a range of different wines including sparkling, fortified and biodynamic options too. This means that no matter what your favourite varietal may be, there is usually an exceptional home-grown creation to please the palate from our wealth of exceptional wineries.
McLaren Vale – South Australia
Located approximately 45 minutes south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale boasts more than 65 cellar doors (mostly boutique) within its modest 30 kilometres. Considered the birthplace of South Australia’s viticultural region since its inception in 1880, this area is home to some of the world’s oldest grapevines. Located between mountain ranges and the coast, it is characterised by its Mediterranean climate and multiplicity of free draining soils ranging from loamy sands to yellow clay. This makes McLaren Vale well suited for the production of a diverse variety of premium grapes, in particular Shiraz as well as Chardonnay, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Perfect for weekend trips away, visitors can choose between quaint bed and breakfasts or luxurious hotels with sprawling views of some of our country’s most beautiful vineyards. And of course, all that great wine must be paired with food of the same accord, which is why visitors should make the most of the restaurants serving mouthwatering meals made from the abundance of fresh, local produce grown throughout this stunning region.
Great Southern – Western Australia
Home to our very own vineyards that produce our flagship Abercrombie Cabernet Sauvignon and Mt Barker Riesling, Howard Park Wines is familiar with the unique characteristics that the Great Southern region has to offer. Comprised of winding coastlines and lush farming areas, this region offers the charm of the countryside with the relaxation of stunning seaside towns. Visitors can experience the best of both worlds by enjoying freshly caught oysters with a glass of local Riesling before venturing further inland to discover all the delights the farming region has to offer.
With 5 sub-regions – Albany, Mt Barker, Denmark, Porongurup and Frankland River – the Great Southern is Australia’s largest wine region, so it should come as no surprise that the vineyards display much variety when it comes to their overall terroir. Featuring an ever changing typography, each sub region also differs in climate and can therefore produce different styles of wine from similar varieties of grape. This diversity of varieties, climates and soils is what the Great Southern is now appreciated for, becoming recognised for its high quality production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling.
Southern Tasmania – Tasmania
Surrounded by towering mountains and dense forest, Southern Tasmania is known for its production of acclaimed elegant, cool-climate creations such as sparkling wines, Chardonnays and Rieslings. Their Pinot Noirs and Sparkling wines in particular are praised around the world from international winemakers and sommeliers, so visiting this renowned region is sure to uncover a variety of gems for any wine lover to enjoy. The cooler climate, with mild summers and long autumn days, also plays a part in the production of biodynamic and organic wine, yet another example of why this region is known for its ability to produce a range of elegant options across the board.
Just a short drive from the beautiful city of Hobart, this little pocket of Tasmania is sure to delight visitors no matter what their interests may be. In between visits to this region’s many acclaimed wineries, visitors can stroll down the historic Port Arthur coastline, enjoy stunning views from the top of Mount Wellington or indulge in their artistic side at the Museum of Old and New Art. With this many options available, it’s not uncommon for people to leave this serene part of the world wanting more.
Mudgee – New South Wales
One of the smallest regions on this list, Mudgee shouldn’t be underestimated when it comes to the experiences it has to offer. There is so much to see, eat, drink and do here, with world-class wineries, historical museums, charming accommodation options and rugged scenery at every turn. Described by James Halliday as a “no frills red wine country first and foremost”, this region features over 40 family owned cellar doors most known for their Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, with the Italian varieties of Sangiovese, Barbera and Nebbiolo also having a comfortable place. When it comes to must-see wine destinations, Mudgee proves that sometimes it’s the smaller delights that really pack a punch.
Yarra Valley – Victoria
Widely known as the home of Victorian wine, the Yarra Valley wine region dates all the way back to the 1830s. Although it has had its fair share of ups and downs – with a period between 1920 and 1960 where wine production stopped all together – the Yarra Valley is now a thriving region with more than 80 wineries loved by Australians and international visitors alike. With an average January temperature of just 18 degrees, the cooler climate lends itself well to the production of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, both of which are largely considered world-class creations. Even for the most well-travelled wine lovers, this lush location is bound to impress with its rolling landscapes, native wildlife and enticing vineyards as far as the eye can see. Whether it’s the setting for a trip with some friends or a romantic getaway, visitors will love exploring all that this famous region has to offer.