Best Places for Wine Tasting in Australia
The best places to go wine tasting in Australia include Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley, McLaren Vale, and Margaret River. You can go wine tasting on a day trip from Sydney or Melbourne or stay a few nights at a beautiful hotel set amongst the vineyards. These wine regions offer everything from behind-the-scenes tours to private dinners with the winemaker.
Australia may be known for its Shiraz, but the country is filled with a multitude of wine regions and varietals to try on your next trip! Shiraz and Chardonnay make up 44% of Australia’s total wine production, but other varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc are becoming increasingly popular.
Here are the best places to go wine tasting in Australia:
Dining at Murray Street Vineyards, Barossa Valley. Image: Tourism South Australia
Barossa Valley
Why visit Barossa Valley: Barossa Valley has possibly the oldest living vines in the world! Barossa Valley is only 45 minutes from Adelaide and nestled within beautiful rolling hills. You will feel disconnected from the rest of the world as you walk through wineries and take in the views.
Famous for: Barossa Valley is famous for Riesling, both rich and dry. The nearby Clare Valley produces some of the richest Riesling, while the Eden Valley produces very dry Riesling.
Getting there: Barossa Valley is about 1 hour’s drive from Adelaide.
Don’t miss: Barossa Valley is home to some of our favorite wineries, each with a unique feel and experience.
- Seppeltsfield – The winner of an international Best of Wine Tourism award in 2019, this winery releases a 100-year-old vintage each year.
- Jacob’s Creek – Relax with a glass of wine or join a food pairing class with a food and wine master.
- Pindarie Wines – A family-owned winery adorned with restored wood and exposed brick. They also have an onsite restaurant with gourmet pies.
- Turkey Flat Vineyards – Formerly a butcher’s shop, this family-owned vineyard is nestled in historic Tanunda.
- Elderton Wines – With top-class vintages, this family-owned winery is inviting and offers amazing tasting experiences.
- St. Hugo – Offering sophisticated dining, ironstone buildings, and fine wine varieties, this winery is sure to check all of your requirements.
Kangaroo among the vines in McLaren Vale. Image: Tourism South Australia
McLaren Vale
Why visit McLaren Vale: Come for the wine, stay for the food! Best known for Shiraz, McLaren Vale also produces Grenache and Cabernet. When you visit McLaren Vale, you can experience everything from high-end wines to everyday vinos to sip on. Mix your wine experience with some bites to complete your time there.
Famous for: McLaren Vale is best known for their Shiraz but is also popular for their Grenache and Cabernet. They also offer some Mediterranean varieties like Fiano, Vermentino, Tempranillo, and Sangiovese.
Getting there: Located in the Fleurieu Zone, McLaren Vale is a 40-minute drive from Adelaide.
Don’t miss: After your wine tours, make sure to take in some of the beautiful beaches of McLaren Vale! Almost 20 miles of coastline pairs perfectly with a glass of Shiraz or Cabernet. Beaches like Aldinga Beach, Moana, Port Willunga, and Sellicks Beach are a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Hot air balloon over Yarra Valley. Image: Tourism Victoria
Yarra Valley
Why visit Yarra Valley: Located in Victoria near the vibrant city of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley has a cool climate that makes for an amazing Pinot Noir. The Yarra Valley is the oldest wine region within Victoria, dating back to 1838. You can enjoy anything from sparkling wine to a beautiful crisp rosé.
Famous for: The Yarra Valley is known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Yarra Valley is known for fresh produce, like salmon, trout, caviar, and handmade cheeses and preserves.
Getting there: The Yarra Valley is about a 1-hour drive from Melbourne.
Don’t miss: The Yarra Valley is not just a wine destination. After your wine tour, enjoy some beer at one of the many breweries! Before you leave the wineries, make sure to check out some local art at a surrounding museum. One of our favorites is the TarraWarra Museum of Art, with a restaurant and cellar on the property.
Here are some great breweries in Yarra Valley to check out:
- Innocent Bystander
- White Rabbit Brewery
- Watts River Brewing
The Cape to Cape Track in Margaret River. Image: Tourism Western Australia
Margaret River
Why visit Margaret River: Margaret River is known for producing wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blends. Located in Western Australia, it’s a bit off the beaten track and features gorgeous scenery. If you are looking to indulge in a great red wine or discover some fresh whites, Margaret River is a great place to explore!
Famous for: The Margaret River is famous for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blends. Margaret River is popular for red and white wines, but Cabernet Sauvignon is what they are best known for. It is known as the “hero” variety in the area, which is often blended with Merlot for a full-bodied and earthy flavor.
Getting there: Margaret River is located in Western Australia, about 3 hour’s drive from Perth. We recommend staying a night or 2; there are some beautiful properties to stay in.
Don’t miss: After you are finished tasting the amazing wines of Margaret River, make sure to explore one of the underground caves or indulge in a gourmet culinary experience!
Welcome to wine country! Image: Tourism Australia
Hunter Valley
Why visit Hunter Valley: The history of Hunter Valley stretches 180 years, with over 150 wineries spanning across the beautiful hills of the area. The history of Hunter Valley is rich; the Wonnarua were the area’s first inhabitants. The Wonnarua inhabited the area for 30,000 years, carving the way for the valley that is known today. The wine produced here is globally known and loved by many.
Famous for: Although Hunter Valley is not known for a specific varietal, the wine owners often co-op their grape produce, sharing them with each other. If you are planning to visit Hunter Valley, we suggest you take the day to explore surrounding activities as well!
Getting there: Located in New South Wales, Hunter Valley is about a 2-hour drive from Sydney.
Don’t miss:
- Visit cellar doors with a winemaker
- Enjoy a day spa at Chateau Élan
- Take a balloon ride to witness breathtaking views
The scenery at Devil’s Corner Winery in Tamar Valley. Image: Tourism Tasmania
Tamar Valley
Why visit Tamar Valley: Although Tasmania may not be the first place to go wine tasting in Australia, the Tamar Valley is a great place to stop if you are visiting to see the local wildlife. The Tamar Valley, along with the Coal River Valley and Richmond, is drier and warmer than southern Victoria. That being said, they offer a great sparkling wine that truly challenges Champagne from France.
Famous for: Tasmania is known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and sparkling wine.
Getting there: You can visit the Tamar Valley on a day trip from Launceston or Cradle Mountain.
Don’t miss: The Tamar Valley offers many wines and is packed with history, industrial heritage, and natural wildlife. When you are done with your wine tasting or tour, make sure to head to a museum or garden tour.
- Lawrence House Museum – Ideal for picnics on a warm day, this local history museum will blow you away with its interior design.
- The Garden House – Filled with enchanting terraced walled garden sets, the 16th-century home is stunning and inviting.
- The Forgotten Garden of Lewtrenchard – This garden is nestled between the secluded Lew Valley, great to explore and take in some of the wonderful local greenery.
Wine with a view at Paringa Estate, Mornington Peninsula. Image: Tourism Victoria
Mornington Peninsula
Why visit Mornington Peninsula: The landscape of Mornington Peninsula will draw you in; with its gentle hills, rolling green pastures, and tranquil vineyards, the area is calming and peaceful—the perfect backdrop for a leisurely sip. The region has built a global reputation for producing a wide range of wines, which go well with its breathtaking beaches, bays, and natural scenery.
Famous for: The Mornington Peninsula is famous for Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. 40% of their wines are white, while 60% of their wines are red. The Chardonnay is very distinct in flavor, with notes of melon, citrus, and fig.
Getting there: Mornington Peninsula is 1 hour south of Melbourne.
Don’t miss: When sipping on your wine, don’t miss the beautiful scenery surrounding Mornington Peninsula. The area is close to the ocean, which brings in cool breezes even on the warmest day. You have to try the Chardonnay and the Pinot Noir while you are there, but you can also try a Shiraz if you are interested.
Spread at Zema Estate, Coonawarra. Image: Tourism South Australia
Coonawarra
Why visit Coonawarra: If you are a fan of Cabernet, Coonawarra is the place for you! Coonawarra’s flat and fertile land drew settlers into the area in the mid-1800s, who saw potential in the land and established the wine region. Coonawarra is popular not only for wine but also for sheep produce. Many sheep herders have migrated to the area for the lush land.
Famous for: Coonawarra is known as the king of Cabernet, but many other grape varietals are also found in this region, including Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Getting there: Coonawarra is about halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide, so you can make a stop while driving the Great Ocean Road.
Don’t miss: Coonawarra is close to the ocean and has neighboring sheep farms. Make sure to take in the beautiful scenery while exploring the wine region. Only an hour and a half north, the Clare Valley also offers great wines. If you have time, we suggest you stop by to do some wine tours in the Clare Valley!
Wine and local produce at Pike & Joyce, Adelaide Hills. Image: Tourism Australia
Adelaide Hills
Why visit Adelaide Hills: The altitude in Adelaide is cooling, which produces wines like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Shiraz. Adelaide Hills is unlike most of the southern regions of Australia since its colder climate and rockier soil produce medium-flavored wines, perfect for everybody!
Famous for: Adelaide Hills is famous for Chardonnay but also produces an amazing Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blac, and Shiraz.
Getting there: Adelaide Hills is just 40 minutes from central Adelaide, making it the most convenient wine-tasting option on the list!
Don’t miss: When traveling to Adelaide, make sure to visit the Adelaide Central Market, the botanic garden, and the fabulous restaurants in town! The city is filled with adventures and places to see, so we recommend staying at least two nights to explore.
Want to go wine tasting in Australia? Browse our food and wine travel packages, or give us a call at (888) 229-0082 to plan a handcrafted trip!