Written by Danielle Norton
Looking for Australia’s best places to wine and dine? With more than 65 designated wine regions and approximately 2,700 producers across the country, deciding where you want to go can be daunting. Wine lovers, here are the best places for the different varietals in each of our diverse states.
From sandy seasides to rocky mountains and lush volcanic regions, Australia’s diverse environment creates many different climates and produces wines of every variety; from bold reds and crisp whites to vibrant sparkling and luscious fortified wines.
The best wine regions in New South Wales
Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is a major wine-producing area in Australia, with more than 150 cellar doors and winemakers. It’s known for semillon, shiraz and chardonnay, and is Australia’s oldest continuing wine cultivating region. For a non-traditional drinking experience, head out to Lisa McGuigan’s Vamp. For exquisite dining, try The Wood Restaurant at Brokenwood Wines in Polkolbin.
Where to stay: Amid vines, cellar doors and rolling hills at Château Élan at The Vintage. After days spent on the 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course, soaking in the mineral baths at the day spa, or visiting local wineries, retreat to a spa-bath suite or villa with a flickering fireplace.
Mudgee
With 100 wineries dotted around the region, the picturesque Mudgee area is known for its reds; shiraz, merlot and cabernet sauvignon, and also its elegant chardonnay. Dine amongst the vines on the Chef’s Selection menu and match with local wines at the Greek-inspired Pipeclay Pumphouse or enjoy smoky, woodfired dishes like Porterhouse steak and local lamb at Gigi’s Restaurant. Wash it down with a local riesling from Robert Stein.
Where to stay: Evanslea Luxury Boutique Accommodation, where heritage cottages with fireplaces and spa baths are dotted around a leafy 4.5-acre riverside estate.
Orange
In Orange, three hours west of Sydney, you’ll find Hey Rosey Wine Bar, a hero in this wine town with a raft of local drops on the wine list. This region produces delicious chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir and riesling. Printhie Wines has a one-hatted restaurant – book the chef’s table experience and have a four-course meal with matched wine or do a wine workshop in the Champagne Cave.
Where to stay: Yallungah Boutique Hotel, a 19th-century homestead-turned-boutique-stay with a fireplace, original heritage features and local art.
Southern Highlands
This cool climate wine region south west of Sydney in the Great Dividing Range is home to 17 cellar doors. Each winemaker navigates a different terroir so the variety of flavour profiles is diverse. Don’t miss Artemis in Mittagong for award-winning shiraz, chardonnay and pinot noir or wine and dine at Ethos in Bowral for a special experience.
Where to stay: Near charming Bundanoon in boutique luxury at Osborn House, an 1890s-era boutique hotel with a pool, sauna, gym and spa, set in leafy grounds with century-old pines.
The best wine regions in Western Australia
Many Western Australian wineries are in remote locations, far from the pesticides and chemicals used by other farmers. Because of this, organic vintages thrive.
Margaret River
Margaret River is one of Australia’s premium wine regions. With a climate similar to Bordeaux in France, and close to the Indian and Southern Oceans, the sandy, gravelly soil is ideal for vines. You’ll find zesty semillon–sauvignon blanc blends, age-worthy cabernet sauvignon, sophisticated chardonnay and peppery shiraz. Visit the fine diner restaurant at Voyager Estate for its sustainably grown and sourced food and Leeuwin Estate for its art gallery alongside the vineyard.
Where to stay: Pullman Bunker Bay Resort Margaret River Region, amid 35 acres of native bushland with direct access to the beach and Cape Naturaliste walking trails. Take advantage of a heated infinity pool, day spa and dining at Other Side of the Moon, whose modern Australian menu features Arthurs Grove olives and Margaret River brie.
Swan District
A 30-minute drive from Perth, this region is known for chenin blanc. The Mediterranean climate also lends itself to varieties like chardonnay, verdelho and a range of sweet fortified wines. At the Sandalford Bar and Restaurant try a botrytis semillon while dining at the award winning restaurant on modern Australian and European cuisine.
Where to stay: The jewel in the Perth hotel scene, COMO The Treasury. Set in the 19th-century State Buildings, this is the pinnacle of understated luxury, with a three-chef-hatted restaurant, Wildflower, and COMO Shambhala Spa; the program here is informed by one of the world’s most acclaimed wellness resorts, COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali.
Great Southern
From the coastal town of the Great Southern region to the national parks, farms and inland mountain ranges, road tripping through this area offers first-class wine tasting experiences. Take a day trip from Albany to try the organic, hand-picked wine at Oranje Tractor in the quaint tasting shed or do a cool climate chardonnay masterclass at Single File Wines. Indulge in a gourmet grazing board by the lake at Lake House Denmark.
Where to stay: At Chimes Spa Retreat, an all-suite boutique stay in rolling countryside with views over the Wilson Inlet and coastline. With just 10 suites (each with a circular deep-soaking bath), the day spa is never overpopulated.
The best wine regions in Victoria
Victoria is one of the most diverse states for wine. The vast differences in the topography of the regions means that it produces everything from light sparkling to elegant, complex reds.
Yarra Valley
The lush forest areas of the Yarra Valley attract visitors in droves. With over 80 wineries in the region, don’t miss Chandon for sparkling French-style wine and everywhere else for cool-climate wines, particularly cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir and chardonnay. Dine at Fergusson Estate for exquisite, house-made pasta, bread and pastries or visit the TarraWarra Estate and eat overlooking vineyards before checking out the indoor art gallery.
Where to stay: Within the 250-acre estate of Chateau Yering Hotel, a Victorian mansion with views over manicured gardens and the Yarra Valley. Between cellar-door-hopping, relax in the timber-lined library with an open fireplace and take high tea at Eleonore’s Restaurant.
Mornington Peninsula
With the ocean on three sides, the wineries of this peninsula enjoy a mild climate and a long growing season. This results in elegant cool-climate pinot noir and complex chardonnay. Fragrant pinot gris and peppery shiraz are starting to make an appearance here, too. Laura at Pt Leo Estate offers stunning ocean views and the opportunity to wander through the onsite sculpture park. For evenings, try fine dining at Audrey’s by Scott Pickett at the InterContinental Sorrento.
Where to stay: In design-led luxury at Jackalope, one of Victoria’s most talked-about stays. Set amid the vines of Willow Creek Vineyard, this boundary-pushing boutique hotel instantly wows with a seven-metre sculpture at the entrance, sleek black-tiled pool and immersive artwork. Its dining is standout; both Doot Doot Doot and Rare Hare are chef-hatted.
Bellarine Peninsula
The Bellarine has a reputation for elegant, food-friendly pinot gris, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wines. Ocean views punctuate the lovely country drives between wineries and provide a pretty backdrop for wine tasting. Check out Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Scotchmans Hill, and Oakdene Vineyards for a range of varietals and excellent local, seasonal dining.
Where to stay: Starhaven Retreat, an all-suite boutique stay once featured on Grand Designs Australia, with a home movie theatre, spa treatments and jacuzzi and sauna.
King Valley
Prosecco bubbles reign supreme in the King Valley. Also known as Little Italy, this region is home to Pizzini Wines, Brown Brothers and Dal Zotto, and many smaller winemakers creating interesting Italian-style wines (barbera, pinot bianco, sangiovese, pinot gris/grigio, saperavi, aligoté, dolcetto, and albariño.
With a climate and community that echoes the Prosecco region of the Italian countryside, you’ll enjoy country hospitality at every cellar door.
Where to stay: Across the road from Brown Brothers at Lancemore Milawa. This country-estate-style stay, framed by vineyards and mountains, features a paddock-to-plate restaurant, an outdoor pool, and plenty of spots to lounge beside a fireplace or fire pit, wine in hand.
The best wine regions in South Australia
Home to some of the country’s oldest vines and most iconic labels, there are more than 200 cellar doors; almost half of the country’s wine production occurs in South Australia. The terroir is diverse and some of the oldest vines in the world are planted here on lands tilled by generations of the same family.
Adelaide Hills
With award-winning wine and only 30 minutes from the CBD of Adelaide, the hills region is the place to go in search of pinot noir and other cool climate wine varieties like chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and riesling. The region is known for its fruit production and the flavour profiles reflect this. Penfolds Magill Estate should be top of your list if you’re in this area.
Where to stay: In off-grid cabin luxury at CABN Hahndorf a 25-minute drive from Adelaide, close enough to the wineries for exploring, yet blissfully tucked away in the bushland. Each cabin has an indoor fireplace and kitchenette; it’s cosy in the winter, with outdoor seating to enjoy a bottle and barbecue in the summer.
The Barossa Valley
Internationally recognised for its big, bold reds, the Barossa has 250 vineyards to choose from. At Seppeltsfield you can taste wine that’s over a hundred years old, and at Yalumba, where the vines were first planted in 1849, are some of the country’s best cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and red blends.
Where to stay: Right in the heart of wine country amid 100+ cellar doors at Novotel Barossa Valley, with views over the famous Jacob’s Creek vines and Barossa Ranges. Resort-style facilities include a swimming pool, tennis courts and onsite Endota Spa.
McLaren Vale
For an elegant, full-bodied shiraz head to McLaren Vale. A full spectrum of styles are made here, from tempranillo and sangiovese, to fiano, vermentino and nero d’avola. At d’Arenberg you’ll find aromatic wines accompanying a lavish degustation meal at Verandah and mind-bending art at the onsite gallery. Also in this region is Hugh Hamilton Wines and Chapel Hill Wine.
Where to stay: In Adelaide at The Terrace Hotel, an easy 40-minute day trip to McLaren Vale. At the edge of the CBD overlooking the South Parklands, it offers easy city access with views of the Adelaide Hills to one side and the ocean to the other.
The best wine regions in Tasmania
Tasmania may be Australia’s smallest state, but in the world of wine, it punches well above its weight. The island has earned an international reputation for premium sparkling wines, elegant pinot noirs and aromatic wines like riesling, prized for their purity, vibrant acidity and delicate citrus and floral notes.
Equal parts scenic and palate-pleasing, the Tamar Valley is Tasmania’s oldest and most established wine-producing area, with rolling vineyards set against the backdrop of the Tamar River. Nearby Pipers River is the epicentre of sparkling wine, with producers like Jansz and House of Arras drawing inspiration from the Champagne region of France – using the traditional méthode champenoise and cool-climate conditions to craft wines with complexity and fine natural acidity.
Down south, the Coal River and Huon valleys offer boutique cellar doors and farm-to-table dining, with cool evenings and sea breezes lending finesse to local sauvignon blancs and rieslings.
Where to stay: On the Coles Bay coastline at Freycinet Lodge, where you can visit boutique producers like Freycinet Vineyard and Devil’s Corner. The only accommodation within Freycinet National Park, it has a real wilderness feel to it with mountains to one side and the ocean to the other. Cabins with outdoor bathtubs are tucked into the bushland, while some of Tasmania’s finest seafood and wine can be found at The Bay Restaurant.
The best wine regions in Queensland
The surprise of the country is Queensland. Despite the warm climate there are regions where vineyards are flourishing.
Granite Belt
Three hours drive south west of Brisbane, you’ll find boutique wineries in this mineral-rich wine region. Adjacent to the magnificent Girraween National Park, wine varieties are diverse and range from chardonnay to viognier, and shiraz to tempranillo, depending on the wineries you visit. Enjoy a sensational sunset picnic at Balancing Heart Vineyard with a bottle of their pinot gris or dine amongst the vines at Dear Vincent Wines with a pet nat.
Where to stay: Alure Stanthorpe, where you can enjoy glamping in next-level style with a fireplace and heated outdoor spa amid 50 acres of granite pasture.
Sunshine Coast
This region has developed over recent years and aficionados can pursue tastes of verdelho, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz while visiting the area. In central Maleny Spill Wine Bar hosts tastings, workshops and even a ‘Words and Wine’ bookclub. Visit Dingo Creek Vineyard only 40 minutes from Noosa and enjoy a sparkling wine or drop into Clouds Vineyard for a shiraz or a tawny in the famous barrel room.
Where to stay: Essence Peregian Beach, 15 minutes from Noosa – it’s in a central spot for both Dingo Creek and Clouds Vineyard. Check into a studio, suite or holiday home and enjoy resort-style facilities like a day spa and heated pools.
Gold Coast Hinterland
Head to the hinterland and on Mount Tamborine you’ll find a great vermentino at Witches Falls Winery. Further into Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards is memorable for its vineyard views and alpaca farm. Test your tastebuds with shiraz, sangiovese, merlot and chambourcin at this pretty property.
Where to stay: Verandah House Country Estate, whose hilltop hinterland views are second-to-none. Think countryside luxury with fireplaces, an outdoor pool and a spa with sauna cabins.
Feature image: Shutterstock / halans.
