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A Grape Escape: 8 of Australia’s Best Wine Experiences
Written by luxuryescapes
Discover Australia’s award-winning wineries, along with immersive behind-the-scenes experiences in wine, food, and adventure.
From visiting the Yarra Valley’s first vineyard to uncovering surrealism and sauvignon in McLaren Vale – this list of Australia’s best wine experiences only sips the surface.
Visit the icons of the Hunter Valley
Wineries visited: Audrey Wilkinson, Brokenwood Wines & Tyrrell’s Wines
Location: Hunter Valley, New South Wales
A short two-hour drive away from Sydney, in the magnificent foothills of the Brokenback Ranges, Australia’s self-proclaimed ‘most visited wine region’ awaits – and along with it, some of Australia’s best wine experiences.
Avid wine drinkers won’t be surprised to see Hunter Valley on this list. This is the ultimate regional weekender destination, with more than 150 wineries renowned for their full-bodied chardonnay, earthy shiraz and aged semillons, restaurants aplenty and sweeping landscapes dotted by the odd kangaroo.
Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard’s ‘Icons of the Hunter Valley Wine Experience’ should be on every foodie and wine lover’s list. It promises the chance to discover world-class wines with premium VIP tastings at iconic vineyards and enjoy a delicious lunch at Brokenwood Wine’s restaurant. With three stops along the way, you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the winemaking process. You’ll also have the opportunity to hone your palate with two food pairings, including a selection of fine fromage at Audrey Wilkinson and six canapes at Brokenwood Wine’s cellar door.
Combine a scenic flight, eight-course degustation & Salvador Dali
Winery visited: d’Arenberg Cube
Location: McLaren Vale, South Australia
Just 45 minutes’ drive south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale is one of Australia’s oldest and most acclaimed wine regions and hides a bounty of wine and gourmet offerings across more than 80 vineyards. There’s no better way to appreciate the complex beauty of this magnificent region than with a day of art and gastronomy at d’Arenberg. Start with a scenic 30-minute helicopter flight over the vines before enjoying a gourmet meal and visit to two surrealist art exhibits.
Inspired by the puzzle pieces that make up a signature wine blend, d’Arenberg Cube is a monument of surrealism in prime wine country. The working vineyard is also home to the gourmet d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant, where guests can enjoy an eight-course degustation and wine pairing. The experience also grants you access to the Alternate Realities Museum and Salvador Dali exhibition, boasting 25 bronze sculptures and graphic artworks from the legendary artist – an experience that wouldn’t be amiss in the most renowned art houses in the world.
Indulge in a master blend and seven-course degustation
Wineries visited: Domain Chandon
Location: Yarra Valley, Victoria
Treat your tastebuds to one of the finest dining experiences Victoria’s Yarra Valley has to offer, at Domaine Chandon’s Etoile. This experience begins with a private wine-tasting session where oenophiles will learn about the nuances of the winemaking process, and then it is on to a lavish seven-course degustation lunch – each course designed to show off the best of local produce. Expect to work through plates including Victorian rock lobster and Yarra Valley salmon caviar, blue-eye ceviche with sweet potato, roasted duck breast with potato puree, and a burnt butter financier to cap things off.
Savour a private wine tour at Victoria’s first vineyard
Wineries visited: Yering Station
Location: Yarra Valley, Victoria
Every proud Melburnian knows about the Yarra Valley’s rolling hills, strung with vines, cellar doors and fine-dining restaurants – just a little over an hour’s drive from Melbourne‘s CBD. This Yering Station tour provides an exceptional introduction to the Yarra Valley, showcasing the region’s finest offerings. As Victoria’s first vineyard and winery, established in 1838, it holds a proud place in history.
Kick off with a glass of Yarrabank Cuvee on arrival before delving into an exclusive private tour of the underground barrel cellar and winemaking facilities. Next, you’ll be seated at the heritage cellar door for a private wine tasting of the Village and Yering Station wine collections. This decadent experience is capped off with a signature two-course lunch from a seasonal menu and two sommelier-matched drops of house wine.
Enjoy the ultimate wine and food experience
Winery visited: Leeuwin Estate
Location: Margaret River, Western Australia
When you think of the Margaret River Region, no doubt your mind wanders to thoughts of endless wine and gourmet cuisine. In the southwest corner of Western Australia, this breathtaking region has built a reputation for having a wine scene to rival that of France and Italy.
Go behind the scenes of Leeuwin Estate, one of the five founding wineries in the Margaret River, on a whirlwind half-day celebration of art, wine and gastronomy. You will be welcomed with light morning tea to begin and prepare your palate for Leeuwin’s age-worthy, internationally acclaimed wines, followed by a tour of the expansive onsite art gallery. Then enliven your tastebuds with a seven-course tasting menu from the award-winning restaurant’s seasonal menu.
The prestigious Leeuwin Art Series Chardonnay has been included in US Wine Spectator’s editor’s annual top 100 list numerous times, while the Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon has been recognised among the top 50 wines of the year by Decanter.
Indulge with a wine-tasting masterclass
Winery visited: St Hugo
Location: Barossa Valley, South Australia
Appreciating fine wine isn’t just about the swirl and sniff; it’s an experience that’s not wholly complete unless paired with the finest glassware, designed to concentrate the aromatic flavours, subtle undertones and unique qualities of even the youngest wine.
This one-hour masterclass allows attendees to sample the internationally acclaimed wines of St Hugo, served in quality RIEDEL glassware. Established in 1756, RIEDEL boasts more than 250 years and 11 generations of glassmaking experience, ensuring a perfect glass for every drop. Delve into why a specific wine glass is so important, followed by a tasting of four St Hugo wines in the exclusive and beautiful Hugo Gramp room.
Explore picture-perfect gardens and take home the best souvenir
Winery visited: Immerse Winery
Location: Yarra Valley, Victoria
Put the call out to your wine-loving friends and family for a gorgeous day out in the Yarra Valley. Explore the photogenic grounds of Immerse Winery following an insightful wine tasting at the property’s cellar door, and then sit down to a delicious – from a shared entree to start, choice of main from the seasonal menu, and a chef’s selection of mini desserts to finish. As well as fond memories, you’ll also take home a bottle of wine (option to upgrade to a half-dozen case, if you’re so inclined).
Taste wine from your birth year
Winery visited: Seppeltsfield
Location: Barossa Valley, South Australia
For a special experience, browse through more than a century of para tawny bottling at Seppeltsfield, with the unique opportunity to taste the tawny vintage bottled the year you were born. Descend into the Centennial Cellar for a fascinating insight into the ageing process and sip wine that’s as old (or as young) as you are directly from the barrel. Sometimes it pays to be the oldest.
Ready for seconds? Read Chin Chin! A Guide to the World’s Best Wine Regions.
