Source: Photoholgic
Tens of thousands of tourists book airline tickets to Australia to sunbathe on beaches, dive at the Great Barrier Reef, and get up close and personal with wildlife. However, there’s more to this Oceanic country than meets the eye.
If you’re a wine lover, you’ll be pleased to know that Australia has some of the best wine regions in the world, and you’ll be within a few hours’ drive of many of them after flying into the main centers. If you’re unsure where to visit first, these wine regions might be at the top of your list.
There are commercial vineyards throughout Australia, but the very first ones were created in the heart of Hunter Valley, home to Hunter Valley Wine Tours , providing access to dozens of vineyards and cellar doors.
Hunter Valley has had some of the best vineyards since the 1860s and is easily one of the most-visited wine regions in the country. It’s also just a two-hour drive from Sydney, which means you can visit Sydney city attractions like the Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden before enjoying some of the finest wine on the same day.
If Adelaide is on your list of places to visit for its museums, art galleries, and natural history, you’ll be amazed at what you’ll find just 45 minutes from this cosmopolitan coastal city. McLaren Vale is a short drive south of Adelaide and is often referred to as the very first wine region in South Australia.
Here, you’ll enjoy picture-perfect scenery, small villages, exciting wine, and mouth-watering food. In this region alone, there are more than 100 wineries, all of which offer popular varieties like Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Source: Photoholgic
If you don’t mind traveling further than the mainland, you’re in for a real treat when you visit Tasmania, lying south of mainland Australia. Tasmania is not only known for its national parks, but it’s home to premium wineries producing sparkling and still wines like riesling and chardonnay. There are now more than 200 vineyards and almost 100 cellar doors in Tasmania alone, and these are bound to pique any wine lover’s curiosity.
Whether you appreciate a high-quality Shiraz or adore a cabernet sauvignon with dinner, consider paying a visit to Barossa Valley in South Australia. Barossa Valley is under an hour’s drive from Adelaide and is known as one of the best wine regions in the world. It’s also home to some of the oldest vineyards worldwide. While you might visit Barossa Valley for the delectable food, stone cottages, and beautiful architecture, you’ll surely put one of the more than 150 vineyards on your list of places to visit during your stay.
Margaret River might be in a remote part of Western Australia, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of going out of your way to visit. It should be on your list when visiting Perth. Many people visit Margaret River to enjoy the ancient forests and stunning beaches, but they stay for the almost 100 vineyards dotted around the region, offering only the finest cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay.
Any wine connoisseur can likely find a delicious bottle to satisfy their taste buds in their own country, state, or region. However, it can be worth stepping out of your comfort zone and planning a trip to Australia. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the finest wines in the world.