5 Famous Australian Wine Tours to Savour in 2019

Being the fourth largest exporter of wine in the world, Australia boasts of over 60 wine regions spread out in the cooler parts of South Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania. So if you’re planning a wine tour to the Down Under, make sure to chart out trips to taste the delicious Shiraz that Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale are known for; the sparkling wines and Pinot Noir that Yarra Valley is popular for; and, Chardonnay and Merlot of the Hunter Valley.

Here’s our list of the top five Australian wine tours and sun-drenched vineyards to enjoy this year.

Barossa Valley

If you want to walk into an oil-painting-like setting of verdant greens, then visit Barossa Valley in South Australia. One of the oldest wine producing regions in the continent, it offers a choice of 150 cellar doors and wineries to explore, some of which are open to public and some by appointment. Located at a distance of 70 kilometres from Adelaide, you can enjoy the wine and food trails in Barossa by hiring a bicycle or take in the beautiful landscapes by hopping onto a helicopter, hot air balloon or a vintage car. The Barossa Valley is known for its diverse growing conditions with cool-climate wines and the flagship Shiraz that grows in warmer climates. While here, it’s also a treat to indulge in the fresh seasonal produce and handmade cheese varieties that the region is equally famous for.

Yarra Valley

Known for its world-famous Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Yarra Valley is a must sought-after weekend getaway from Melbourne for its artisan cider producers and local breweries. If you’re planning a winery and vineyard tour, you must add De Bortoli to your itinerary. The Dominique Portet Winery with its French-style cellar door is also known for its sparkling wines and a must visit. Try the hour-long hot air balloon ride over the rolling meadows and vineyards of the Yarra Valley, which concludes with a champagne breakfast at the Balgownie Estate.

Yarra Valley is also famous for its freshwater caviar, trout and salmon, as well as its handmade preserves and cheeses. Head out to the Yarra Valley Dairy to sample its artisan cheeses and to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery for its superb selection of chocolate products.

Hunter Valley

With more than 120 wineries to choose from, award-winning restaurants to visit, spas to rejuvenate at and vineyard festivals to attend, a holiday to Hunter Valley is one that dreams are made of. Wine aficionados can take a wine tasting master class to try out the rare vintages. You can also head to the Oakvale Wines estate if you’re a fan of Shiraz or Chardonnay. And if you’re enjoying your wine, it goes without saying that cheese must feature on your menu too. The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory has a wide selection of goat and cow’s milk cheeses that you can snack on or take home as souvenirs. What’s more, you can sign-up for a class to learn more about cheese and wine pairing. The Hunter Valley has an eclectic festival calendar, so do check when you’re creating your itinerary to enjoy one of their well-known jazz festivals at the wineries.

McLaren Vale

With its lush scenery, 65 boutique wineries and 270 independent grape growers, McLaren Vale, located about 35 kilometres from Adelaide, is a treat to visit. Whether you want to do an exclusive wine tour, throw in picnics with delicious hampers, or explore this wine paradise on horseback, there’s something to do for everyone in the picturesque McLaren Vale.

McLaren Vale is particularly well-known for Shiraz, but it also does Riesling, Sauvignon blanc, Merlot, Grenache, Cabernet sauvignon, and Chardonnay with equal fervour. Some of the places to visit are Chapel Hill, which gets its name from the ancient ironstone chapel on the property, and the d'Arenberg that is popular for using traditional winemaking methods. Don’t miss the Farmer’s Market at Willunga for fresh produce and village bonhomie. And if you’re still craving adventure, explore the Fleurieu Peninsula for its rich wildlife, diving and fishing opportunities.

The Clare Valley

While the Clare Valley grows a wide variety of wines, it’s the Australian Riesling that it is most famous for. A cosy little winery town, it has over 40 wineries situated on a 40-kilometre corridor that spans between Clare and Auburn. Explore the region by cycling through this trail or for more style, hire a limousine to help you do the wine tours in a grand way.

The Clare Valley was first inhabited by settlers from Poland, Ireland and England, and a large part of the architecture and heritage is still intact, and visible in the galleries, restaurants and resorts here. While you’re here, check out the classic country shows, gourmet food and wine festivals that keep the cultural calendar of the town bright and sparkling. Situated just 120 kilometres from Adelaide, the Clare Valley is easy to chalk into your Australian holiday.

So, pick out the wine tours that you’d like to do first and book your trip to the Down Under for some wine, cheese and good times!

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