Barossa Valley, South Australia
The rolling hills of the Barossa Valley have long been synonymous with wineries. Iconic names like Seppeltsfield, Penfolds and Jacob’s Creek are just a few of the famous vintners in this part of South Australia – an hour’s drive from Adelaide. But make sure you visit the smaller wineries too. A good introduction to boutique producers promoting small batch, sub-regional winemaking is at the Artisans of Barossa Tasting Room, located on the outskirts of Tanunda.
Margaret River, Western Australia
A church for wine? Well, not quite, but enthusiasts will want to venture to WA’s southwest to visit Burch Family Wines’ Wine Chapel. Their tours start in the vineyard and chart the course of the grape from vine to glass. For a more indulgent experience, you can pre-arrange cheese platters or a chef-cooked meal. It’s just one of the wineries to visit in this verdant region, which includes big names such as Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate and Cape Mentelle.
Mornington Peninsula, Vic
An hour’s drive from Melbourne on the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay, the Mornington Peninsula is a haven for wine lovers. Sample brilliant wines at Polperro Winery and Paringa Estate. Taste the best the region has to offer at the Red Hill Epicurean, or artisanal spirits like limoncello and grappa at Bass & Flinders Distillery.
Canberra, ACT
Canberra and surrounds are full of fine cellar door experiences, from the food and wine pairings at the Capital Wines Epicurean Centre to excellent small estates like Mount Majura, Lerida Estate and the Four Winds Vineyard. For a rustic dining experience, try Olleyville at Shaw Vineyard. And if delicious smoked goods to accompany your wine sounds like a good idea, then stop at the Poachers Pantry to stock up.
Hunter Valley, NSW
Whether you’re keen to sample wines, dine on fabulous food or see a big-name star, you’ll know why the Hunter Valley was recently named one of the top 10 wine regions in the world. The Valley and Upper Hunter are home to more than 150 cellar doors, including McWilliam’s, Tulloch and Tyrrell’s.
TOP 3 BREWEY TRAILS
Victoria’s High Country
Take to the breweries from the picturesque towns of Beechworth to Bright and even farther afield to sample some of the fine alpine drops on this Brewery Trail.
Sydney’s inner west
Sydney’s Marrickville has become the haven for craft breweries. On this tour, you’ll taste the offerings and lunch at a cool inner west pub – where small-batch beers abound – before checking out other breweries in Alexandria and Surry Hills.
WA’s Swan Valley
The Swan Valley is not just known for its wineries, there’s an abundance of small breweries including Mash Brewery and Mandoon Estate Brewery.