Ballooning over the vineyards at dawn, sipping wine with wood-fired pizza or artisan cheeses are unique experiences when you visit famous wine regions in Australia.
Ballooning over the vineyards at dawn, sipping wine with wood-fired pizza or artisan cheeses are unique experiences when you visit famous wine regions in Australia.
Australia's prime location in the Southern Hemisphere makes the country famous for its winemaking industry. The first vineyards were planted in the 1830s, and since then the country has become the fifth largest wine exporter in the world.
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- Australia's Barossa Valley: Australia's fine wine paradise
Some regions along the south of Australia have a Mediterranean climate, while others have a similar climate to Burgundy, France. These are the climates suitable for growing grapes, producing succulent, full-bodied grapes of the highest quality. Wine is produced in every state of Australia, but the best is from the southern and coastal regions of New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.
The climate in Australia is very suitable for growing grapes.
The best time to visit Australian vineyards is during the harvest season, from February to April. If you're planning a day trip, visit a few of the production plants and taste the wines, it's best to go for a day trip. Take a tour or hire a driver. Driving laws in Australia are very strict and you can be tested for alcohol while on the road.
1. Barossa Valley (South Australia) and experience flying hot air balloons at dawn
Thanks to its cool climate, the Barossa Valley is one of the best wine-producing regions in the world. Barossa shiraz red and Eden valley white riesling are the wines that make this region famous. Since the start of wine production in 1842, around 150 wineries have sprung up in the area.
Visitors enjoy wine in the Barossa valley.
With a day trip from Adelaide, you can take a tour of the Barossa Valley's best wineries and visit Bethany Wines - a hilltop family-run winery overlooking the whole area. It specializes in shiraz, but you can also sample Old Vine Grenache, a smooth red wine that's great to enjoy on a warm Australian day.
For a little extra adventure or romance, board a hot air balloon flight at dawn. The moment you stand on the hot air balloon and collect the sparkling vineyards in the early morning in your sight, you will never forget.
Vineyard in the morning sun.
2. McLaren Vale (South Australia) - one of the famous wine regions in Australia
McLaren Vale is a South Australian wine region located 45 minutes south of Adelaide. A formidable rival to the Barossa Valley in world-class wine production, McLaren is known for its shiraz, as well as grenache and cabernet sauvignon. The region planted its first vineyards in 1838 and now has more than 80 cellars for you to explore.
The ideal menu for a day wandering the vineyards in Australia
3. Coonawarra (South Australia) - the red land that creates unforgettable wines
Coonawarra is located near the border of South Australia and Victoria. This famous Australian wine region produces fine red wines, especially cabernet sauvignon.
Coonawarra is known for its terra rosa (red earth) created by the decomposition of limestone over thousands of years. The red color comes from iron oxide, similar to what you can find in the Red Central (Alice Springs) region of Australia.
Even if you don't like drinking, Coonawarra is an ideal place to visit thanks to its peaceful setting.
This soil is what gives the rich flavor of the wines produced in Coonawarra, and you'll see it in person at wineries like Jack Estate. After making a specific appointment, request to taste the M-R Series Cabernet Sauvignon with flavors of dark grapes.
4. Mornington Peninsula (Victoria) and the famous wine of the sea
One of Australia's maritime wine regions, this beautiful region is about an hour's drive south of the Melbourne CBD. Its microclimate allows the production of pinot noir and chardonnay. There are only about 50 wine cellars in the area.
Outdoor dining area in Montalto.
Wine Hop Tours are a great way to experience the Mornington Peninsula as a day trip from Melbourne. You can choose a bus tour based on what you want to taste and they will pick you up from the city. Rent a self-drive car, or stop by Montalto Estate, a seemingly endless stretch of vineyards and verdant olive groves. Remember to spend the afternoon having a picnic in Montalto's garden, sipping delicious food and wine.
5. Yarra Valley (Victoria) - cycling experience among green vineyards
(Please read the next article to know more unique attractions)
