Australia’s diverse climate range, varying from cool and crisp to warm and dry, allows each grape variety to flourish and produce an array of wine varieties all around the country.
A selection of Australia’s finest wine regions and vineyards are being showcased in a new Tourism Australia initiative, Ultimate Winery Experience of Australia, to raise the country’s profile as one of the world’s leading wine destinations.
We have a look at the top four wine destinations in Australia.
Barossa Valley – South Australia
South Australia is often put under the wine spotlight, with the region of festivals, food, art and culture, identified as the ‘wine capital of Australia’.
Wine enthusiasts will simply love South Australia, with over 200 cellar doors and distinct wine regions to explore including Clare Valley, the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra.
The Barossa Valley is one highlight in an Australian wine journey, with the region renowned worldwide for its award-winning Shiraz!
Grenache, Mataro, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also plentiful in the Barossa, with new varieties such as Viognier, Tempranillo, Marsanne and Zinfandel appearing in the regional line-up in recent years.
Tamar Valley – Tasmania
The ‘nature state’ of Tasmania is renowned for its signature cool-climate wines, with visitors to the island embarking on wine routes most notably to the north and south of the island.
A majority of Tasmania’s grapes are grown in the Tamar Valley, north of the island, with the most common cool-climate grape varieties Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling – so it’s a hot spot for white wine admirers!
Other varieties produced on the island include Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Gewurztraminer.
The Tamar Valley is nestled in the heart of northern Tasmania, and was noted by Essential Travel magazine (UK) as one of the “top ten wine routes in the world”.
Yarra Valley – Victoria
Victoria’s lush Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s most visited wine regions, where cool-climate wines are also a specialty.
Chardonnay is the most planted white grape variety and is often made using traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques.
The most planted red grape variety is Pinot Noir, and whilst it is noted as a “challenge to grow and make”, it simply thrives in the Yarra’s cool climate and is fantastic served up with lamb, veal or duck.
Margaret River – Western Australia
Out to the west of Australia, the Margaret River is starting to make its presence known on the Australian wine scene and internationally, with its fantastic reputation for whites such as Chardonnay and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends.
Located a three-hour drive south of Perth, the Margaret River is home to around 150 wine producers with quality winemakers such as Xanadu and Leeuwin located in the isolated wine region.
By: The Vintec Club
***Grabbed from: https://www.vintecclub.com/top-4-australian-wine-destinations/