May is Aussie Wine Month .. a collection of tasty travel experiences
May brings with it an annual celebration of Australian wines ..
Australia has more than 60 wine regions, home to thousands of wineries producing world-class wines from more than 130 different grape varieties .. to help visitors navigate these offerings and incorporate some fabulous foodie experiences with their customised itineraries, here are of some of our favourite finds around the country:
The Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Australia’s oldest wine growing region, just two hours north of Sydney is home to some excellent wineries, restaurants and cooking schools as well as first class spa retreats, championship golf courses and luxury accommodation. Most noted for its semillons, shiraz and chardonnays.
Margaret River, Western Australia
The Margaret River’s sunny climes produce high quality fruits of intense flavour to create some of Australia’s finest wines – most notably cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. The region is also home to a collection of boutique breweries and produces some of the country’s most delicious chocolates, cheeses, truffles and seafoods. However, visitors needing a break from the gourmet can also enjoy ancient forests, countless surf beaches and stunning coastal walks such as the Cape to Cape Walk – all just 3 hours drive south of Perth.
Yarra Valley, Victoria
A little more than an hour from Melbourne, the rolling hills and pretty vineyards of the Yarra Valley produce award-winning sparkling wines, stellar chardonnays and outstanding pinot noir. Visitors to the area can enjoy tastings at some of the country’s grandest cellar doors, beer and cider tastings at some of Australia’s youngest breweries, hot air ballooning to watch the sunrise over the vineyards or a visit to Healesville Sanctuary – home to one of the nation’s largest collections of native wildlife.
The Barossa Valley, South Australia
Some of Australia’s most highly awarded wine labels – including the famed Penfolds Grange – can be sampled in the Barossa Valley, just an hour from Adelaide. Known for its ‘big’ reds produced from Shiraz and Grenache grapes, the region also produces outstanding Rieslings and fortified wines. Whilst easily accessible as a day trip, the epicurean treats (don’t miss the Barossa Farmers market on a Saturday, the legendary Maggie Beers Farm Shop or a dinner at Appellation) and delightful accommodation options invite visitors to stay a little longer.
The Tamar Valley, Tasmania
One of Australia’s (as yet) lesser-known wine regions, the Tamar Valley just outside Launceston in the Island State’s north, is home to a collection of boutique producers making some exceptional sparkling wines and quality Pinot Noir. Whilst in the area, visitors can take in the thrill of playing a round of golf on one of Australia’s top rated courses or swing through the treetops with Australia’s highest zipline adventure.
Here’s cheers to Aussie Wine month !
Our luxury travel designers are looking forward to curating food and wine travel experiences tailored to your tastebuds.