Australia’s best wine regions

By Leah Dobihal

Australian wine ranks among the world’s best. More than 100 grape varieties are grown here, and the diversity of Australia's winemakers means you're sure to find something to surprise you – in the very best way. Find your favourite in Australia's top wine regions.

Margaret River

Western Australia is known for producing some of the most elegant wines in the country, and Margaret River is the state’s most famous wine region. Surrounded on three sides by ocean and sitting atop some of the world's oldest soils, the wines that are produced here are exceptional. The region is particularly known for its cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, with many winemakers championing natural fermentation, organic and biodynamic practices. Stop in at any of more than 90 cellar doors, including world-renowned wineries such as Cullen Wines and Vasse Felix, to get a taste of this special corner of Australia.

Explore Margaret River's best winery experiences

Barossa Valley

South Australia is home to some of the oldest continuously producing vineyards in the world, so it’s no surprise that its regions are regarded as some of the country’s best. In the Barossa Valley, you’ll find the region’s claim to fame is their big, bold shiraz that’s exceptionally smooth. 

Read about unmissable winery experiences in the Barossa

McLaren Vale

Scenic McLaren Vale is the birthplace of wine in South Australia. Drive just 45 minutes south from Adelaide to taste the region’s innovative drops at its many world-renowned wineries such as d’Arenberg. One of Australia's most unique cellar door experiences, the d’Arenberg Cube, is an impressive five-storey structure fashioned after an unfinished Rubik’s Cube. 

Yarra Valley

Situated east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is the state’s oldest growing region, with the first grapes planted in 1838. The Yarra Valley is still known for its revolutionary winemakers that craft boundary-pushing bottles while respecting the traditions of the region. This region is celebrated for its chardonnay and pinot noir with hints of sparkling to enjoy. Step through the unique cellar door at TarraWarra Estate for a stunning tasting experience underneath a grassy hill.

Mornington Peninsula

In the Mornington Peninsula, you’ll find rolling hills and charming pastures that match the beauty of the wine produced in the region. Drive just over an hour south of Melbourne and you’ll be at the doorstep of must-visit wineries and restaurants like Pt. Leo Estate, home to single-vineyard, hand-harvested wine. You won't want to miss tasting the regions specialty drops of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot gris. 

Hunter Valley

Known for its unique expression of semillon, the Hunter Valley is the oldest wine region in Australia. Just under three hours from Sydney by car, the Hunter is home to some of Australia’s most famous winemaking families, like Tyrrell’s Wines. Go behind the scenes of one of the region’s oldest estates as well as premium private tastings that allow you to savour each sip.

Adelaide Hills

The Adelaide Hills, less than an hour from the city, has a cool climate and an elevated altitude that makes its wines distinct from others produced in the state. Here you can expect complex, medium-weight wines like pinot noir. It's home to some of Australia's most notable estates, like Penfolds’ Magill Estate cellar door, located just 8km (5mi) from Adelaide. This region will expand your palate with a range of iconic Australian wines. 

Explore Adelaide's best wine regions

TAMAR VALLEY

Tasmania’s climate and soil make for some of the best chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wines in the country. The Tamar Valley, located less than an hour from Launceston, is home to several wineries that show off the best of the region. Visit Pipers Brook Winery where you will spend all day sipping on their pioneering wines and soaking in the ocean views.

King Valley

Drive just three hours north-east of Melbourne and you will find yourself surrounded by some of Australia’s most diverse vineyards. The King Valley is known for its Italian heritage and grows wine varietals to match, including some of the country's best prosecco. Brown Brothers is a popular Australian wine maker, producing a wide range of wines from traditional drops such as shiraz to their light and fruity moscato.

Canberra district

The Canberra wine district is creating waves in winemaking, with new varietals coming to the forefront. Located just outside the city of Canberra, Mount Majura is known for crafting the region’s favourites – shiraz and riesling – but also experimenting boldly to produce something special. The vines at Clonakilla were first planted in 1971, and they’ve already grown to produce something truly unique: a blend of shiraz and viognier.

Discover Canberra's top wineries