Wine-lovers are spoilt with quality drops in this country. From the vineyards of the Hunter Valley to the cool-climate regions of Tasmania, take your pick of superb, award-winning wines.
Australian wines have a great reputation across the globe, with our fair nation being the fourth largest wine producer in the world — and with more than 2,000 wine labels and over 60 dedicated wine regions across the country, this should come as no surprise. Read on for a list of our favourite winemaking regions and some of the nation’s most popular wine labels to look out for.
The Hunter Valley, NSW
Sitting about two to three hours north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley is a picturesque region which attracts many tourists and wine lovers for day trips and weekend retreats. Split into the Upper and Lower Hunter regions, you’ll find plenty of fantastic cellar doors open to the public most days.
The Yarra Valley, Victoria
Just 45 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, the Yarra Valley is home to more than 150 wineries, including some of the country’s best labels. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the most widely planted grape varieties in the Yarra, so keep your eyes peeled for tastings.
The Barossa Valley, South Australia
Less than two hours’ drive from Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is one of the nation’s best wine-producing regions. It boasts more than 80 cellar doors and is the ideal environment for red wine production, particularly Shiraz and Cabernet.
Margaret River, Western Australia
Sitting approximately 280 kilometres south of Perth, the Margaret River is home to some fantastic Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay wine varieties.
Some of Oz’s top wine labels
Rosemount Estate: Founded in 1969, Rosemount is located in NSW’s Hunter Valley and South Australia. Today it’s one of the nation’s leading wineries with a wide selection of quality drops on offer.
De Bortoli Wines: Reported as being one of the largest privately owned companies in Australia, De Bortoli Wines began in 1928 and now encompasses three wineries — two in NSW and one in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. Try the sweet white Noble One.
Domaine Chandon: With a nod to its French heritage, Chandon has been producing great wines in Australia for the past 20 years.
Peter Lehmann Wines: Still operating from just one spot in the Barossa Valley, Peter Lehmann is one of the most respected wine labels in the country.
Wolf Blass: Established in 1966, the award-winning Wolf Blass label operates from the largest winery in the Barossa Valley. It’s a significant exporter of wines to the U.K.
Penfolds: This label has been producing quality wines for more than 160 years and its Penfolds Grange has become one of Australia’s most famous wines.
Hardy Wine Company: Founded in South Australia in the 1850s, Hardy is said to be the world’s largest individual winemaking firm.
Jacob’s Creek: Some of the Barossa Valley’s first grape varieties were planted in 1847 along the banks of Jacob’s Creek, and the label is still producing fantastic drops to this day.
Lindeman’s Wines: Founded in 1843, Lindeman’s now operates across both NSW and South Australia. Its Bin 65 Chardonnay is believed to be Australia’s top white wine export.
Bird in Hand: This Adelaide Hills winery is known for its cool-climate specialty wines such as the Pinot Noir and Semillon. (They offer great olives and olive oil too!)
Tyrrell’s Wines: With five vineyards across the country, Tyrrell’s is a major exporter of wine across the world. Its Vat 1 Hunter Semillon is one of its most popular drops.
Deakin Estate: With a small but superb wine list, this Victorian winery offers a delicious Sparkling Brut. Try it on your next ladies’ night.
Yalumba: As one of the country’s oldest family-owned wineries, this Barossa Valley label began in 1847.
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