Top 10 Must-Visit Vineyards in Australia

I have previously stated that wine is a compelling reason to travel! This is especially true for those journeying through Australia. While there are numerous remarkable destinations in Australia worth visiting, there are also an abundance of delightful vineyards to explore. The best vineyards in Australia are spread throughout the country, offering a variety of exceptional wines.

The quest for outstanding wine can surely take you across the globe. However, particular regions are distinguished for their remarkable offerings.

Australian wines have gained renown globally, and it was only a matter of time before your pursuit of exceptional vineyards led you here.

Nevertheless, with a staggering sixty designated wine regions in Australia, narrowing down the best vineyards to visit during your journey can prove challenging.

To assist you on your travels, I would like to highlight some of my favorite vineyards in Australia that you should consider visiting.

With that in mind, explore the outstanding vineyards in Australia. I wish you an enjoyable trip; please save a glass for me!

1.) De Bortoli: Yarra Valley, Victoria

De Bortoli is among the oldest and most extensive of the over 80 vineyards situated in the Yarra Valley. This Italian-owned estate, acquired in 1987, has expanded to cover nearly 600 acres (240 hectares).

Currently, visitors can partake in behind-the-scenes tours of the vineyard and winery, including tastings of wines aging in barrels, concluding with a gourmet cheese and wine meal in the Trophy Room.

Notably, their specialty is the ‘Noble One’ dessert wine! With a penchant for sweet treats, I find that dessert wine is my preferred choice, closely rivaled by my fondness for champagne.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the Yarra Valley is recognized for its pinot noir, sparkling wines, and cool-climate wine varieties.

Moreover, located just northeast of Melbourne, De Bortoli certainly deserves inclusion in your itinerary if you are in the vicinity. It is undeniably one of the best vineyards in Australia to visit.

2.) Vasse Felix: Margaret River, Western Australia

Margaret River, located three hours south of Perth, is home to over 120 wine producers.

Here, visitors can expect to encounter varieties such as Cabernet, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Shiraz—all representing the hallmark specialties of the region.

Vasse Felix, which began its journey in 1965 under the guidance of Dr. Thomas Cullity, experimented successfully with grape cultivation in Australia. Fortunately, this endeavor proved fruitful.

Around that same time, a study was conducted affirming that South Western Australia possessed a climate and soil composition similar to that of Bordeaux, which inspired Cullity to persist with his viticultural efforts, resulting in the production of his first wine by 1972.

Vasse Felix offers behind-the-scenes tours, as well as private wine tastings. Visitors can also engage in food and wine pairing explorations while enjoying their art gallery, gardens, and sculpture walks.

3.) Jacobs Creek: Barossa Valley, South Australia

The first European immigrants to the Barossa Valley arrived in 1842, giving rise to the emergence of 150 wineries and vineyards across Australia in a short period.

Northeast of Adelaide, Jacobs Creek was the first commercial vineyard to launch in the Barossa Valley and has been thriving ever since.

Visitors can enjoy an array of delectable food and wine masterclasses, which are highly enjoyable. Additionally, visitors can picnic amidst the vineyards and cycle through the visually stunning Barossa Valley region.

4.) Penfolds Magill Estate: Adelaide Hills, South Australia

This vineyard and winery was established in 1844 and is notably one of the few urban vineyards in Australia.

Situated just outside of Adelaide, Penfolds Magill Estate is renowned for its Grange wine, which is often regarded as Australia’s finest.

Visitors can explore a multitude of exciting areas, including their underground tunnels, a cottage, and bluestone cellars, alongside a premium wine collection and an award-winning restaurant.

5.) d’Arenberg: McLaren Vale, South Australia

For those interested in traditional winemaking methods, d’Arenberg in McLaren Vale, South Australia is a must-visit.

This region, boasting some of the world’s oldest grapevines, features 65 wineries that specialize in Shiraz due to its Mediterranean-like climate.

Indeed, d’Arenberg employs traditional processes for crafting its wine, including small-batch production, basket pressing, and foot treading.

In addition to the famed d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant, visitors can enjoy The Blending Bench, where they can create and name their own wine blend.

6.) Audrey Wilkinson: Hunter Valley, New South Wales

Founded in 1866, Audrey Wilkinson vineyards are known for producing handcrafted wines that are exceptional. The Hunter Valley region contains some of the oldest vineyards in Australia, initiating wine production in the 1820s, making it one of the best vineyards to explore during your travels.

Audrey Wilkinson’s picturesque vineyards are nestled on the foothills of the Brokenback Mountain range, with its cellar door located at the top of one of these hills.

While enjoying your stay at the vineyard, you have the option of staying in one of two rustic cottages: Mulberry Cottage or The Dairy, both providing a stunning view.

7.) Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

Located just south of Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula boasts over 200 wineries! Montalto is one exquisite vineyard complemented by a delightful olive grove.

Renowned for its beautiful architecture and cozy cellar door, Montalto’s stunning grounds include a restaurant, café, sculpture walk, and wetlands, making it an exceptional destination among the best vineyards in Australia.

While visiting, you can select from three fantastic tour options. The “Golf” package offers 18 holes of golf followed by a culinary experience at the vineyard. The “Estate-to-Plate” experience includes a comprehensive tour of the estate along with a remarkable dining experience. The final option, the “Behind-the-Scenes” tour, encompasses a winery tour followed by a three-course lunch paired with exemplary wines.

8.) Sevenhill Cellars: Clare Valley, South Australia

Sevenhill Cellars, a Jesuit monastery established in 1851, is renowned for its stunning vineyards nestled in Clare Valley, considered one of the finest vineyards in Australia.

The winery offers both self-guided and staff-guided tours, which are certainly worth your while if you find yourself nearby.

Initially focused on producing altar wine, the monastery later expanded its efforts to create popular wines for the broader community, resulting in an excellent reception!

The Clare Valley region is now celebrated for its Riesling and boasts over forty wineries to explore.

9.) Lancaster Wines: Swan Valley, Western Australia

Located just 20 minutes from Perth, Lancaster Wines features a well-known outdoor tasting shed and bar that is definitely worth visiting.

Set alongside the banks of the Swan River, Lancaster Wines forms part of the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail, a 20-mile (32 km) loop perfect for visitors to experience—always remember to have a designated driver during your wine adventures!

The area was first settled by Croatian and Italian immigrants in the 1920s and has turned into a celebrated location for Verdhello, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Cabernet wines.

10.) Josef Chromy: Tasmania

This acclaimed vineyard, situated in Relbia, is regarded as one of the best vineyards in Australia.

Positioned on Tasmania Island, it features cool-climate grapes and is a fantastic destination for visitors.

Notable specialties of this region include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc, with sparkling wines being particularly popular throughout Tasmania.