At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Whether you are a wine connoisseur or a wine lover, Australia is a refined destination bursting with gastronomic experiences. Covering an area of 170,000 hectares, there are over 65 wine regions waiting to be explored. Uncover some of the oldest vines in the world and more than 100 different grape varieties.
As the 7th largest wine-producing country in the world, Australia is world-renowned for its divine wine. With Shiraz being one of the most well-known, it is the most widely cultivated grape variety in the Australian wine country. However, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are also part of the main grape varieties from Australia.
Discover award-winning wineries that offer gastronomic, wine, and adventurous gourmet experiences. Enjoy exclusive tastings, food and wine pairing, cooking classes, outdoor picnics, and much more. Go winery hopping and absorb the spectacular scenery, meet the passionate winemakers and savour the local ingredients.
1. Margaret River
Located in Western Australia, 280 kilometres southwest of Perth, a wine lover’s haven is waiting to be discovered. The world’s most isolated wine region, Margaret River is filled with culinary surprises and natural beauty. Featuring world-class surf beaches, eucalyptus trees, ancient caves, award-winning wineries, friendly locals, and much more.
With an abundance of sunshine, Margaret River is also one of the world’s youngest wine regions. Producing 15% of Australia’s wine, this stunning destination is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. With over 200 wineries and cellar doors, discover Margaret River's best winery experiences.
Vasse Felix is a must-visit and was the founding winery of the Margaret River region. Or be sure to visit Leeuwin and sample some crisp and slightly oaky Chardonnay, paired with venison and other local side dishes.
Home to some of the best restaurants in Australia, it is an ideal place to savour the remarkable local produce. From black Angus, truffles, fresh seafood, chocolate, cheese and much more. Conquer the Paddock to Plate dining trail, pop by one of the local markets or visit one of the lively food & wine festivals happening in the area.
2. Yarra Valley
Take your taste buds on a culinary journey in Yarra Valley. Renowned for being one of the best wine regions in Australia, it's a food and wine lover’s haven. Located an hour away from the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne in Victoria, it is an ideal culinary escape.
Admire the picturesque landscape, rolling vineyards, secret gardens and national parks. The region has a rich wine industry, outstanding locally-grown produce and an array of fine restaurants to savour. The cool climate is ideal for producing quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines.
Yarra Valley was Victoria’s first official wine region and today it’s at the forefront of Australian cool-climate winemaking. Over 170 years old, the region is home to some of the most progressive, dynamic winemakers in the world.
Wine lovers are spoilt for choice with more than 80 wine cellars to discover. The best time to visit this beautiful part of Australia is early autumn (March) and late spring (November). This is also an ideal time to visit one of the local food & wine festivals.
Visit TarraWarra Estate, one of the best wineries in the Yarra Valley. Enjoy the views at a family-friendly winery, De Bortoli. During your visit to this beautiful part of the world, be sure to sample Australia’s best-kept secret, the Yarra Valley Shiraz.
Cycle through the fruitful vineyards, play golf, take in the views in a hot-air balloon ride or relax at a luxurious spa. Visit the nearby Dandenong Ranges or pop by the historic town, Yarra Glen and enjoy a cheese platter! Meet the locals at Warburton, a hub for local wine and homemade stores.
3. Barossa Valley
If you travel 65 kilometres northeast of South Australia’s capital city, Adelaide, you will reach the stunning Barossa Valley. Originally founded by German immigrants in 1842, you will find mainly German-style wines here. This special part of Australia is bursting with gastronomic delights, picturesque landscapes and more than 150 different wineries.
Renowned for being Australia’s wine mecca, over 20% of all Australian wine is produced here. The region is best known for its Shiraz, a local speciality and is home to the world’s oldest Shiraz vines. It is no surprise that the Barossa is recognised as being one of the best regions for Shiraz, compared to anywhere else on the planet. As well as Shiraz, the Barossa Valley also produces first-class Cabernet and Grenache.
With more than 80 cellar doors on offer, the Barossa Valley is home to some of Australia’s most well-known and successful wine brands. Here you will find names such as Jacob’s Creek, Wolf Blass, Penfold’s, Yalumba and Henschke.
The main towns of the Barossa are Nuriootpa, Tanunda, Lyndoch, Angaston, Seppeltsfield, Cockatoo Valley, Eden Valley, Springton and Williamstown. Stop by Barossa's first village, Bethany or for an extraordinary regional dining experience, visit Louise. Recognised as world-class dining in South Australia, the menu primarily showcases fresh ingredients from the region.
For lunch or dinner go to Hentley Farm, a winery that connects guests to the Barossa Valley. Sample some local beer at the Barossa Valley Brewing Company or pop by the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company. Maggie Beer's Farm Shop is a lovely place for a drink on the terrace or Seppeltsfield is a kid-friendly winery to visit.
At the Barossa Farmers Market on Saturday morning, you can find an array of fresh local products. There is a relaxed Australian atmosphere here too. Check out the local events calendar to find out what's happening in the Barossa Valley. Or if you are feeling active, rent a bike and cycle through the vineyards.
4. Mclaren Vale
Revel in the wonder of one of Australia’s most famous wine regions, Mclaren Vale. Located approximately 40 kilometres outside of Adelaide, this spectacular destination is where South Australia’s viticulture started. It’s the perfect place to soak up the Mediterranean climate, fresh local ingredients, fruitful vineyards and the wild ocean.
Enjoy a variety of sustainable wineries, one-of-kind culinary experiences and world-class wine. Mclaren Vale has produced wine since 1838 and has more than 180 years of experience. Best known for producing Shiraz, the region also excels in premium Grenache and Cabernet. Here you will also find an array of boutique brewers and passionate distillers.
There are more than 100 wineries to discover in MclarenVale. Visit the Oxenberry Farm House, which was established in 1840, and offers unique food and wine experiences. For a winery with a twist go to d' Arenberg, or if you are looking for a dégustation menu, go to Maxwell.
As well as food and wine, this part of South Australia boasts sublime beaches. Soak up the Australian beach lifestyle at Port Willunga, Aldinga Beach, Maslin Beach, Sellicks Beach, Moana and Port Noarlunga. If you’re feeling active, cycle the Shiraz Trail or paddle a canoe along the Onkaparinga River.
5. Hunter Valley
With over 150 wineries on offer, the Hunter Valley is a haven for any sommelier or wine lover. Renowned for Semillon and Shiraz, the Hunter Valley wine region is the home of Australia’s first commercial vineyards. Dating back to the 1860s, it is one of Australia’s most visited and well-known wine regions.
The Hunter Valley offers the perfect blend of stunning scenery, world-class restaurants, and award-winning cellar doors. The best time to visit this beautiful part of New South Wales is during Autumn, between March and May. During this period, the temperatures are ideal for exploring the birthplace of Australian wines.
This gastronomical getaway is located just a two-hour drive, north of Sydney. Follow the scenic route to Hunter Valley, Tourist Drive 33 and soak up the beautiful views along the way. However, it is recommended to try and visit the Hunter Valley on weekdays. The locals love to stay here on the weekend, so it should be a little less busy during the week.
Be welcomed by the Hunter Valley winemakers and sample the most exquisite varieties of wine. McGuigan Wines is renowned for being one of the top winemakers in the Hunter Valley. In London, it was even named the International Winemaker of the Year. Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard is one of Hunter Valley's oldest wineries in this region and the Wyndham Estate is one of Australia’s biggest brands.
Be sure to visit Honeytree Estate Wines which is located in Pokolbin and is a small family-owned boutique vineyard. Savour modern Australian cuisine with a chef-tasting menu at Circa 1876 paired with a glass of Hunter Valley wine. Visit Scarborough Wines, Bimbadgen’s Estate or Silkman's Wines to taste some of the best Chardonnay in the region.
6. Mornington Peninsula
Be mesmerised by elegant wines and indulgent seaside getaways at Mornington Peninsula. A favourite weekend escape for Melbourians, this gourmet destination is located one hour's drive from Melbourne. You will find several vineyards and olive groves here and there are more than 50 wine cellars to savour.
With its maritime climate and southern location, the Mornington Peninsula is cooler than most other parts of Australia. This makes it ideal for white varieties of wine, creating a refreshing wine with flavours of citrus, apple and pear.
Renowned for producing quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the region also features other premium wines. Sample the locally produced Pinot Gris, Shiraz, Tempranillo and Nebbiolo. The star of the region, Pinot Noir is typically a lighter red wine with zingy acidity and complex flavours of cherry and strawberry.
One of Australia’s food and wine hotspots, there is something for everyone in Mornington Peninsula. Have lunch at Pt. Leo Estate Winery and afterwards wander around the Sculpture Park. Foxeys Hangout is a nice winery offering great lunches with a view! Or stop by Jackalope for a variety of dining options and be marvelled by the rain room!
7. Clare Valley
Discover one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, Clare Valley. Located approximately 120 kilometres north of Adelaide, this part of Australia is filled with culinary delights. Admire the postcard-picture perfect rolling green hills, eucalyptus trees and stone-cottage cellar doors.
Clare Valley is a hilly wine region and home to five distinct areas. Each place produces its own unique wine styles, from the light and elegant to the rich and robust. Visit Auburn, Watervale, Sevenhill, Polish Hill River and Clare.
The small wine region is best known for producing Riesling and not lacking in a global reputation. The climate is also ideal for the production of Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, and Merlot. With more than 40 small-scale wineries, there is plenty of choice in this wine lover's paradise. The region's top-quality wines also include Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Spend your days wandering through vineyards, sampling the region's most excellent wines, and tasting fresh local produce. Visit an assortment of fine restaurants, boutique wineries, and local craft breweries. If you are feeling active, cycle the Clare Valley Riesling Trail which will lead you past many of the highlights in the region.
8. Tamar Valley
Tasmania is home to some of Australia’s best wine, food and cultural experiences. Go on a journey through the vines and visit one of Tasmania’s premium wine regions. Tamar Valley is located in northern Tasmania, approximately 30 minutes drive from Launceston.
A place where nature, food and wine blend perfectly together. Here in the beautiful Tamar Valley, you can explore more than 30 wineries. Named on of the world’s top ten wine routes, self-drive and discover this stunning part of Tasmania over one to three days.
Along the way, admire an assortment of vineyards, orchards, lavender fields, dairy farms, national parks and charming towns. Go winery hopping and sample an extensive range of both white and red varieties of wine. Meet passionate and friendly winemakers, who love to tell a story.
Home to many award-winning and internationally recognised wines and cellar doors. Growing here in one of the world's premium cool climate wine regions is Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay. The best way to explore Tamar Valley is together with a local guide. Savouring a Tasmanian gourmet lunch platter and a glass of wine are sure to be an unforgettable part of your trip to Australia.
Discover more
New Zealand is renowned for being a nature wonderland, having hospitable locals and the Maori culture. However,… read more
Australia
Are you in for the trip of a lifetime? Australia showcases a diverse array of landscapes - from lush tropical… read more
Discover the States and Territories of Australia
Everyone knows that Australia is a vast and diverse country, but what not many people realise is that this… read more
Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?
Discover a world beyond ordinary
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Contact us
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.