This post contains product affiliate links. These are mainly on items/hotels/tours that I personally endorse & love. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but at no extra cost to you.
Discover Australia’s top wine regions, from Hunter Valley to Margaret River, with tips on wine tours, history and what to expect when tasting.
Australia is a country that has it all. A gorgeous coastline with some of the world’s best beaches, an outdoor lifestyle focused on soaking up the sun, and they bloody love a beer and a good time. It turns out they love their wine too, producing some of the world’s best wine. Yes, I am very envious of anyone who calls Australia home.
Thankfully, I’ve been to Australia a fair few times over the years, so it is a country I know very well. I lived in Sydney for a short time, I’ve done the whole fruit picking thing, and I’ve road tripped up the whole of the east coast. In that time, I’ve had the pleasure of wine tasting in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales and exploring the vineyards of South Australia. I can honestly say an Australian Shiraz is one of my favourite wines. Well, it definitely tastes a lot better in Australia!
In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through some of Australia’s most iconic wine regions, sharing my favourite experiences from the rolling vineyards of the Hunter Valley to the structured, full-bodied reds of South Australia. I’ll also touch on the history of Australian winemaking, from its early colonial beginnings to the modern, innovative techniques that make Aussie wines so distinctive today.
Whether you’re planning a guided wine tour or crafting your own self-planned itinerary, I’ll give you tips for making the most of your visit. Hopefully this should help avoid any of those faux pas that can be associated with wine tasting.
If you love wine and travel, this is the ultimate guide to discovering Australia’s wine regions one glass at a time. Enjoy!
Contents:
Wine tours vs. self-planned trips
Like any other country, it’s not uncommon to find cheap plonk, or “goon” as it is fondly referred to in Australia. However, if you’re after something a little more sophisticated, Australia’s beautiful and scenic wine regions rival any in the world. Many vineyards open their cellar doors to anyone, offering tastings and the chance to explore their property at your own pace. It’s a wonderful way to soak in the scenery, chat with the winemakers, and sample some exceptional local wines. It does mean driving from vineyard to vineyard though, which isn’t the best idea if you’re sampling the wine.
However, while this self-guided approach works well for a few vineyards, it’s hard to pack in more than a small handful in a day. If you’re hoping to get a real overview of the region and visit multiple wineries without the stress of navigation and planning, a guided wine tour is the way to go.
Tours like Tastes of the Hunter Wine Tours provide not only a relaxing and informative experience but also the chance to meet fellow wine enthusiasts and enjoy the journey as much as the tastings. They take care of all the logistics, letting you focus on discovering the region’s best wines and soaking up the stunning Australian landscapes. I would say the main benefit of this is you don’t have to drive yourself, meaning you can drink as much as you like (not always a good thing…)
Wine tour tips
If it’s your first time on a wine tour, the laid-back attitude of Aussies naturally lends itself to a relaxed experience, making it a great destination for those new to wine tastings. All the wine tours and tastings I’ve done haven’t been stuffy.
If you’re new to wine tours, here are a few tips to make things easier and to avoid any faux pas. I would always recommend eating something beforehand, otherwise you’ll get trashed. The wine comes thick and fast on these tours, and it’s hard to keep track of how much you’ve drunk. Lining your stomach is always a good idea.
Here’s a top tip I’ve learned from going on a number of wine tours myself. Don’t wear strong perfumes or aftershave that might clash with the aromas of the wines you’ll be tasting. A lot of the taste comes from your nose, so you want a clean scent. Bet you didn’t think of that?
Don’t be afraid to get curious and ask your guide questions – winemakers love sharing their knowledge about grape varieties, soil types, and wine-making techniques. Take your time to savour each tasting, and note the wines you enjoy most; many vineyards will let you buy a bottle or two to take home.
Finally, while driving between vineyards is possible, a guided tour is often the best way to explore multiple wineries without worrying about logistics, leaving you free to enjoy the scenery, meet other wine enthusiasts, and truly soak up the region’s unique character.
Best wine regions in Australia
Famed for its spicy Shiraz and complex honey-nut–flavoured Semillon, the Hunter Valley in New South Wales is Australia’s oldest wine region and a must-visit for any wine lover. If you want to extend your journey in NSW, Orange offers a range of elegant, sophisticated wines, thanks to its high altitude, cool climate, and volcanic soil, making it a perfect stop for those looking to explore lesser-known vineyards.
Further west, South Australia is renowned for its rich, full-bodied reds. The Barossa Valley is the heart of Shiraz country, while McLaren Vale produces robust reds and Mediterranean-inspired blends. For something a little different, Clare Valley is famous for crisp Rieslings and beautifully balanced whites.
Over in Western Australia, the Margaret River region combines stunning coastal scenery with excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and is often celebrated for both its wines and gourmet food experiences. Meanwhile, in Victoria, the King Valley delights with sparkling wines and Italian varietals, reflecting the region’s rich European heritage.
Whether you’re chasing iconic Shiraz, delicate Semillon, or vibrant sparkling wines, each of these regions offers a unique experience that reflects the diversity of Australia’s climate, landscape, and winemaking style.
The history of Australian wine
The story of Australian wine begins in 1788, when Governor Arthur Phillip planted the first vines at Sydney’s Farm Cove, later part of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Conditions were harsh, knowledge was limited, and the initial attempt struggled to produce anything drinkable – but these early efforts laid the foundation for a thriving wine culture.
A few decades later, James Busby, often called the “Father of Australian Wine,” played a pivotal role in shaping the industry. In the 1830s, he brought vine cuttings from France and Spain, introducing varieties such as Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre, which would become central to Australia’s winemaking identity. Busby also wrote one of the first practical guides to viticulture in the country, helping local growers understand which vines suited the diverse Australian climate.
As technology and winemaking science advanced in the 20th century, alongside evolving tastes and a growing culture of food and wine, Australian wine moved from humble beginnings to international recognition. Today, Australia is a leading global wine exporter, celebrated for its bold Shiraz, elegant Semillon, vibrant Chardonnay, and innovative blends, offering something for every wine lover to discover.
