Top Wine Regions Of Australia
We all know that Australia is a nation of beer swillers, but over the last 10 years, Australia has boomed in the wine industry and became the 7th world largest wine producer. Because of the climate and diverse geography, Australia produces a large range of grape varieties in various regions worthy of a visit. So, if you are an explorer, a wine connoisseur and still have not been in Australia, this is the perfect place to visit. Visit the wonderful Australian wine regions and have a taste of some of the best Australian wines ever. Here are the top five Australian wine regions.
Hunter Valley, Southeast Australia – An Australian wine tour is never exciting without visiting the oldest Australian wine region, the great Hunter Valley. Hunter Valley is located in New South Wales, less than two hours drive from Sydney and as the oldest Australian wine region, Hunter Valley has produced the first wine in 1830. Hunter Valley is also famous for its galleries, cooking schools, health spa retreats, fine dining and golf courses. Here you can taste handmade chocolates, different dairy goods, local cheeses, olive oil and sourdough breads. The wine lovers will be surely awed by the Hunter Valley fertility that is a result of the presence of different minerals in the soil.
Barossa Valley, South Australia – Barossa Valley, located 60km northeast of Adelaide, is one of the oldest and most famous Australian wine regions. It is well known for its red wine, especially the Shiraz. Also, its grape is used in Penfolds Grange, one of the most famous Australian wines. The other main grape varieties grown in this region are Semillon, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache.
Besides the wine production, Barossa Valley is also famous for its food like dried fruit, traditional German breads, cheese, jam, olive oil, spices, herbs, vinegars, etc.
Clare Valley, Southeast Australia – The Clare Valley is one of the oldest wine regions of Australia located close to Adelaide. It is famous for its Riesling wine and very often is called as the home of the Australian Riesling. The wine production occurs in farmhouses, sheds and heritage buildings.
Clare Valley has Mediterranean climate, which is perfect for the production of quality Chardonnay, Riesling, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Semillon.
Yarra Valley, South Australia – As one of the top five wine regions of Australia, Yarra Valley is Victoria’s most popular wine region located near Melbourne. The landscape is full with charming wineries and the cool climate is perfect for producing Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Chardonnay.
The Yarra Valley is rich with wineries and rustic family owned doors, offering a great and unique experience.
McLaren Vale, South Australia – McLaren Vale is the leading wine producer in the southern wine regions of Australia, located close to Adelaide. The wide selection of wines reflects the landscape and a variety of soil types, which range from red earth to sand and ironstone. The McLaren wines are soft and at the same time, rich and fruity. One of the top quality producers of McLaren red wines are Wirra Wirra, Richard Hamilton, Tatachilla, Kay Brothers and Scarpantoni. The wine connoisseurs can meet some of the most preferred wine varieties in today’s market like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sangiovese and Grenached. The other important products produced in McLaren Vale are different cheeses, olives and other farm products.