Welcome to the second instalment of our weekend escapes to wine country (you can catch up on Part 1 here). It’s time to hit the highway (again); here are your next exciting city-to-vine destinations. Tassie, South Australia, and Western Australia, here we come.
Tasmania
Tamar Valley (subregion) | 3 hours from Hobart or 30mins from Launceston | Sparkling/Sparkling Rosé, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris/Grigio, Rosé
The lush undulating landscape of the Tamar Valley wine region follows the course of the majestic Tamar River. Touted as Tasmania’s oldest and largest wine-producing region, it has a maritime climate similar to that of Côte d’Or in Burgundy, and has built a reputation for producing some of the world’s finest cool-climate wines. Follow the yellow-signed roads of the Tamar Valley Wine Route to vineyards, cosy family-run cellar doors, lavender and strawberry farms and tearooms. You can even sleep amongst the vines and bathe underneath the stars in an eco-friendly geodesic dome!
Huon Valley (subregion) | 40 mins from Hobart | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Shiraz
The Huon Valley is Tasmania’s southernmost wine region, and with its rich fertile soil, wild landscapes and welcoming farm gates, it’s mindboggling that it’s such a hidden gem. Its unique terroir results in low-yielding vines and long ripening periods producing exceptional character-filled wines. Boutique wineries provide cellar-door experiences that encapsulate the personality of the people and region. You can explore the tangled forest of rare Huon Pines and hidden caves and stop at roadside stalls and honesty boxes along the way. Pace yourself and follow the Sculpture Trail along the Huon River and enjoy the many gastronomical pleasures of the region’s famous chefs.
South Australia
Clare Valley | 2 hours from Adelaide | Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz
Venture into the Mount Lofty Ranges to the Clare Valley, where 160 years of winemaking history beckons to be explored. Wineries in this region are movers and shakers; you can thank the innovation of Clare Valley winemakers for leading the movement from cork to screw cap. The Clare Valley lives up to its reputation for producing world-class wine and is a mecca for those with a sweet spot for Riesling. Hire a bike and ride from winery to winery along the Riesling Trail, lose yourselves in the twists and turns of the conifer maze, or explore one of the world’s richest megafauna sites, Red Banks Conservation Park.
Southern Fleurieu | Just over an hour from Adelaide | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling
Bask in the poetic beauty of Southern Fleurieu’s green rolling hills, secluded beaches and award-winning wineries. This relatively new wine region has quickly captured hearts, fast becoming a popular (yet still quiet) holiday destination. Its cool maritime influence results in elegant wine styles, and it’s a foodie and wine connoisseur’s dream, with chefs pairing local produce perfectly with the region’s wine. When it comes time for a break (responsible consumption and all), you can watch whales breaching, throw a line in the water, scuba dive or hike through cool forests. A little birdie told us it’s at the top of the list for a weekend away for some of our Barossa winemakers.
Western Australia
Perth Hills | 30 mins from Perth | Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Head to the Darling Ranges, where vineyards grow amongst the natural beauty of Australian natives. Wineries and cellar doors are owned and operated by passionate winemakers, and alternate wine styles like Tempranillo, Mourvedre and Zinfandel thrive. It’s a rustic country escape where you can chat with local makers, stumble upon wildlife in national parks and enjoy a mindful moment in scenic picnic areas and lookouts. Our top tip: check out the local artisan market, where you’ll find artists, organic honey, jams, cakes, jewellery, spices, and other delicious home-style goodies. We hear the gin and cider are worth a look too!
Margaret River |3 hours from Perth | Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon
One of the most isolated wine regions in the world, the Margaret River imparts a certain magic with its Mediterranean climate, ancient forests and white sandy beaches. Not long ago, dairy farmers and surfers were the only folks you would find here. That is before word got out, it’s the perfect place to grow high-quality grapes! Nowadays, you’ll find beautiful vineyards framing cellar doors and over one hundred and fifty wineries, with the region attracting worldwide attention for its elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Ensure you take full advantage of the amazing experiences on offer; Dreamtime stories, wildflower tours, bee-hive-like rocks and don’t forget to pop the chocolate factory at the top of your list.
