10 Best Wineries In Australia

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

There is something truly magical about Australian wine—the crispness of its Chardonnays, the richness of its Shiraz wine, and the boldness of its Cabernet Sauvignons can't help but leave an impression. Yet behind every great wine bottle, there’s a unique winery with a tale to tell.

After years spent wandering from one cellar to another wine cellar across this beautiful continent, I am thrilled to share with you my personal selection - The ten best wineries in Australia guaranteed to turn even the most casual sipper into a wine connoisseur.

1. Jacobs Creek, Barossa Valley, South Australia

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Jacobs Creek Winery, located in the heart of the Barossa Valley in South Australia. The winery is open every day except for a few public holidays, and it offers a variety of experiences for wine lovers.

One of the highlights of my visit was the wine cellar, where I tasted some of the winery's best vintages. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly, and they provided me with detailed information about the wine production process, the terroir, and the different grape varieties grown on the estate. I particularly enjoyed the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Syrah, which were both complex and full-bodied.

In addition to the tastings, Jacobs Creek Winery also offers guided tours of the vineyards and the winery, where visitors can learn more about the history and culture of the Barossa Valley. The gardens are also worth a visit, as they are beautifully landscaped and provide a peaceful setting for a picnic or a stroll.

Overall, I was impressed by the quality of the wines and the level of service at Jacobs Creek Winery. The winery is definitely one of the top wineries in Australia, and it is a must-visit vineyard for any wine lover traveling to the Barossa Valley.

2. d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale, South Australia

As one of the most significant wineries in Australia to visit, d’Arenberg has been producing distinctive wines since 1912. Located in the picturesque McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia, d’Arenberg is a fourth-generation family-owned winery that has remained true to its traditional winemaking methods.

The winery is known for its unique cellar door experience, offering over 35 South Australian wines made from more than 25 grape varieties. The wine tasting room is situated in the d’Arenberg Cube, a five-story architectural masterpiece that offers panoramic views of the vineyards.

The winery is famous for its Shiraz and Grenache blends, which showcase the unique terroir of McLaren Vale. The winery also produces excellent Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the winery and vineyards, which includes a visit to the historic winery and the d’Arenberg Cube. The winery also offers a range of tasting experiences, from a simple tasting of their current releases to a more in-depth tasting of their premium wines.

d’Arenberg Winery is the place to visit for any wine lover traveling to South Australia. With its unique cellar door experience, exceptional wines, and picturesque location, it is one of the best Australian wineries.

Contact:

Address: Osborn Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171, Australia

Phone: +61 8 8329 4888

3. De Bortoli, Yarra Valley, Victoria

A few months ago I visited the De Bortoli vineyards in the Yarra Valley, and was impressed with the quality of their wines and the beautiful setting of the vineyard. The vineyard is located approximately 50 km north-east of Melbourne, making it a great day trip or weekend getaway from the city.

De Bortoli is known for producing some of the finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Yarra Valley, which are cool climate wines that thrive in this Victoria wine region. The vineyard also produces Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, as well as sparkling wines that are perfect for celebrations.

The vineyard has a cellar where visitors can taste a range of wines and learn about the winemaking process. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and they offer a range of experiences, including tours and tastings. The vineyard also has beautiful gardens where guests can enjoy a picnic or simply relax and take in the stunning views.

De Bortoli is one of the best wine estates across Australia, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its delicious wines in this corner of Australia. The vineyard is also committed to sustainable wine making practices, which is reflected in the quality of its wines and the care taken to preserve the environment.

Contact:

Address: 58 Pinnacle Ln, Dixons Creek VIC 3775, Australia

Phone: +61 3 5911 6900

4. Vasse Felix, Margaret River, Western Australia

Vasse Felix is one of the most well-known wine companies in the Margaret River wine region of Western Australia. Established in 1967 by Dr Tom Cullity, it is the founding winery of the region and is regarded as one of Australia's best wineries to visit.

The winery produces a wide range of wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Sauvignon Blanc Semillon. The winemaking team at Vasse Felix is dedicated to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Margaret River region.

Visitors to the winery can enjoy a range of experiences, including wine tastings, tours of the vineyards and winery, and dining at the Vasse Felix restaurant. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu that showcases local produce and is paired with Vasse Felix wines.

One of the unique features of Vasse Felix is its art gallery, which features a rotating collection of contemporary Australian art. The gallery is open to visitors and adds an extra dimension to the winery experience.

Contact:

Address: Caves Road (Cnr, Tom Cullity Dr, Cowaramup WA 6284, Australia

Phone: +61 8 9756 5000

5. Penfolds Magill Estate: Adelaide Hills, South Australia

As I explore the best vineyards in Australia, Penfolds Magill Estate in Adelaide Hills stands out as one of the most iconic and historic wineries in the region.

Nestled in the foothills of Adelaide, Penfolds Magill Estate boasts breathtaking views of the city and is only a short 15-minute drive from the city center. The winery is one of the few urban single vineyards in the world, making it a unique destination for wine enthusiasts.

The estate is home to Penfolds, one of Australia's most renowned wine producers, and offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the captivating history of this historic winery. Guests can stroll through the original working winery, wander the vineyards, and uncover the fascinating stories of the underground drives.

One of the highlights of the estate is the award-winning restaurant, which offers a fine dining experience that perfectly complements the winery's premium wines. Visitors can also take part in winery tours and experiences, where they can learn about the story of the Grange and taste some of the estate's most exceptional wines.

Contact:

Address: 78 Penfold Rd, Magill SA 5072, Australia

Phone: +61 8 8301 5569

6. Audrey Wilkinson, Hunter Valley, New South Wales

Visiting the Audrey Wilkinson Winery in the Hunter Valley wine country of New South Wales was a truly unforgettable experience.

The winery is perched atop a hill in the Brokenback Mountain Ranges, offering fantastic 360-degree views of the surrounding vineyards and paddocks. The sandstone and timber building is a nod to the history of the vineyard, which was the first to be planted in Pokolbin in 1866.

One of the highlights of the visit was that I got to enjoy wine tastings at the spacious colonial-style cellar. The winery is known for its excellent Semillon, which has won numerous awards and trophies. I particularly enjoyed the 2006 Museum Semillon, which was a testament to the winery's expertise and excellence.

The staff at Audrey Wilkinson were really passionate about their wines, and were happy to answer any questions I had. They also offered a range of experiences, including wine tours and private tastings, which would be perfect for wine enthusiasts looking for a more immersive experience in Australia’s oldest wine region.

Contact:

Address: 750 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia

Phone: +61 2 4998 1866

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

Montalto Vineyard is a family-owned winery situated in the Mornington Peninsula wine region. The winery has a sustainable approach, and they offer an epicurean journey of five star-rated estate wine, olive oil, Chefs' Hat restaurant, kitchen gardens and orchards, contemporary sculpture and natural wetlands.

The vineyard has a home estate of 30 acres under vine which is the primary source for their premium wines. They have an award-winning wine making team, led by Simon Black, who develop wines for three labels from vineyards expertly managed by Dan Prior, across their cool-climate and coastal location.

Montalto winery is also known for their delicious food. They have a restaurant that serves seasonal, heirloom produce grown in their expansive kitchen gardens. The restaurant has a Chefs' Hat rating and offers an incredible view of the vineyard.

Contact:

Address: 33 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South VIC 3937, Australia

Phone: +61 3 5989 8412

8. Lancaster Wines, Swan Valley, Western Australia

Lancaster Wines is a legendary winery located in Swan Valley. It is known for its laid-back and chilled vibe that attracts visitors with an interest in wine from all over the world. The winery is open seven days a week from 10 am to 5 pm, making it easy for visitors to plan their trip.

One of the highlights of Lancaster Wines is its famous outdoor tasting shed. Guests can take a seat at the bar and sample a range of the best Australian wines while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. The winery offers an extensive selection of gourmet cheeses, meats, and antipasto, allowing visitors to put together their own Grazing Platter and enjoy a bottle of wine with friends.

Lancaster Wines is a must-visit destination for wine lovers. The winery produces a range of high-quality wines that are sure to impress even the most discerning palate. You can try a variety of wines, including red wine, white wines, and sparkling wines, and learn about the wine industry from the staff.

Contact:

Address: 5228 W Swan Rd, West Swan WA 6055, Australia

Phone: +61 8 9250 6461

9. Josef Chromy, Tasmania

I ones had the pleasure of visiting the Josef Chromy Winery during my exploration of the best Australia Wineries, and it was truly a delightful experience.

Located in Relbia, Tasmania, the boutique winery is set in a charming 1880s homestead surrounded by picturesque century-old gardens. The wine cellar offers a serene and elegant setting to sample their range of estate-grown wines.

The winery is known for its cool climate vineyard, which produces wines that are elegant, subtle, and complex.

One of the highlights of my visit was the restaurant, which has been awarded One Chef Hat every year since 2017. The menu showcases the freshest local produce, and the dishes are beautifully presented and delicious.

If you plan to visit Josef Chromy Winery, I highly recommend making a reservation for a wine tasting and lunch at the restaurant. It's a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the best views while sipping on some of the best wines Tasmania has to offer.

Contact:

Address: 370 Relbia Rd, Relbia TAS 7258, Australia

Phone: +61 3 6335 8700

10. Wine by Farr, Geelong, Victoria

Wine by Farr is a family-owned winery located in Geelong. This winery has gained recognition for producing some of the best pinot noirs in Australia. Wine by Farr produces four single-vineyard pinot noirs: Sangreal, Tout Pres, Farrside, and Cote Vineyard. These wines are highly rated, with The Real Review's tasters giving them between 95 and 99 points.

The Farr family is known for doing things their way and taking inspiration from France rather than Australia. Their vineyards are located on the Moorabool River, which provides ideal conditions for growing pinot noir grapes. Wine by Farr's pinot noirs are known for their complexity, depth, and balance.

Visitors to Wine by Farr can enjoy a tasting experience in the winery's cellar, which is located in a converted shed. The wine cellar is open by appointment only, and visitors can sample a range of highly acclaimed wines, including the four single-vineyard pinot noirs.

Contact:

Address: 101 Kelly Ln, Bannockburn VIC 3331, Australia

Phone: +61 3 5281 1733

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