Are you looking to go on a wine getaway? Well you’re in luck as we profile our top five wine regions in Australia that parent’s will absolutely love.
Speaking with online travel expert, lastminute.com.au they held a survey on this very topic to see what were the best wine regions in Australia were for a getaway.
Spokesperson for lastminute.com.au, Kate Norris said Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to wine regions, however admits it’s not all about the vino, with the gourmet food offering also important for many Australians.
“Research showed that one in two (56%) people believe that a holiday destination’s food and wine offering influences their decision to visit there,” she said.
“With many of our most famous wine regions all within a couple of hours drive of most of our main cities, a weekend escape to wine country is the ultimate way to combine a food and wine fix with fresh country air.”
So let’s find out what the best wine regions in Australia are for a relaxing trip full of good food, wine and company.
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Best Wine Regions in Australia For a Parent’s Only Trip:
1. Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
There is a reason why the Mornington Peninsula region is ranked as one of the best food and wine destinations in Australia.
Being just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, it’s easy to see why many locals and tourists enjoy visiting this gorgeous destination for a planned or even spontaneous weekend getaway.
Being surrounded by water, what makes the Mornington Peninsula unlike many other Australian wine regions is you can visit over 50 cellars doors and sample a glass of the region’s famed pinot noir and chardonnay, all while taking in stunning coastal views and green pastures.
Here are our picks on where to drink, eat and stay in the Mornington Peninsula to get you on your way.
Where to drink wine in Mornington Peninsula?
The cool climate grapes in this region are all about the pinot noir. So, make sure you hit up Polperro Winery for its top-rated glass of red.
Other popular Mornington Peninsula wineries to visit are Port Phillip Estate, Paringa Estate, Montalto, Pt Leo Estate, Foxeys Hangout, Panton Vineyard and Crittenden Estate.
Where to eat in Mornington Peninsula?
If you are after something a bit special, try the degustation dinner at Woodman Estate. Like many wine regions, some of the best dining options are located within the wineries. Some top rated places to eat in Mornington Peninsula include Ten Minutes By Tractor and Foxeys Hangout in Red Hill.
Where to stay in Mornington Peninsula?
Not sure where to stay in Mornington Peninsula? Not to worry, as there are some amazing Mornington Peninsula accommodation to choose from.
One of the favourites, especially if you’re into a luxe country-style relaxation feel is the Lindenderry At Red Hill – it serves up the perfect guesthouse experience.
Another Mornington Peninsula accommodation option to stay and swing by is the Peppers Moonah Links Resort, it’s truly a unique resort as it features not one but two 18 hold championship golf course to experience during your stay.
2. Yarra Valley, Victoria
Being the original birthplace of Victoria’s wine region it serves up one amazing experience for wine loving parent’s.
With more than 80 Yarra Valley wineries to sample, this destination will spoil you with choice as you sip on such varieties as Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, and soak up its wondrous landscapes, architecturally impressive designs to traditional wineries.
Like the Mornington Peninsula, the Yarra Valley wineries are only a hop, skip and jump away, taking only an hour’s drive from Melbourne CBD.
So, what are you waiting for? Below is a rundown of where to drink, eat and stay in the Yarra Valley wineries region.
Where to drink wine in Yarra Valley?
If you’re one for champagne then the Domaine Chandon winery, established by French champagne house Moet & Chandon is one of the best wineries and things to do in the Yarra Valley.
Other fabulous wineries in the area include Yering Station, Rochford Wines and TarraWarra Estate. But as mentioned above, the Yarra Valley wineries are endless.
Where to eat in Yarra Valley?
Some great dining options while in the Yarra Valley includes Isabella’s at Rochford and Coombe Yarra Valley. Then to end your Yarra Valley wine and dining experience a stop at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery will hit the sweet spot.
Where to stay in Yarra Valley?
After a day of feasting and wine touring, a lovely Yarra Valley accommodation property to stay at is the Balgownie Estate Resort & Spa located in Yarra Glen and home to a fabulous on-site restaurant, Rae’s.
3. Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Hands down one of the best wine regions in Australia is the Hunter Valley. Dating back to the early 1800’s it’s also the OG of wine regions in Australia, as it’s the place where it all began for this industry.
With numerous world-famous brands, family-run boutique cellar doors, acclaimed restaurants and fresh produce to experience, a visit to the Hunter Valley is a must for any parent wishing to go on a wine getaway.
Once you visit you’ll be dreaming of returning as you become captivated by the fresh air, stunning landscapes, charming vineyards and of course the divine food and wine.
Let’s help you get there faster, as we profile below the top places to drink, eat and where to stay in the Hunter Valley:
Where to drink wine in Hunter Valley?
Only a two-hour drive from Sydney’s CBD, the Hunter Valley is a wine lover’s playground famous for its Semillon and Shiraz.
So, when there we recommend you sample a glass or few at Keith Tulloch Wine, Kevin Sobels Wines, Brokenwood Wines, Scarborough Wine Co, Temple Two Cellar Door, Mount View Estate and Audrey Wilkinson.
Where to eat in Hunter Valley?
Then be sure to perfectly match your visit to the Hunter Valley with a long lunch at the stunning Bistro Molines, where you can take in the rolling hills while indulging in their modern-french inspired menu.
Then at night you must try and have dinner at the super elegant (and a little pricey) Circa 1876, but its an experience. You can check out why these places are top experiences and things to do in Hunter Valley. Other delicious spots to eat in the Hunter Valley are Muse Kitchen and Café Enzo.
If you’re after some snack and picnic fillers a visit to the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop at Roche Estate is a perfect idea, as they sell the finest local and imported cheeses, crackers, cured meats, olives, desserts and gelato. Then why not swing by the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company to try their quality chocolate, fudge, gelato and coffee.
Where to stay in Hunter Valley?
What adds to the Hunter Valley being one of the best wine regions in Australia is the Hunter Valley accommodation options are endless and caters to all sorts of tastes. From romantic retreats, lavish resorts to cosy cottages, you’ll find something to match your vibe.
One of our favourites is the Grand Mercure Apartments at The Vintage. Not only delivers private and comfortable apartment style accommodation, but it’s also the perfect spot to tee off, with an 18-hole course on site. Otherwise, if you’re looking for a romantic getaway, you and your partner can’t go past Spicers Vineyards Estate.
WATCH: Check out the below video exploring what to do in Hunter Valley over a weekend.
4. Margaret River, Western Australia
Go big or go home – you’ve probably heard this term in surfing and it’s also applicable for this wine hotspot.
Margaret River is one of the largest wine regions in Australia with over 200 vineyards and produces over 25 per cent of Australia’s wine. Its this reason, as well as, the below that it’s ranked as one of the top wine regions in Australia.
What makes Margaret River so appealing and unique, is it not only serves up some big wine contenders but it also produces some big surf action, as surfings elite visit each year to compete in the World Surfing League’s Margaret River Pro surfing event.
Situated 280kms south of Perth, to get to Margaret River it’s a three hour drive, so we recommend you consider staying 3-5 nights to fully enjoy all the breathtaking offerings of this wine region.
If budget isn’t an issue you can also hire a private helicopter or seaplane to fly direct to select wine estates. Now that would be an unforgettable wine getaway, especially for parent’s with limited time on their hands.
Where do I book and go, I hear you say? Below are some options to drink, eat and stay in Margaret River:
Where to drink wine in Margaret River?
Margaret River is known for delivering some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc wines in the country. And, some of the best Margaret River wineries and vineyards that will tantalise the tastebuds are Cape Mentelle, Amelia Park Wines, Vasse Felix, Moss Wood, Pierro, Voyager Estate, Sandalford Wines and Leeuwin Estate. From newcomers to founding wine estates, you’ll have a hard time deciding where to go in Margaret River.
Where to eat in Margaret River?
Wine and long lunches go hand and hand. So, a visit to Voyager Estate should be on your list as they craft up a seasonal degustation menu to die-for.
Up for more of a DIY picnic experience while you soak up the surf views. Then why not hit up a gourmet deli/ store to pack a picnic. Some ideal places for this include the Larder Margaret River, Gourmet Food Merchant and Margaret River Fudge Factory.
Where to stay in Margaret River?
After a big day of indulging in food and wine, you are going to need somewhere cosy to retreat. Cape Lodge is a boutique stay filled with romance and luxury. While Willy Bay Resort offers comfortable apartment style accommodation with vineyard views.
Here are some other Margaret River accommodation options to consider for your parent’s only wine getaway.
5. Barossa Valley, South Australia
If you’re after a personalised wine and food experience, then the Barossa delivers.
They’re a wine region whose culture embraces a more personalised approach – one that’s not afraid to really chat, connect and share stories and their history to visitors.
With more than 80 cellar doors and vineyards to wander through, the Barrossa Valley will surprise you with its stunning landscapes, stone cottages, architecturally impressive churches and best of all, a soothing Shiraz, their speciality wine.
Only a 50-minute drive from Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is another breathtaking and easy to visit wine region to visit in Australia.
To get you on your way to the Barossa Valley, here are our top picks for where to drink, eat and stay in this South Australian wine region.
Where to drink wine in Barossa Valley?
It’s all about the Shiraz in the Barossa Valley. Not to be missed visiting on your winery getaway is Artisans of Barossa, Seppeltsfield, Rockford Wines, as well as Barossa’s most famous winery, Jacob’s Creek Wines.
Where to eat in Barossa Valley?
If you’re looking to treat yourself, book a long lunch at award winning Hentley Farm Wines. Other great options include Harvest Kitchen and Ferment Asian.
BONUS: For the ultimate wine and food lover’s Adelaide adventure, then the Epicurean Way road trip is a must to consider as it takes you through the best of the Barossa, and beyond.
Where to stay in Barossa Valley?
What’s great about this region is there are plenty of Baroosa Valley accommodation options to choose from. From five-star luxury, cute cottages and retreats among the vineyards – you decide.
If you’re in the mood for a luxe stay then you need to pay a visit to Barossa Pavilions. If you’re not too fussed for luxe and wish to have something more comfortable/ resort style, affordable and centrally located, then the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort is a great choice.
WANT MORE TRAVEL? After a more chilled wine region destination to visit that also offers plenty of activities for the kids? Then you need to check out Bowral in NSW. It’s a gorgeous rural region in NSW and best of all there is heaps of fun things to do in Bowral with kids.
Have you visited any of these best wine regions in Australia? Share your top things to do and tips.
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