We all know of the famous wine regions in Australia or as we like to call it wine country. Margaret River, Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley….but what about all those smaller, less touristy, less known wine regions? We share some little secrets with you to get off the beaten path and try something new

Mudgee, NSW

This is such a gem of a wine region. I have never been more impressed than travelling to Mudgee. There is a sense of humility to the region that I really respect. Everywhere we went, if we were treated to a free bottle of wine just for buying a 6 pack or dozen to take home. It just seemed like they were so grateful to have us there. 

Wineries to Visit: Peter Van Gent, Ernest Shuetz, Huntington Estate, Simon Gilbert.

For Preservative Free, organic wines: Lowe Wines

For the View: Logan Wines

For Value for Money: Bunnamagoo Estate 

Bowral/Southern Highlands, NSW

Perhaps the most underrated region even though James Halliday claims it as the greatest cool climate region in Australia. I know it's a big call but this region does house some spectacular wines. I love the method traditional sparkling wines in the region and the push to do cool climate friendly Italian varietals like Nebbiolo and Arneis do get me a little bit excited (ok, a lot excited). The natural acidity from the wines down in this region render them perfect with food and I have to say, the restaurants in the region are superb! Definitely give them a go. 

Wineries to Visit: Tertini Wines, Artemis Wines, Cherry Tree Hill

For Lunch: Centennial Wines. 

Adelaide Hills, SA

The Adelaide Hills is Australia's most vibrant cool climate wine region. With over 90 wine labels and 48 cellar doors, it is acknowledged internationally for its distinctive premium wines, viticulture and stunning scenery.

Since then it has become a mecca for small artisan winemakers keen to produce elegant, long lasting European style wines.

The region is located in the Mount Lofty Ranges east of Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia. Stretching in a narrow band approximately 70km long, the highest vineyards are sited between 600-650 metres altitude in areas such as Crafers, Summertown, Piccadilly and Carey Gully.

The Adelaide Hills is one of the largest geographical wine regions in Australia, and amongst the most diverse in terms of climate, soil and topography. 

Wineries to Visit: So many!! But start with... Elysian Springs, Deviation Road, The Lane, Hugh Hamilton, 

For wacky and unique: Unico Zelo, Paracombe.

For Lunch: Shaw & Smith, Bird in Hand

Granite Belt, QLD

The region has a growing reputation as one of Australia’s top producers of alternative variety wines – known here as Strange Birds. To be called an alternative, a variety must represent not more than 1% of the total bearing vines in Australia as defined by Wine Australia.

Wineries to Visit: Ballandeen, Golden Grove, Sirromet 

For Lunch: Whiskey Gully

Yarra Valley, VIC 

The Yarra Valley was Victoria’s first wine growing district. Due to the diversity of climate, soil and aspects, the Yarra Valley is one of the few regions able to produce a wide array of world class wines. There is certainly something for every wine drinker to experience from the wines of yarra valley.

The Yarra Valley is renowned for producing world class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with these two varieties representing over 60% of the total production. Cabernet Sauvignon  is the backbone of the region and Shiraz creates excitement and interest.

Wineries to visti: Yarra Yerring, Madden's Rise, Medhurst,

For the views: Chandon