Wine Country - Top 5 Underrated Australian Wine Regions

Wine Country - Top 5 Underrated Australia Wine Regions

Angelica Nohra 

Wine Importer | Wine List Consultant | Speaker  

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


Check out these must try Australia wines! 



The Paper Boy Shiraz 2014 McLaren Vale

 Typical of a McLaren Vale Shiraz with more integrated balance between fruit, tannin and alcohol weight. Lots of ripe purple fruit and soft peppery finish! Delish with any meal. 


Elysian Springs -  2015 Silent Waters Pinot Noir

Whole bunches from our most distinctive Pinot Noir were hand-selected and picked in the cool of the early morning then destemmed without crushing the fruit. 30% of this was whole cluster fermented, whilst the remaining fruit was crushed and went through traditional open fermentation and 30 day extended skin contact. It was then racked into 50% new and seasoned French oak hogsheads. The wine was then bottled directly thereafter without fining and with minimal filtration to capture the purity of taste and texture of our Pinot Noir.


2015 Pemberley Chardonnay

The wine displays white peach, melon and subtle French Oak characters on the nose. The palate is rich, full flavoured, has wonderful texture and complexity with a long crisp finish.



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