Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia
Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia is a collection of premium award-winning wineries offering diverse experiences beyond the cellar door.
By Sue Gough Henly
Australia has more than 2,400 wineries in 65 wine regions around the country. These regions grow more than 100 grape varieties that end up in the more than 30 million glasses of Australian wine consumed around the world every day. Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia is a consortium of high-end, award-winning wineries offering behind-the-scenes wine, food and adventure experiences including barrel, private and structured tastings, food and wine matching, wine blending and cooking classes and picnics in spectacular locations. There are also easy-to-follow wine trail itineraries with suggestions from locals as to how to best explore Australia's wine regions.
Explore Australia's ultimate winery experiences by location:
- Margaret River, Western Australia
- Swan Valley, Western Australia
- Barossa, South Australia
- Adelaide Hills, South Australia
- McLaren Vale, South Australia
- Hunter Valley, New South Wales
- Orange, New South Wales
- Yarra Valley, Victoria
- Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
- King Valley, Victoria
- Tamar Valley, Tasmania
- Hobart, Tasmania
- Mount Cotton, Queensland
Margaret River, Western Australia
Leeuwin Estate
Leeuwin Estate holds events throughout the year, including wine dinners and an annual al fresco summer concert series. Enjoy regional cuisine at the award-winning Leeuwin Restaurant or visit the cellar door for an informal food and wine matching experience. The Ultimate Leeuwin Tasting Experience includes a tutored viewing of artworks in Leeuwin's Art Series range, a guided wine tasting and a seven course tasting menu lunch with matching wine.
Vasse Felix
Discover Margaret River's founding wine estate, Vasse Felix. Go on a behind-the-scenes journey into the winemaking process and have a private tasting. Enjoy the regional flavours of the Vasse Felix Restaurant and learn the art of food and wine matching. Explore the on-site art gallery, gardens and sculpture walk.
Voyager Estate
Voyager Estate invites you to immerse yourself in a journey from the vineyard to the table. Tour the estate to taste wine straight from the barrel and see the underground barrel cellar. In the stunning cellar door, surrounded by gardens, take a private tasting that offers a fun and interactive way to learn more about wine.
Swan Valley, Western Australia
Mandoon Estate
Located beside the magnificent Swan River, Mandoon Estate has developed a reputation as one of the region's best wineries and most popular destinations. As well as the cellar door that showcases the estate’s range of award-winning fine wines, the picturesque grounds are also home to a microbrewery and casual dining venue, fine dining restaurant Wild Swan, a gourmet deli and beer garden, as well as a contemporary art gallery. Luxury accommodation is available onsite at Maya Maya, overlooking a beautiful section of the Swan River and the property's original verdelho vineyard.
Barossa, South Australia
Artisans of Barossa
Tucked within the fields of quaint Tanunda, the Artisans of Barossa celebrate small-batch Barossa winemaking. Delve into the Grenache Project to experience a guided tasting of six unique wines made by six different winemakers using grapes from the same Barossa vineyard. After, indulge in the culinary delights on offer at the onsite restaurant, Essen.
Jacob's Creek
The Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre is the home of the Jacob's Creek wine brand in the heart of the Barossa, about a one-hour drive from Adelaide, where you can relax with a picnic under the shade of a river red gum.
Seppeltsfield
Historic Seppeltsfield is the only winery in the world to release a 100-year-old, single vintage wine each year. Tour the Centennial Cellar and taste a tawny port, made in your birth year, directly from the barrel. Explore the contemporary craft and design studio on site and dine on local produce at FINO restaurant, in the original 1900s bottling hall.
St Hugo
You'll drive through one of Australia's only few cork tree plantations as you enter St Hugo. Awaken your senses whilst being guided through a journey of wine discovery, showcasing how glassware influences the taste and enjoyment of St Hugo wines with the Riedel Masterclass or explore the connection between wine and food with the Chef’s Table experience, hosted in the beautiful historical surroundings of the Jacob’s Family Estate.
Yalumba
Established in 1849, by Samuel Smith a British migrant, Yalumba takes its name from the Aboriginal meaning ‘All the land around’ and is Australia’s most historic family-owned winery. Yalumba’s magnificent estate is located near the town of Angaston in South Australia’s Eden Valley. Oak barrels, family artefacts and artworks line the walls of the famous Wine Room where passionate Wine Room Ambassadors introduce visitors to the wines and many stories of Yalumba.
Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Penfolds Magill Estate
Penfolds Grange is widely regarded as Australia's greatest wine. Immerse yourself in the history, philosophy and spirit of this world-famous brand on a historical tour of Penfolds Magill Estate, located just 15 minutes from Adelaide. See the fascinating underground tunnels, original cottage and heritage-listed bluestone cellars, before tasting your way through the famous Penfolds premium collection and dining in the award-winning restaurant.
McLaren Vale, South Australia
d'Arenberg
At d'Arenberg, traditional winemaking processes are maintained with wines made in small batches and grapes basket-pressed. Reds are traditionally fermented and foot treading is still used. Taste wines at the quirky Cube tasting room, or take on the role of winemaker by blending and naming your own wine at the Blending Bench followed by lunch at d’Arry's Verandah, one of South Australia's most highly awarded restaurants.
Hardys Tintara
Take a sip of the incredible wines offered at Hardys Tintara Cellar Door. With a rich history dating back to 1878, Hardys is one of the oldest wine makers in McLaren Vale. View the sweeping vineyards on the winery viewing platform before browsing through the Fleurieu Arthouse, then indulge in a tasting experience including some wines exclusively available at the cellar door.
Gemtree Wines
Gemtree's 306 acres of vineyards are certified organic and biodynamic. The sustainably-built cellar door takes in elevated views over McLaren Vale to the ocean beyond. Located at the cellar door is the Gemtree Biodynamic Hut, an informal interactive experience that provides visitors with a deeper understanding of biodynamic viticulture, while nearby the one-kilometre (half-mile) Gemtree Ecotrail, a meandering path through 10 hectares (25 acres) of regenerated natural bushland, offers visitors a connection to the surrounding land that inspires Gemtree's guiding philosophies.
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Audrey Wilkinson
In the foothills of the Brokenback Ranges, Audrey Wilkinson offers 360-degree views of the Hunter Valley, a two-hour drive from Sydney. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes winery tour, visit the museum housed in the historic old winery and enjoy a picnic overlooking the vines. You can extend your vineyard experience by staying in one of two guest cottages on the property.
Orange, New South Wales
Printhie Wines
Live the ‘high life’ at Printhie Wines, where elevated vineyards combined with cool-climate craftsmanship produces impeccable wines in picturesque countryside. Set amongst rolling hills, quintessential farming sheds and dams, cradled in the protective shade of magnificent Mt Canobolas guests can enjoy a tasting in The Packing Shed; a gourmet picnic amongst vineyards and the heritage apple orchard; or go beyond the cellar door with an intimate Sparkling Masterclass where you can uncover the process behind Printhie’s award-winning sparkling wines.
Swinging Bridge
Premium cool climate wines are the specialty at family-owned Swinging Bridge – including esteemed chardonnay and pinot noir. Taste your way through wine and canapés with a Savour with Swinging Bridge tasting. For something even more exquisite, the Indulge with Swinging Bridge experience invites guests to tour the vineyard before sipping a variety of premium range wines, paired expertly with a four-course degustation.
Yarra Valley, Victoria
Chandon
Discover Chandon, a renowned winery nestled in the picturesque Yarra Valley. With a rich history rooted in French winemaking tradition, Chandon combines the expertise of Moët & Chandon with the unique terroir of Australia. Embark on an exploration of Chandon Australia's esteemed collection of sparkling wines, meticulously crafted with expertise and passion. Discover the scenic vineyards, and gain insight into the meticulous artistry behind each bottle on one of their premium winery experiences.
De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate
See how premium wine is made on a behind-the-scenes tour and and sample the latest vintages at the cellar door at De Bortoli Yarra Valley Estate. The on-site restaurant, Locale, reflects the family's rich Italian heritage and matches local produce with quality estate-grown wines.
Dominique Portet
The European, family-run Dominique Portet winery brings the best of Bordeaux to the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley. This vineyard oozes European charm, from the rich French heritage that’s so beautifully woven into the property’s design to the award-winning drops of wine that are so delicately crafted. Drink in the views, history, and wine on ‘Le Tour de Rosé’ – a quintessential French tasting combining cheese, charcuterie and some of the country’s finest rosé.
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
Montalto
Explore the olive grove, kitchen garden, sculpture walk and wetlands at stunning Montalto, on the Mornington Peninsula. Experience Montalto's estate-to-plate philosophy with a guided estate tour followed by lunch at the Montalto Restaurant, with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the rolling vine-covered hills. Or, for a more casual option, enjoy a shared lunch with a glass of Montalto wine in the beautiful Piazza.
Pt. Leo Estate
Experience the allure of Pt. Leo Estate, a prestigious winery set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria's Mornington Peninsula. Boasting a captivating blend of art, wine, and gastronomy, Pt. Leo Estate offers visitors an unparalleled sensory journey. Explore the extensive sculpture park, featuring works by renowned artists, before indulging in a winery experience showcasing the estate's acclaimed cool-climate wines.
Ten Minutes by Tractor
Named after the distance between three founding family vineyards, Ten Minutes by Tractor masterfully celebrates the delicious and diverse characteristics of wines grown in the picturesque Mornington Peninsula. Become a true connoisseur with the Ten Minutes by Tractor Terroir Masterclass, an intimate tasting experience that will guide you through the individual characteristics of each vineyard site, as well as treat your palette to both limited and current release wines.
King Valley, Victoria
Brown Brothers
Lots of immersive experiences are available at the trailblazing Brown Brothers winery, where four generations of the Brown family have experimented with a wide range of grape varieties. Chill out in your very own private Prosecco Lounge where you can taste your way through the entire prosecco range as you indulge in a gourmet spread of freshly baked sweets and pastries, local Milawa cheeses, house-made delicacies, terrines and seasonal fruits. Or Join the chefs in the kitchen garden and help forage for produce to include in your exclusively designed lunch menu, perfectly matched to Brown Brothers wine.
Pizzini Wines
Surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery, Pizzini Wines is a family-owned winery specialising in the production of Italian wine varieties such as pinot grigio, arneis, prosecco, sangiovese and nebbiolo. The A tavola! Cooking School, run by Katrina Pizzini, offers a range of cooking classes throughout the year and the Pizzini family regularly host exciting food and wine events at the cellar door. Enjoy an Italian style grazing platter in the garden, an overnight wine and food escape or a private cooking class with friends.
Rutherglen, Victoria
Stanton & Killeen
Family-owned winery Stanton & Killeen dates back 148 years, spanning seven generations of craftsmanship. The winery's expertise lies in Portuguese varietals, as well as topaques, tawnies, vintage fortifieds and the region's famed muscats. Sip some of the vineyard's finest in the exclusive Solera Room, lined with aging barrels, or taste your way through the different classifications of muscats before mastering your own blend to enjoy at home.
Tamar Valley, Tasmania
House of Arras
Just 40 minutes from Launceston, House of Arras is set amongst lush, lofty woodlands along the banks of the Pipers River, on the same picturesque property as the Bay of Fires cellar door. Offering a diverse range of innovative experiences, House of Arras takes guests beyond the cellar door to discover the secrets of Tasmania’s rich terroir that go into crafting world-class wine.
Josef Chromy Wines
Taste wines and enjoy a winery lunch at Josef Chromy cellar door and restaurant, which overlooks vineyards, old English gardens, and a picturesque lake just south of Launceston. Learn how traditional sparkling wine is made then work with the winemaking team to produce your own bottle. Try fly fishing and learn the art of fly casting, or just enjoy a leisurely lunch and wine tasting.
Hobart, Tasmania
Moorilla
Moorilla offers an exciting combination of wine, food, art and luxury accommodation. The estate shares a site with the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona), which houses Australia's largest private art collection. Stay in the modern, luxurious Mona Pavilions, dine on the French-inspired cuisine of The Source restaurant, enjoy shared plates in the Moorilla Wine Bar or eat at the more casual Mona café. Bespoke combinations of all the above, including a vineyard tour, are all possible.
Mount Cotton, Queensland
Sirromet, Mount Cotton
Sirromet’s state of the art facilities provide food and wine lovers with a variety of immersive experiences just a 30-minute drive from Brisbane. From tours of the fully operating winery, tastings at the buzzing cellar door, or relaxed al fresco fare at the Tuscan Terrace, Sirromet is a destination in itself, set against breathtaking natural scenery overlooking Moreton Bay. Extend your visit with an overnight stay at onsite luxury glamping accommodation, Sanctuary by Sirromet.