The Top 5 Wine Tours in Australia
The vast Australian continent offers a multitude of climatic variations, many of which lend themselves perfectly to the creation of stunning wines. Remarkably, wine is produced in every Australian state for a total of 1,280 million litres each year (and no, the team here at MrAristotle are not responsible for drinking most of it…).
The first Australian wine was made available for domestic sales in the early 1820’s. By 1822 Gregory Blaxland had begun exporting wine. Today, Australia is the fourth largest exporter of wine in the world (750 million litres) accounting for 60% of all production in the country.
Wine is a major contributor to the economy through export, employment and tourism. Both domestic and international visitors are spoilt for choice with wine tasting tours available in every major production region. Here at MrAristotle we like to think we know a little bit about great tours and fantastic wine so here are our tips on the best wine tours in Australia.
1. Private Wine Tasting & Gourmet Lunch – Margaret River – Australia
Fine art. Gourmet food. Exquisite wines. What more could you ask for? Over the course of this four hour wine tour, guests are invited to explore the beautiful Vasse Felix Estate – one of Australia’s most recognised wine producers. The experience begins with a guided tour of the grounds and the opportunity to enjoy the on-site art gallery that specialises in Australian and Aboriginal artworks. At the Cellar Door, guests are invited to taste a range of vintages as you learn from a professional sommelier the art of food and wine pairing. From here, it is time to relax over a gourmet three-course lunch – with matching wines of course! – as you look out over the rolling vineyards. As a special gift, each guest is presented with a bottle of Vasse Felix wine to take home.
2. De Bortoli Gourmet Food & Wine Tour – Yarra Valley – Australia
Cheese, Wine and Italian food; a trio matched in gourmet heaven. An indulgent experience for all the senses, spoil yourself on a trip through one of Australia’s most premiere wine making regions – the Yarra Valley. Your hosts for the day are the famed Di Bortoli family who have been nurturing these vines since 1928. Now in the hands of the third generation of this distinguished family you are invited to savour a one hour gourmet cheese and wine tasting in the renowned Trophy Room. Learn the art of wine appreciation before sitting down to a three course lunch at ‘Locale’ the on-site restaurant. This Italian inspired menu using only the freshest local ingredients and includes a series of matching wines.
3. Exclusive Wine Tasting Tour In A Vintage Daimler – Barossa Valley – Australia
Experience luxury and comfort in your privately chauffeured 1962 Daimler as you explore the world-class winemaking region of the Barossa Valley. Travel from cellar door to cellar door as you embark on one of the country’s best private wine tasting tours. Each itinerary is tailor made to your own varietal preferences from Chardonnay to Cabernet Sauvignon. Whether you prefer boutique wineries or household names, your expert guide and driver will create the perfect day. Your transport for the day was originally bought to Australia as part of the Royal Visit providing timeless elegance as you explore the picturesque scenery. Enjoy a two-course gourmet lunch with wine at Vintners restaurant and the opportunity to toast a memorable wine tasting tour.
4. Introduction to Fly Fishing and Wine tour – Tasmania – Australia
There is something fishy about this wine tour…join your expert guide for the ultimate hybrid experience – wine tasting, gourmet lunch and…fly-fishing! Under the watchful eye of your personal tutor guests are invited to learn the basics of this historic sport. From selecting the right lure to identifying prime locations this unique four hour activity is suitable for anglers of all abilities. Hosted on one of Tasmania’s most picturesque lakes surrounded by rolling hills this is the ideal location to savour a gentle serenity. Guests are then escorted on a premier tour of the newly established Josef Chromy Estate before enjoying a unique tasting of the wineries premier range. The day is finished off with a well-deserved drink and gourmet two-course lunch.
5. Luxury Private Wine Tour – Heathcote – Australia
The ultimate in luxurious wine tours, experience the beautiful Heathcote wine region from the luxury of a Rolls Royce limousine. Collected by a uniformed chauffeur from your Melbourne accommodation you will escape the city and explore one of Victoria’s most scenic areas. Your private guide will use their years of experience to develop an itinerary that is unique as your taste in wines. Famed for its iconic red wines, Heathcote has built an enviable reputation as the home of some of Australia’s premier Shiraz and Merlot. During this full day tour you will have be introduced to some of the regions most interesting cellar doors before enjoying an exquisite lunch at a fine dining restaurant nestled within the vines.
