12 Day Australian Wine Discovery

On this 12 Day Great Australian Wine Discovery Tour, you will experience the best wine and scenery this part of the world has to offer. Travel through Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, enjoying local wineries, vineyards and a range of delicious varietals. Highlights include: South Australia’s Barossa Valley, which put Australian wine on the map, the Yarra Valley known for its Chardonnay, Sparkling Wine and Pinot Noir and Hunter Valley renown for its red wines . Sit back, relax and experience the best of Australian wine alongside spectacular scenery through the eyes of your own expert local driver guide.

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Here is an example of a Australian Wine Tour:

Day 1 Melbourne Arrival and Drive to Yarra Valley, (66 km – 1 hour 15 minutes driving time approx)

Welcome to Australia. You will be met at the airport by your private guide and The Road Trip begins! We start your wine odyssey today by making the short drive to one of the best wine growing regions in the world; Yarra Valley. This area is rich in vino, delicious local restaurants and quaint towns all nestled among amazing scenery. Spend the rest of the day exploring and relaxing in the viticulture paradise. One option for the afternoon is a magnificent hot air balloon ride to get a bird’s eye view of the breathtaking landscape below. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a fantastic local restaurant showcasing cuisine grown in the area.

Your accommodation for the next two nights is the exclusive 5 star Chateau Yering Hotel. This beautiful estate has a rich history and features views across the Yarra Valley through the heritage listed gardens. Adjacent to Yering Station Winery, this escape is the perfect hideaway for wine lovers. The hotel is also renown for its thoughtful antique flourishes, in-keeping with the historical significance of the buildings.

Day 2 Yarra Valley Full Day Wine and Food Tour

Today you spend the day exploring the wineries and vineyards of the Yarra Valley with a full day guided wine and dine tour. This includes tastings at 3-4 fabulous local wineries and a delicious winery restaurant meal showcasing the farm to table mentality the Yarra is known for. Stops may include:

Coldstream Hills Winery

Coldstream Hills embraces the unique climate and agriculture of the Yarra to produce some of Australia’s finest Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Their minimalistic but exacting process produces exceptional and complex varietals that can’t be missed.

Yering Station

One of the region’s oldest wineries (180 years in business!), the cellar door is located in the original winery building where you can taste their award winning Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their varietals combine a unique blend of old and new, saluting the history of the vineyard and surrounds.

De Bortoli Italian Wines

This award winning winery features stunning scenery coupled with authentic Italian cuisine and a huge selection of local and international cheeses. This family oriented company is 90 years old and their cellar door showcases the huge array of wines De Bortoli are known for with something for everyone’s palates.

TarraWarra Estate

This sprawling winery showcases contemporary architecture with the beautiful vines and estate built on a hill. Their well known restaurant offers local produce, which you can pair with the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir the estate is best known for. For those wanting a taste of culture with their tipple. The winery also houses the TarraWarra Museum of Art featuring contemporary Australian artists.

Spend a further night at the gorgeous Chateau Yering Hotel.

Day 3 Yarra Valley to Melbourne (66 km – 1 hour 15 minutes driving time approx)

Late morning you return to Australia’s second largest metropolitan area, the cultural hub of Melbourne. This afternoon you will take a sightseeing tour of the city by foot, tram or car. Sights could include Federation Square, Chinatown, the Eureka Skydeck, a tour of the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground or simply exploring the many laneways, arcades and hidden gems of the city centre. Melbourne is also home to a number of fantastic museums and art galleries, such as the National Gallery of Victoria which showcases world-class work from international, Australian and Indigenous artists. This evening dine at one of the many fantastic restaurants the city is known for; perhaps situated with great views of the Yarra River that runs through the CBD.

The next two nights will be spent at the ultra luxurious Langham Hotel Melbourne. This riverside hotel features classic and timeless interiors and amenities, overlooking the Southbank district. Perhaps dine at their fabulous buffet restaurant or venture out to one of the fabulous riverside restaurants nearby. A dip in their indoor pool with spectacular views is not to be missed.

Day 4 Melbourne Sightseeing

Today is free to explore Melbourne at your leisure. We recommend a visit to the wonderful Royal Botanic Gardens, which sprawl over 36 hectares in the central city. The huge array of flora offers a number of leisurely walks or even hop on the Garden Explorer winding its way around the gardens. The Botanic Gardens showcase native and local plant life embraced by the local indigenous peoples; the Kulin Nation. Also make sure to stop by the Tropical Glasshouse and the restored water feature Guilfoyle’s Volcano. Today also offers the chance to visit the historic Fitzfoy Gardens, which showcase classic Victorian design and houses Cooks’ Cottage – the oldest building in Australia built in 1755.

Spend a further night at your luxury hotel accommodation nestled in the bustling CBD.

Day 5 Melbourne to Adelaide (approx. 90 minute flight time)

This morning after further exploring Melbourne, you head to the airport and fly northwest to the state of South Australia, arriving in the city of Adelaide early afternoon. This city is known for its unique blend of old and new, with the River Torrens running alongside the bustling city centre. This afternoon make your way to the McLaren Cale Winery Region just a short drive south of the city, where you will be spending the next three nights The Vineyard Retreat nestled within the vines in a working vineyard at Marmont in the estate Grenache. This luxurious escape offers spectacular views over South Australia’s premier wine region with 5 star amenities in private guest houses. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local winery where you will have the opportunity to start the South Australian leg of your tour with local award winning varietals.

Day 6 McLaren Vale Winery Tour

Today you are taken on a full day guided winery tour of the McLaren Vale wine region. This area is home to some of South Australia’s oldest vines and the Mediterranean climate gives rise to delicious and unique varietals. In particular this region is known for its Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. You will visit 3-4 local wineries and delicious food with lunch included. Examples of wineries you could visit in the area are:

D’Arenberg

This iconic McLaren Vale winery is home to the famous d’Arengerg Cube, a gorgeous example of modern architecture which is striking against the breathtaking scenery of the vines. The winery itself is known for their Shiraz and Grenache run by a father-and-son team.

Wirra Wirra

This winery is best known for their Tempranillo wines, as well as their relaxed and spacious tasting room and property. The ethos of this winery is fun and this is expressed through their quirky property and range of delicious wines.

Coriole

This Mediterranean inspired winery showcases the breathtaking scenery with quaint brick architecture and wild gardens. The on-site restaurant is famous for not having a menu – only one dish is offered per day based on seasonal and local ingredients. In true Mediterranean fashion, their wines are inspired by Italy, with their Sangiovese, Merlot and Fiano varietals are a must-try.

Day 7 Barossa Valley Winery Tour

Today you travel north of Adelaide, to the historic and world renown wine region of the Barossa Valley. Established by German settlers in the mid-1800s, this area is most well known for their Shiraz. Some highlights of the region you could visit are:

Yalumba Winery

Australia’ oldest family owned winery, this historic estate showcases beautiful stone buildings and lush gardens. With wines fermented in homemade barrels, Yalumba has a range of red wines the region is well known for but also specialise in Viognier that is well worth a taste. Perhaps enjoy a cheese platter with paired wines on their sprawling lawn under the historic clock tower.

Lambert Estate

Another family oriented estate, this tasting room has expansive decks giving spectacular views of the beautiful countryside. Their award winning varietals are infused with traditional and modern techniques and the winery aims to work in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Specialising in reds, their Chocolatier wine is flavoured with rich dark chocolate and definitely worth a taste!

Penfolds Winery

Perhaps Australia’s most famous wine, their cellar door and winery aims to pull back the curtain and showcase the process behind the making of their iconic wines. Definitely try their internationally renown and award-winning Grange range.

Day 8 Adelaide City Sightseeing

Today to head to Adelaide to explore this quirky and vibrant city. With so much to see and do, the options for the day are endless! Perhaps visit the Adelaide Zoo, home to the only breeding pair of Panda in the Southern Hemisphere. The Zoo is also bordered by the gorgeous Botanical Gardens, which celebrate the rich history of the area. Home to several wonderful museums, you could pay a visit to the South Australian Museum to learn about the aboriginal and settler history of the area. If you prefer some retail therapy, Rundle Mall is home to a huge number of retailers and off the beaten track, the Central Market is home to abundant food and wares.

Day 9 Adelaide to Sydney (2 hour flight)

This morning you depart South Australia and fly to Australia’s largest city, Sydney. This afternoon you will take a guided tour of Sydney Opera House and learn all about the history of Australia’s most iconic building. This evening you will be taken on an exclusive Harbour Cruise where you will dine on board with spectacular views of the cityscape and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Your accommodation tonight is the exclusive and luxurious Hyatt Park Hotel Sydney. This 5 star haven offers sweeping views of the Sydney Opera House and Darling Harbour. Perhaps take a dip in the rooftop pool or simply relax and luxuriate in the understated but timeless interior design with breathtaking views.

Day 10 Sydney to Hunter Valley (244 km, 3 hours and 30 minutes driving)

Today you make the drive from Sydney up the coast and inland to the Hunter Valley Wine Region, known for its rich red soiled vineyards with mobs of Kangaroos. Best known for the Hunter Valley Semillon, this region harmonises between old and new vinicultural techniques. Hunter Valley also borders on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Yengo National Park and Wollombi, where this afternoon you could venture into this scenic and cultural region to learn about New South Wales’ indigenous and convict settler history. This evening there is the chance to dine at a local winery restaurant with spectacular views over the vines and sweeping landscape.

Your accommodation for the next two nights is the Chateau Elan, located at The Vintage Estate Golf Resort and Spa. This exclusive and secluded property offers award winning hospitality and accommodation. This luxurious hotel is the perfect final stop of your Australian wine adventure, allowing you to relax and unwind in the beautiful surroundings of this estate.

Day 11 Hunter Valley Winery Tour

Today you will enjoy a full day guided culinary and winery tour of the Hunter Valley, including a visit to several of the area’s renowned winemakers, such as:

Harkham Wines

This natural winery produces organic varietals with a focus on harmony between the winemaking process and the surrounding environment. Make sure to also taste their bespoke Chocolate Liqueur and Meade.

Peppertree Wines

This boutique winery is renown for their Tallawanta Grand Reserve Shiraz and their wonderful Circa 1876 Restaurant. There is also the chance to take a winery tour to see behind the scenes of how this winery makes their delicious tipples.

Tyrrell’s Wines

This historic winery was founded in 1858 and offers a wide range of award winning wines including their iconic Vat 1 Semillon. This picturesque winery showcases the heritage of the estate and features the original iron bark hut that the founder, Edward Tyrrell resided in.

You will also have the opportunity to try a selection of the delicious local cheese, craft beers and other local cuisine on offer in the region. This tour includes a generous lunch overlooking the vines as well as the chance to see wildlife along the way and experience the typical Australian scene of Kangaroos hopping through the vines. Tonight enjoy a further night at Chateau Elan.

Day 12 Hunter Valley to Sydney Airport Departure (244 km, 3 hours and 30 minutes driving)

Today, after further exploring Hunter Valley, you will return to Sydney back down the east coast where you are transferred to your onward travel arrangements. We trust you have had a memorable exclusive Road Trip with us.

Everything we do is custom and bespoke to your needs and desires. Enquire about your options for a custom Australian Wine tour today.