» Australia's Spectacular Wine Country

when you think of Australia, you don't automatically associate it with wine. Yet, there is some beautiful wine country in Australia with spectacular scenery and delicious wine. You can enjoy a leisurely trip through the five distinct regions in South Australia which have beautiful wine country. In Adelaide Hills, you can enjoy the comforts and pace of the country, yet be close enough to one of Australia's major cities, Adelaide, with all of its attractions. The attractions of Adelaide Hills include plenty of vineyards to tour and wine to taste. It is close to the state of Victoria and you can even see some beautiful Victorian countryside. Barossa is a treat for the eyes. This valley is famous as a leading wine producer in the world. It is Australia's best wine producing region. It has attracted many influences from Europe because of its beauty and its tendency for wine growing. This is evident in the tone and architecture of many villages that are similar to those found in England or Germany. You can follow the local tradition and spend the afternoon enjoying local wine with European specialties.Clare Valley.Clare Valley boasts Australia's Reisling Trail. The trail is 27 kilometers long, and is considered a very fine bike ride. Most of the areas 40 cellars are on the route, and so you can stop and sample the local fare. There are also plenty of restaurants and hostels along the way, allowing you to complete the trail as quickly or as slowly as you would like. Fleurieu Peninsula includes the McLaren Vale, a wine-producing district with beautiful scenery. This peninsula stretches from just south of Adelaide down to Cape Jarvis. It has distinct French influences, including the propensity for fine wines. There are almost 60 cellars in the McLaren Vale, where the proprietors pamper their guests and encourage tastings. Limestone Coast bears the name because of the limestone that forms this part of the Australian coast. The wine produced in this region is of superior quality because of the rich limestone foundation. Limestone causes the soil to decay and it in turn breaks down into nutrients. The decaying process also creates natural aeration, which is ideal for growing vineyards. Limestone Coast is listed as a World Heritage Site because of some of the world's most acclaimed wines, and its system of unique underground caves. You have the option to travel by car, bike, or even hot air balloon to enjoy Australia's wine country. Hot air balloon provides a bird's eye view of the countryside, and you can land in the vineyards of many cellars and enjoy a glass of wine. A bike ride through wine country is equally enjoyable not only in the Clare Valley but in many other bicycle friendly places as well. There are bike trails wherever you go. As you travel, you will soon realize that wine country in Australia has as much style as it has substance.

back to top | back to tourism | recommend this page