Australia is well-known for its excellent production of wine, and there are numerous regions throughout the country that are dedicated to producing the finest bottles of local wine. Two of the best-loved areas are the Hunter Valley and Yarra Valley, two regions in different parts of the country that both place heavy emphasis on using the flavours, scents, and sights of the surrounding land. But which one is best for you?
The Hunter Valley Wine Region
Situated around two hour’s from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is the oldest wine-growing region in the whole of Australia, meaning it comes with a heavy dose of history and age-old culture.
Throughout the beautiful landscape, there are more than 150 wineries that produce award-winning wines year after year.
Dating back to the 1820s, the wines produced in the Hunter Valley come from different grapes. The most famous is the Hunter Valley Semillon, but there are also numerous bottles made from Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Verdelho.
As well as wine, Hunter Valley wine tours also offer an insight into local culture and other aspects of traditional Australian life. The area is known for its emphasis on fine dining, and there are plenty of top-notch restaurants and cooking schools peppered throughout the land. For the most part, you can expect to discover the local flavours of meats, cheeses, chocolates, and bread.
There are lots of activities to get stuck into in the area, too, including hot air balloon flights, helicopter rides, food and wine festivals, and music concerts. One of the oldest vineyards, the Wyndham Estate, hosts an opera every year.
Yarra Valley Wine Region
The Yarra Valley is located near Melbourne, about an hour from the bustling city. At the
moment, there’s no public transport to the region, so it’s best
join one of our Yarra Valley wine tours.
Whilst the Hunter Valley is known for producing Semillon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay, Yarra Valley is renowned for its production of Pinot Noir, sparkling wines, and other cool-climate varieties. The lighter temperatures in Melbourne provide a different environment for the vineyards, giving the two separate regions their own distinct flavours.
The Yarra Valley is home to less wineries than the Hunter Valley, with around 80 in its clutches, but it’s also well-known for its fresh seafood, including freshwater salmon, caviar, and trout, as well as organic fruit and veg, and locally made cheeses.
The Yarra Valley isn’t just a wine producing region, either. It has a lengthy history of making local craft beers and ciders and is home to a number of small breweries. If you’re an art lover then the Yarra Valley is perfect for you, thanks to its changing landscape that has inspired numerous artists over the years, their work now displayed in the smattering of galleries in the area.
To experience the breathtaking scenery of both the Hunter Valley and the Yarra Valley book one of our tours today!
