6 Of The All-Time Best Wineries In Australia

Raise your glass to Australia’s best wineries where Old World expertise marries with New World innovation with beautiful results.

From meeting leading winemakers from each region to experiencing some of the country’s most beautiful places through their amazing wines, here are a few of the best wineries in Australia.

1. Boydell’s, NSW

The first-ever cellar door to open in Morpeth is housed in a historic slab hut near to vine-clad slopes on the banks of the Allyn River. Charles Boydell was one of the first to plant vines in the Hunter when he settled on the property in 1826.

The boutique vineyard in East Gresford is now run by Jane Maroulis and her vigneron husband Daniel Maroulis, who craft small-batch boutique wines made from grapes grown on the farm.

The cellar door will showcase these award-winning wines and in Boydell’s restaurant, where chef Sheldon Black oversees a seasonal menu focusing on local produce.

Boydell’s cellar door and restaurant also has a courtyard and log fire and a luxury safari-style glampsite built for two.

Charles Boydell was one of the first to plant vines in the Hunter

2. Tahbilk Winery, Victoria

Wine tourists get a very special welcome when they leave the Tahbilk Winery after an Ultimate Winery Experience tour: a 750ml bottle of their own top drop after participating in a blending workshop.

In terms of quintessential Australian vineyard experiences, this place is up there and it’s all too easy to hang out here for a day: known as tabilk-tabilk ‘place of many waterholes’ in the language of the Daung-Daung-wurrung clans, the carbon-neutral winery comprises 1214 ha of rich river flats with a frontage of 11 km to the Goulburn River and 8 km of backwaters and creeks that spaghetti around the surrounds.

Tahbilk is somewhat of a tucked-away secret: located just 90 minutes from Melbourne on one of the nation’s premium viticultural areas. And, as the gnarled and twisted vines at Tahbik Winery attest, the vineyard and its varietals dates back about 150 years.

3. Hahndorf Hill, South Australia

The hills of Adelaide are indeed alive with the Sound of Music at this winery that celebrates the white wine grape grüner veltliner and blaufrankisch (the red version of this grape), which are grown primarily in Austria.

This part of South Australia was settled in the 19th century by Lutherans and Germans fleeing persecution: it is known for its range of quality cool-climate wines and its distinct European feel.

In addition to its pioneering plantings of Austrian grape varieties, the estate produces wines the region is renowned for such as pinot grigio, shiraz and a fresh and dry rosé.

Conscious travellers will appreciate the vineyard’s environmentally sustainable farming methods, which protects the heritage of the hills.

Book a ChocoVino experience, where you can learn about terroir through chocolate and wine matching.

Handhorf seeks to protect the heritage of the hills

4. Bay of Fires, Tasmania

Head to the north of Tassie past the Tamar River and east into the Pipers River region to find the Bay of Fires, a winery named after this particularly beautiful swathe of the State’s rugged east coast.

The area was named ‘Bay of Fires‘ in 1773 when the aptly named Captain Tobias Furneaux noticed a number of spot fires dotted along the coast, evidence of occupation of the traditional Indigenous owners of the land.

Fast forward a couple of hundred years and winemaker Penny Jones is one of many breaking down the State’s outdated reputation of insularity: Jones has travelled the world to better understand the lay of the land and her now exceptional winemaking knowledge has resulted in some exceptional pinot noirs being produced on the property.

The winery is now one of Tassie’s headline attractions, prompting patronage from local and international oenophiles.

The Bay of Fires winery is named after this beautiful swathe of the east coast

5. Leeuwin Estate, Western Australia

The cellar door at this family business is theatrically heavy on sandstone and wood, as is the restaurant, and art gallery, which have all been added to the original production facilities, which opened in 1978.

While terroir is said to determine the complexities of a wine and where it’s from, the estate in Margaret River in WA is also defined by its dedication to fine wine, food and art.

As well as producing wines ranked as some of the best in the world, Leeuwin Estate showcases its sense of place by staging world-class events.

It also embraces the arts by linking concerts and Art Series events back to its labels, which feature leading contemporary Australian artists.

Do a few hot laps of the gallery, which includes artworks from Lloyd Rees, Sir Sydney Nolan, John Olsen and Arthur Boyd.

Leeuwin Estate showcases its sense of place by staging world-class events

6. Helm Wines, Canberra District

The crisp, cool climate of the Canberra district enables winemakers in the region to craft complex wines of great subtlety and elegance.

A tutored tasting at Helm winery, housed in the original 1888 public school house, is a very intimate experience.

After 22 years of working as a horticulture scientist at the CSIRO, Helm purchased the 15 hectare property in 1973 and set up one of the district’s first wineries with wife Judith.

After his first wine, made in 1977, won first prize at the Forbes Wine Show, Helm figured he was onto a good thing: he is now credited with helping establish the Canberra District Wine Region’s reputation for producing world-class cool-climate wines. To go to the cellar door and find Helm himself there is a beautiful thing.

A tour of Helm wines is a very intimate experience

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.

6 of the best wineries in Australia