Australia adds another trophy to its growing shelf of wine awards.
Nothing warms the soul quite like a full-bodied shiraz in winter. And if you live in the Barossa Valley, you can now pop by for a bottle of the best in the world. I’m not exaggerating either – an expert panel at this year’s prestigious Sommelier Choice Awards officially named the red varietal from Hare’s Chase the Shiraz of the Year.
Hare’s Chase sits in the Barossa Valley. (Image: Dragan Fine Art Photography)
Australia is home to plenty of impressive wine regions, many of them spread generously across South Australia. With its cool climate, diverse terroir and ideal soil conditions, the state has long been a powerhouse of premium wine production – from the Adelaide Hills to McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley.
Just an hour’s drive from Adelaide, the Barossa offers a healthy handful of award-winning vineyards, including Hare’s Chase. Sitting atop a hill overlooking its rolling patchwork of vines, the boutique winery is known for producing a curated list of sustainable and flavourful tipples.
The 2021 Ironscraper Shiraz claimed Shiraz of the Year.
But it’s the 2021 Ironscraper Shiraz that won the hearts of judges at this year’s Sommelier Choice Awards in Chicago, USA. Characterised by its crimson hue and full-bodied flavour, the vibrant wine carries a wild berry aroma with undertones of cinnamon and chocolate. It delivers an overall punchy plum palate, partnered with soft acidity and velvety tannins.
The wine was evaluated on everything from quality, typicity and value for money to food friendliness and even packaging before being awarded Shiraz of the Year. Not only that, but Hare’s Chase also won Red Wine Producer of the Year, with all four of its entrants also earning gold medals and scores above 90.
Run by Aulian International, the winery has consistently impressed on the global stage, with accolades from the Decanter World Wine Awards, London Wine Show and more. Even its sister Barossa winery, Schubert Estate , is on the rise. Its 2021 ‘The Lone Goose’ shiraz viognier received Best in Show for Australian red wine at the esteemed international wine competition Mundus Vini in Germany.
The winery also won Red Wine Producer of the Year. (Image: Dragan Fine Art Photography)
Despite this (and over 20 years’ experience in the industry), it’s still a pinch-me moment for Hare’s Chase chief winemaker, Matt Reynolds. “Being recognised at the Sommeliers Choice Awards by the very professionals who shape the US dining experience is a tremendous honour," he says.
“Having our wine evaluated and awarded by a panel that includes master sommeliers validates our commitment to excellence in every bottle. We pride ourselves in making red wines that deliver on the promise of generous flavour that Barossa is renowned for, and these results uphold the continued appeal and relevance of the classic Barossa style."
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
The wild, otherworldly beauty of The Grampians offers a perfect place to unwind, slow down and relax.
Not all holidays yield the same result; some are bustling, with endless things to do, events to book and places to see. All great things, but they leave you feeling more tired than before. Then, there are destinations that help you slow down, making real connections and participating in self-care.
Destinations like The Grampians : surrounded by untouched nature, allowing a chance to reconnect with yourself and loved ones at a slower pace.
Discover six science-backed ways to enjoy a holiday and feel restored at the end of it.
1. Practice mindfulness
Be present at Hamilton Gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Mindfulness – the practice of tuning into the present moment – has been found to help in reducing stress, anxiety and depression. One way to practice this art is by immersing yourself in art.
Hamilton Gallery has been in operation for over 60 years, and is not only home to many significant art pieces but also runs workshops and events for all ages to expand their awareness and understanding of art. The gallery is also the custodian of the largest collection of Gunditjmara artefacts held on country.
If you prefer to practice mindfulness through movement, visit Halls Gap Zoo to feed the meerkats – who wouldn’t feel better after focusing on these little guys? Or visit The Grampians Horse Riding Centre for an unforgettable morning ride through 10 kilometres of bushland. Enjoy the soothing movement of the horse and experience the bush anew.
2. Indulge in self-care
Take an immersive bath in nature on the Venus Baths loop walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)
While the term self-care might conjure up images of indulgent bubble baths or a soothing massage, there’s more to it than pampering. Self-care is any action that protects your physical, emotional and mental well-being.
Like taking an immersive ‘bath’ in nature. Do just that on the Venus Baths loop walk – ideal for less experienced hikers or those walking with kids – stopping at freshwater-filled rockpools to cool down along the way.
Serious hikers (we’re talking some rock hopping and traversing slippery tracks) can tackle the Wurgarri, or Mount Sturgeon walk, which rewards the effort with panoramic views from the summit.
For those whose idea of self-care leans more towards arts and culture, a visit to WAMA is a must. Australia’s first national centre for environmental art is home to exhibitions that explore the natural world through film, installation, painting, performance and more.
3. Embrace nature
Soak in incredible views over Halls Gap at Boroka Lookout. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Spending time in nature is the ultimate way to soothe your body and mind. It’s been proven to help with all manner of things, from reducing stress to boosting cognitive function. And there’s no better place to enjoy it than among the raw sandstone, wildflowers and native creatures of The Grampians.
Rocklands Reservoir, spanning 6700 hectares, is an ideal spot. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the view over Grampians National Park. Cast a line, hire a canoe or follow nature trails along the water’s perimeter. How’s the serenity?
To appreciate nature’s imposing power, head to Splitters Falls. Here, find unrivalled tranquillity. Spring is the best time to visit, when bouquets of native spring flowers greet visitors.
Those with limited mobility will appreciate Boroka Lookout, a viewing platform surrounded by breathtaking views over Halls Gap and the eastern Grampians. Come early to witness a sunrise you’ll never forget.
4. Prioritise Rest
Recharge at Nook on the Hill. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Above all else, a holiday should be an opportunity to recharge, and there’s no better way to do it than to get a good night’s sleep. We don’t need to tell you how essential sleep is, for everything from mental health to strengthening the immune system.
Try Wanderlust Glamping , where guests fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature after an evening relaxing around the fire pit and wake to your very own green oasis.
For pure luxury in the foothills of the Grampians National Park, look no further than Nook on the Hill – a handcrafted tiny house surrounded by rewilded, lush native Australian bush. It might be small, but Nook on the Hill has everything needed to unwind in style, including an outdoor bath for balmy nights.
For a modern farm stay, book at Mount William Station in the foothills of The Grampians. The station combines old-world charm with modern amenities and easy access to everything this region has to offer.
5. Engage Your Senses
Indulge in a meal at Salingers. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Few human senses are as fun to indulge in as taste. A meal at Salingers in Great Western is the ultimate treat, and not only for the taste buds. The food is excellent, but Salingers’ really unique attraction is the bustling beehive that lives within the walls of the historic building.
For an expertly smoked burger, ribs, or beef brisket, head to Flame Brothers in Halls Gap. Tuck into delicious food while you enjoy the view.
If you prefer your senses heightened by the pump of adrenaline, Grampians Soaring Club offers an eagle-eye view of the Grampians National Park and Pyrenees Ranges from a glider. Take in the sights with a cross-country flight, ridge soar, or altitude wave flight.
6. Connect and reconnect
Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)
Making shared memories is a wonderful way to reconnect with old friends or make new ones. These unexpected finds make it easy to discover something new in The Grampians.
Amateur geologists will delight at the Kanawinka geotrail, which covers 60 sites over Australia’s most extensive volcanic province. Visit the Penshurst Volcano Discovery Centre to learn more about volcanic activity in The Grampians, or head to nearby Mount Napier State Park for a trip into the Byaduk lava caves.
Pop in to the Ros McArthur Art Studio to peruse the gardens full of native and exotic plants and flowers that serve as the subjects of Ros’s still life paintings.
For a shopping experience like no other, head to the Dimboola Imaginarium . Far more than a shop, the Dimboola Imaginarium is an immersive experience where you’ll find all manner of quirky bits and pieces. Expect the unexpected.
