WINE & BEER trails around Oz

Enjoy a weekend sampling some of the very finest drops in the country

BAROSSA VALLEY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Barossa The rolling hills of the Valley have long been synonymous with wineries. Iconic names like Seppeltsfield, Creek are Penfolds and Jacob’s just a few of the famous South vintners in this part of drive Australia – an hour’s sure from Adelaide. But make wineries you visit the smaller to too. A good introduction boutique producers promoting small batch, sub-regional winemaking is at the Artisans of Barossa Tasting Room, located on the outskirts of Tanunda. Visit barossa.com.

MORNINGTON PENINSULA, VIC

An hour’s drive from Melbourne on the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay, the Mornington Peninsula is a haven for wine lovers. Sample brilliant wines at Polperro Winery and Paringa Estate. Taste the best the region has to offer at the Red Hill Epicurean, or artisanal spirits like limoncello and grappa at Bass & Flinders Distillery. See visitmornington peninsula.org.

MARGARET RIVER, WA

A church for wine? Well, not quite, but enthusiasts will want to venture to WA’S southwest to visit Burch Family Wines’ Wine Chapel. Their tours start in the vineyard and chart the course of the grape from vine to glass. For a more indulgent experience, you can prearrange cheese platters or a chef-cooked meal. It’s just one of the wineries to visit in this verdant region, which includes big names such as Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate and Cape Mentelle. See margaretriver.com.

CANBERRA, ACT

Canberra and surrounds are full of fine cellar door experiences, from the food and wine pairings at the Capital Wines Epicurean Centre to excellent small estates like Mount Majura, Lerida Estate and the Four Winds Vineyard. For a rustic dining experience, try Olleyville at Shaw Vineyard. And if delicious smoked goods to accompany your wine sounds like a good idea, then stop at the Poachers Pantry to stock up. Visit visitcanberra.com.au.

HUNTER VALLEY, NSW

Whether you’re keen to sample wines, dine on fabulous food or see a bigname star, you’ll know why the Hunter Valley was recently named one of the top 10 wine regions in the world. The Valley and Upper Hunter are home to more than 150 cellar doors, including Mcwilliam’s, Tulloch and Tyrrell’s. See winecountry.com.au.