The Top 3 Bucks Party Destinations for the Wine Connoisseur
Have a main man of taste? One that enjoys a perfect pairing of wine and cheese, really just any of the finer things in life? Well not to worry, we’ve got a few ideas for your self styled connoisseur! All over the country Australia has fantastic wine regions, with at least one uptown award winner from each one. Whilst these regions can be a bit of a drive away from the cities, we promise not only is that part of the charm but it’ll be 100% worth it when you get there. Without further adieu let’s have a look at a few of the places you’re gonna want to take your discerning buck.
Hunter Valley
3 hours of leisurely driving through some spectacular scenery north of Sydney gets you to the world famous Hunter Valley wine region, known for its heavily accoladed Chardonnays, Shirazs, and everything in between. Sporting decadent A-framed venues and delectable cellar doors, all surrounded by rolling fields of vineyards, the Hunter Valley is a sight to get anyone excited, let alone a true wine connoisseur. Of course, whilst tastings and tours through the fields and vats themselves are available, why not treat your man to a stay at one of the quaint AirBnBs of the area, coupled with a dawn hot air balloon ride over the valley? For the buck looking to try his taste buds on the velvety songs of the grape, or for one just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Sydney, the Hunter Valley is the perfect choice.
Barossa Valley
Honestly, we’d like to just write the whole of the Adelaide region for this one. For some of the most exquisite wines in the world, South Australia is the perfect place for a wine lover. With nearly every type of grape grown in the state, there’s far too much to choose from for just a weekend away. As varied as and as beautiful as the wines they produce, South Australia has no shortage of winemaking regions and all of them, every single one, are worth taking the time to head out to and experience. Our top favourites are the Barossa Valley (of course), McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, Coonawarra, and Adelaide Hills, and this isn’t even an exhaustive list. With Clare Valley being a few hours north and Coonawarra being a lot of hours south east, these two regions represent the furthest you'll travel, which whilst considerably far if you do them both, are definitely worth it, not least just for the sights you see along the way. Treat your palate by taking your best mate to what'll quickly become his unexpected happy place, South Australia, for all his wine tasting needs.
Margaret River
Three hours south of Perth lies the stunning Margaret River region and all of its natural beauty and winemaking glory. From the beach, to far down this iconic river, wineries for the refined can be found. If you or your best mate is a fan of the cabernet variety of grape then he’s come to the right place, you can’t go wrong with any of the cellar doors in this gorgeous region. Of course, you’re more than welcome to live the life of the French Riviera and after your tasting head straight to the beach and enjoy the sunset over the rich blue ocean. Sounds like heaven doesn’t it?
The Yarra Valley
A couple of hours east of Melbourne lies the beautiful Yarra Valley, tucked away in its walls of the Great Dividing Range. This winemaking region is essential for any pilgrim of the wine variety, hosting some incredible views, a chocolaterie, and some almost off the map towns with a nature loving vibe, you’ll find great wineries here. With some fantastic kitchens to compliment their cellar doors, these often airy and light wineries really allow you to enjoy the natural sunlight and rolling green vineyards that stretch right up the sides of the great valley. We’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about the art of the Yarra Valley which is up there right alongside the wine as one of our favourite parts. From modern and contemporary canvases and murals, to unique architectural styles and sculptures, and of course to the famous Archibald Prize-hosting art galleries, the Yarra Valley is a treat to the eye and mind as well as the palate.
Right on your doorstep sits some of the best winemaking regions in the world, places where your best mate can exercise his palate in comfort, with good food, great views, maybe even from a hot air balloon, and brilliant art. Not only would you be missing out big time if you didn’t try these regions, but we’re pretty sure it's also a crime.
