The Best Wineries in Australia

Mudgee

Lowe Family Wine Co. is a certified organic and biodynamic winery and farm on the Tinja property near Mudgee, New South Wales. It is known for Zinfandel and small-batch reds. Cellar door tastings are led by sommeliers, and the grounds include a lake and farm animals. Food is served at the Zin House restaurant.

McLaren Vale

Oliver's Taranga Vineyards is a family-run winery in McLaren Vale, known for Shiraz, Grenache and Vermentino in small batches. Seated tastings take place on a deck with a view over the vineyard, with bread, olive oil and almonds included. Visitors can also take vineyard tours by buggy. Samuel's Gorge is a small, red-focused winery in the same town, set in an old barn overlooking the Onkaparinga gorge. Its visits are relaxed tastings at the cellar door and on the verandah, and no food menu is offered on site.

Barossa Valley

Rockford Wines is a historic winery in Tanunda that makes Riesling, Shiraz and fortified wines, using old presses and tanks. Free tastings are held in restored stone cellar door buildings, and lunches are served on site. Kies Family Wines in Lyndoch has been in the family for seven generations. It produces Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, sparkling and white Shiraz, and fortified wines. Visitors can taste at the cellar door, where family stories are told, and lunch is served at the adjoining Monkey Nut Cafe.