Although Australian wine has been acknowledged as some of the best in the world a long time ago, the popularity of Australian wineries themselves has grown dramatically in recent years. People from all around the world gather to Australia for a unique adventure where international tourists and locals alike have an abundance of wine related experiences to choose from when visiting this great region.
If you are hoping to do some wine tourism in Australia, there are just a few simple things to think about before you go. When it comes to any trip, you first need to decide on a destination or general area you wish to visit. Both the scenery and the wine vary remarkably throughout the region but if you do your research beforehand, you won’t struggle to find the exact experience for which you are looking.
Plenty of choices
When it comes to choices, there are large and famous wineries which we have all heard of, like Jacob’s Creek, and then there are small family-run or boutique vineyards which are just as impressive to Australia’s visitors. Although the large wineries never fail to disappoint, they are often overcrowded due to their popularity, while the boutique wineries tend to have a more secluded location which can provide additional charm. These smaller vineyards usually offer a more intimate and personal touch and the quality of their labels may surprise you.
You also need to factor in the time you are visiting Australia. Some wineries will be open all year round, while others will be open only during the weekends. Most international tourists and Aussies alike, get their recommendations from their families and friends. As popular as it has become, the chances that you know somebody who has made this trip, are pretty great. However, if you are still struggling to pick a location for your wine holiday, why not pick a wine tour that will do that for you? A tour will not only ensure a smooth experience and the best locations, it will also offer some adventures you may not have thought of – like a hot-air balloon ride overlooking the vineyards and other gorgeous landscapes, or a lesson in tasting for the newbies.
There are some great places all around the region that offer everything you need to have a truly relaxing vacation. Not sure where to start? If you are near Sydney for example, you could visit one of the larger wine areas such as the Hunter Valley. Although the valley is close to the city, day drinking can a toll on us which is why you might want to consider and overnight stay on your wine tour. There are some phenomenal options when it comes to Hunter Valley accommodation. A lot of these options don’t only offer a place to sleep, but expert wine tasting guides and event venues for a truly first-class experience.
You don’t have to be an expert
A holiday trip to the vineyard should be relaxing and pleasant, although a lot of people get scared off by their lack of knowledge about wine. It is true that many of the international guests are serious wine connoisseurs, but plenty of them go just for the learning experience. Therefore, there is no need to opt out of the adventure if you feel intimidated, because there are guided tours everywhere to help you enjoy yourself.
On your trip, you will find that there are a great deal of free tastings around. Although these free tastings are organised in order to encourage customers to purchase the product, you should in no way feel pressured to buy anything you don’t want. The employees of the wineries are experienced and well-trained in dealing with visitors. Australians are overall friendly people and it isn’t in anybody’s interest for you to have a negative encounter on your visit. They understand that you might not want to purchase anything until the end of your stay, once you have tried everything.
If you do happen to be traveling around Australia, take the time to try some other regional produce that would pair perfectly with your newly discovered wine – such as hams, cheeses and olives. You don’t need to dig deep to find that Australia is a vast land which offers countless popular activities related to wine which can be enjoyed both by locals and tourists.
