5 Vineyards to Taste Test Your New Favourite Drops.

There is nothing more relaxing than a weekend trip to a local vineyard to sample wines at the cellar door – and of course take some home for later!

All over Australia, wine enthusiasts regularly head out for a leisurely lunch among the vines, sampling in the garden or picnicking in the grounds to find their new favourite drop. Here are five venues for your next cellar door or restaurant taste test this wine harvest:

Explore award-winning wines that reflect the true nature of the region, showcasing quality fruit at its purest and most vibrant, at Knappstein Wines on Pioneer Avenue in Clare. Located in an historic building in the heart of the Clare Valley, the cellar door is a must-see when you visit the vineyard; formerly the original 19th Century Enterprise Brewery, wander inside and enjoy a tasting of premium range wines.

 

Built on a rich heritage, Knappstein is one of the most recognisable wineries in the region, producing drops such as the award-winning 2023 Clare Valley Riesling with elegance and intensity and true traits of lime, spice and white florals on the nose, while the palate is generously flavoured with a persistent lemon finish. 

Taste the quality of Great Southern and Western Australian produce while enjoying estate-grown wines at Monty's Leap on South Coast Highway in Albany. Based on the banks of the ancient Kalgan River, the vineyard, cellar door and restaurant offer beautiful vistas overlooking the vines; ideal for lingering over a leisurely lunch with family and friends, from an ever-changing menu showcasing seasonal local ingredients.

 

Pair a 2022 Sauvignon Blanc with a starter of scallop ceviche, blood orange and buttermilk, moving onto memorable mains such as Green Range lamb, smoked yoghurt, black garlic, courgette and basil, accompanied by a glass of Monty’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon.

Discover the art of artisanal smokehouse cooking along with estate wines at Poachers Pantry on Nanima Road in Springrange. This restaurant, cellar door, farm shop and country wedding and event destination uses only traditional hand-crafted techniques and natural wood smoke to produce award-winning dishes in spectacular surrounds, whether taking in vineyard vistas from the alfresco deck or sampling wines while dining indoors at cosy table settings.

 

Choose from sharing options that may include Cowra lamb collar, mint, cumin and brassicas, salted plum and saltbush, teamed with Poachers Vineyard 2021 Chardonnay; finishing indulgently with soufflé cheesecake, yuzu and citrus peel, caramelised mango, green tea custard and a glass of Lark Hill Ley-Line 2022 Riesling.

Locals and visitors alike discover a relaxing winery experience in the heart of Tamborine Mountain at Mason Wines Restaurant on Hartley Road. Sweeping views, beautiful wines and fare with flair will keep you coming back for more at this Gold Coast Hinterland dining destination, where lush greenery and a rustic cellar door promise memories to last a lifetime. 

 

Perhaps team a glass of estate Chardonnay with plates like chilled King prawns, spiced cucumber salad and gazpacho dressing, while a main of confit duck, with quince and rosemary glaze, sautéed potatoes, hickory bacon and shallots demands to be enjoyed with a glass of 2019 Shiraz with raspberry and mulberry aromas with a hint of chocolate.

Take in panoramic views of rolling vineyards as you dine in style at Barmah Park Restaurant & Cellar Door in Moorooduc. Located a short drive from Mornington on Moorooduc Highway, this destination restaurant boasts a beautiful, spacious dining room, casual enough for a midweek luncheon yet also intimate enough for a romantic dinner with your special someone.

 

From a Modern Australian menu showcasing the abundance of world-class produce available in the region, begin with Appellation oysters, shucked to order, with pink gin granita, cucumber apple and ice plant; followed by venison, couscous pearl, courgette purée, cauliflower florets, dried raspberries and a glass of Barmah Park Vintage Shiraz.