But if you are preparing to venture around Australia's wine regions, you simply must not pass by any of these amazing destinations.
So if you are passing through, be sure to support local industry by taking home a bottle or two of some of this country's best products direct from the vineyard.
Margaret River, Western AustraliaLocation: 4.5 hrs drive from Perth
Why it’s luscious: Magnificent views, stunning sunsets, Mediterranean climate, luxurious retreats and bountiful vineyards to visit
Best styles of wine: Cabernet Merlot, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
Other tasty stuff: Locally produced chocolate & cheese, Whale watching, Injidup Spa Retreat
Barossa, South Australia
Location: 1 hr drive from Adelaide
Why it’s luscious: An easy day trip from Adelaide, Australia’s most famous wine region, great golf courses, award winning gastronomic experiences, more than 70 cellar doors for wine tastings
Best styles of wine: Shiraz, Cabernet, Grenache
Other tasty stuff: Butcher Baker & Winemaker trail, Maggie Beers Farm Shop, Barossa Farmers Markets
Clare & Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Location: 2 hrs drive north Adelaide
Why it’s luscious: Heritage towns and villages, Tuscan vistas, fantastic bicycle and walking trails
Best styles of wine: Riesling
Other tasty stuff: Clare Valley Riesling Trail, Sevenhills Producers Markets, Artisans Table Bar and Bistro
Yarra Valley, VictoriaLocation: 1 hr drive east of Melbourne
Why it’s luscious: Amazing architecture hidden within the vineyards, from grand villas to rustic tin sheds, arguably the best selection of quality restaurants
Best styles of wine: Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
Other tasty stuff: Grape Grazing Festival, Spring Floral Display, Yarra Valley Dairy, Badger Creek Blueberry Farm
Mornington Peninsula, VictoriaLocation: just 1hr drive from Melbourne
Why it’s luscious: country-meets-beach, beautiful scenery, great local produce, easy day trip or weekender from Melbourne, sweet B&Bs
Best styles of wine: Pinot Noir
Other tasty stuff: Red Hill Market, strawberry picking, wine tours on horseback
Tasmania
Location: 1 hr flight across Bass Strait
Why it’s luscious: Incredible wildlife such as echidnas, Tasmanian Devils and fairy penguins, spectacular high trees and dense forests and bushland, fantastic rugged mountain walks
Best styles of wine: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Other tasty stuff: Alpenrail Swiss Model Village & Railway
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Location: Around 3.5 hrs drive south of Sydney
Why it’s luscious: Close to some of Australia’s best ski resorts, producer of some of Australia’s best cool climate wines, big city facilities with country town feel
Best styles of wine: Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon
Other tasty stuff: Flint in the Vines Restaurant, Poachers Pantry Smokehouse Cafe, Homeleigh Grove Olives
Orange, New South WalesLocation: Central NSW, about 3.5 hrs drive west of Sydney
Why it’s luscious: Perfect weekend away at a chic country destination, picturesque parks and gardens which turn gold and Orange in Autumn, rich with history and heritage
Best styles of wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
Other tasty stuff: Orange Food Week (April) & Orange Wine Week (Oct), Helicopter rides, Cherries apples and truffles
Hotels outside Sydney which are not near the wineries, but still absolutely luscious and worth considering when planning your trip:
New England, New South WalesLocation: Roughly half way between Brisbane and Sydney, NSW
Why it’s luscious: Diverse landscapes and climates creating a unique experience around every corner, an abundance of natural beauty and history spreading across the largest and highest wine region in Australia, wine, waterfalls and wild brumbies
Best styles of wine: Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz
Other tasty stuff: Freshly caught wild trout, Cinders Bistro Armidale, Merilba Estate Restaurant, Petersons Armidale Winery & Guesthouse
A special thanks to our friends at Winestream for this luscious insight!
For other Luscious wine information, read more related articles in our '
wine and dine me' section and wines that don't break the back in '
Cashola'.