People who are passionate about wine tend to take it very seriously. Everything about wine becomes a topic for analysis and conversation. They plan their lives around wine clubs and acquiring key bottles for their collections, each one suitable for a different occasion.
Wine tourism has been a big deal for a long time. Naturally, that includes tours of Bordeaux in France, Napa Valley in California, or Tuscany in Italy. And those are just a few of the key areas in the world. If you're so inclined, tours of the Australian wine country are a great idea, as well.
Australian wine dates back to 1788 when cuttings were first brought to New South Wales. Industry growth was slow at first. Now, it's a $3.5 billion per year domestic industry. Several major varieties are produced but Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot are key entries on that list.
Where to go
Wineries can be found in almost all of Australia's territories. That being said, the majority of wineries can be found in New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria. The top wineries and wine regions are primarily concentrated around the city of Adelaide in South Australia.
There's a good reason for that. South Australia has a vast and varied geography with a huge range of climates. The region is still perfect to support the growth of healthy grapes. All of this combined allows for a surprising variety of grapes to be grown and harvested.
It also doesn't hurt that Adelaide and the region around it is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. This city has an incredible art scene as well as a strong food culture. All of that combined with its growing wine country makes it a wonderful destination for culture travelers.
Choose your winery
Touring the wine regions around Adelaide can be as big as you want it to be. If you go on an organized tour, there are a several to choose from. You can focus in on specific regions or wine varieties. You can also go on your own, renting a car and taking your time at the wineries you want to go to.
Naturally, you have the benefit of driving around some of the most scenic and beautiful parts of Australia. Areas like Eden Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, and Barossa Valley are just a few of the wine-producing regions surrounding Adelaide you can explore.
Wine isn't for everyone, of course, but for enthusiasts heading to wine country can be an unforgettable experience. Adding kangaroos and koalas to the trip while taking in one of the world's newest wine nations just seems like a good idea.