There’s no better place to enjoy Australia’s internationally celebrated wines and increasingly popular spirits than on the land they came from.
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a newbie when it comes to the world of wine and spirits, these new immersive experiences give you an authentic taste of what Australia has to offer.
From a self-guided trail on an e-bike to an immersive and intimate tasting paired with a curated menu – Australia offers a myriad of choices for those looking for a new twist on a holiday Down Under.
The Ultimate Winery Experiences introduces a selection of wine tastings and guided tours, available across Australia. Wine-lovers, come and discover the unique characteristics of famous wines from top wineries in Orange, Barossa, and Rutherglen. Experience a sustainable approach to viticulture and winemaking at Swinging Bridge in Orange, New South Wales, learn about small-batch winemaking with the Artisans of Barossa in Barossa Valley, South Australia, and celebrate 150 years of tradition and innovation with Stanton and Kileen in Rutherglen, Victoria.
Kate Shilling, Executive Officer, Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia, said, “Our wineries are not simply venues to taste and purchase wine. All wineries within the collection are committed to celebrating the best of their regions through diverse yet quintessentially Australian experiences and hospitality, reflecting the premium food and drink encounters on offer in Australia. All of our Ultimate Wineries allow visitors to interact with the product, the people behind the labels, and enjoy first-hand the rich diversity of Australia’s many wine regions.
“With this ethos, we are thrilled to welcome our three new Ultimate Winery Members – Artisans of Barossa, Swinging Bridge, and Stanton & Killeen – who not only contribute a fresh dimension to the tapestry of Australian wine encounters for travellers, but also offer a diverse range of experiences that champion their respective regions.”
Go on a leisurely journey with a taste of country charm
Murrumbateman, New South Wales
Spice up your trip with the self-guided Murrumbateman Winery Trail, a new way of exploring the Canberra District Wine Region. Just a 30-minute drive from Canberra city, Murrumbateman offers a stunning taste of country charm and exquisite scenery for guests to wine and dine while riding around on Lekker e-bikes past eight of the region’s award-winning wineries. Drop by family-owned Clonakilla, award-winning Dionysus, The Vintner’s Daughter and more, and explore the region at your leisure, including short detours to other attractions in Murrumbateman Village.
A whole new world with Penfolds
Melbourne/Narrm, Sydney/Warrane, Adelaide/Tarntanya
Enter a different realm with Transcend by Penfolds, a reimagined traditional wine tasting experience. Heading to three major cities around the country – Melbourne/Narrm, Sydney/Warrane and Adelaide/Tarntanya – the intimate tasting will showcase new released wines from the Penfolds Collection 2023 which includes wines from Australia, France, and California. Escape into the seamless blend of soundscapes, storytelling, visuals, and lighting which breathe life into the collection like never before. Coupled with a shared tasting menu and three wine pairings by Magill Estate Kitchen, take in the 175-year-old story of one of Australia’s most successful winemakers.
A special cocktail, just for you
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Now you don’t have to travel halfway around the world to indulge in the incredible flavours of Mexico. With a captivating array of margaritas, impressive selection of 44 tequilas, and 26 mezcal varieties, new tequila bar Cabo brings a taste of Mexico right to Canberra. Take your pick from the Sunday Sangria Sessions, Tequila Tastings or Build Your Own Margarita. With an equally exotic food menu, starring bloody maria oyster shots, corn-ribs, chorizo porteno and olives, tacos, chips and salsa, rest assured you will be in for an authentic experience.
Sunshine and drinks
Noosa, Queensland
Just over an hour’s drive north of Brisbane/Meeanjin is Lánai, a stunning restaurant overlooking the Noosa River. Lanai embodies the beauty of the Noosa region and brings island-style cuisine to this Sunshine Coast town. Meaning ‘porch’ in Hawaiian, Lánai is conceptualized with the intention to create a space where patrons can enjoy delicious food and drinks as they share stories on the outdoor terrace.
Emphasising on sustainability, their selection of mezcal, Mexico’s ancestral spirit, is cultivated sustainably from plantations while the menu uses native ingredients and locally crafted artisan products that change with the seasons.
Open the doors to a stylish wine cellar
McLaren Vale, South Australia
Located atop the ancient ridge of Firehawk Farm, a 45-minute drive south of Adelaide/Tarntanya, the Wonder Room is Dandelion Vineyard’s stunning new take on a cellar door. The new building features extensive feature windows, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the lush vineyard farm, rolling slopes of McLaren Vale and the breath-taking Gulf St Vincent. Offering a variety
of wine tastings, all experiences include complimentary morsels curated by chef Chris Bone, featuring seasonal produce.
Western Australia’s take on the bistros of New York and Paris
Perth/Boorloo, Western Australia
Subi Continental is a newly opened contemporary bistro from Australia’s renowned hospitality heavyweight, Miles Hull. Paris meets New York in this cosy bistro, with cuisine influences from both cities, right in the heart of Subiaco, Perth’s centre. The all-day dining menu features fresh seafood, pastas, aged steak and an exclusively Western Australian wine and beer menu. With a warm and modern offering, guests can enjoy bright interiors, local sandstone and timber, plus a large alfresco are a for a laid-back Australian feel.
