Heading out to wine regions is one of the best ways to learn more about wine. And in doing so you support the incredible wine industry directly! I love speaking to the growers and winemakers to discover wine I would never usually get a chance to try. In Wine Getaways, we dive into the wine regions we’ve visited and our favourite spots. From places to stay to where to eat and which cellar doors we loved, these guides are sure to make your trip planning a breeze!
Recently we spent a week and a half in Queenstown and had such a great time. Situated on the South Island of New Zealand, this picturesque town is the perfect gateway for so many activities. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover or you’re obsessed with wine, there is something for everyone. Queenstown’s location makes it the perfect base for exploring the Central Otago wine region which produces some of the most incredible Pinot Noirs, along with plenty of aromatic whites. This Queenstown Travel Guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Queenstown and Central Otago, from where to visit, where to eat and what to do.
Central Otago is a large wine region with plenty of sub-regions to explore. Some of these are only a short drive out of Queenstown, but some can take an hour or two by car to visit. But I promise it is worth the drive because Central Otago is an incredible wine region. World-renowned for its Pinot Noir, this cool-climate region is perfect for producing not only Pinot but also white wine as well, including Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. They also produce an array of Pinot Noir Rosé with vibrant colours in the glass.
Before you visit it’s good to know some of the key subregions of the area. These include:
Central Otago, New Zealand’s wine paradise, is a treasure trove of grape varieties that thrive in its unique climate and geography. This charming region, primarily known for its stellar Pinot Noir, showcases an impressive array of grape varieties that have found their perfect home in the diverse terroirs. From the luscious Riesling and vibrant Sauvignon Blanc to the elegant Pinot Gris, Central Otago’s vineyards boast a delightful spectrum of flavours.
The secret to the success of these grapes lies in the region’s hot summers and cool nights that create an ideal environment for slow ripening and intense flavour development. The combination of well-drained soils further enhances the grape-growing magic. So, whether you’re sipping a velvety Pinot Noir or a crisp, aromatic white, each glass from Central Otago tells a story of sun-soaked days and cool, starry nights, making it a wine lover’s paradise worth exploring.
Queenstown is a year-round haven for visitors, each season offering its magical charm. Spring unveils a landscape adorned with blossoms and vibrant hues, making it ideal for nature walks and rejuvenating outdoor activities. Summer transforms Queenstown into a buzzing hub of adventure, where you can indulge in thrilling adventure activities, embark on scenic hikes, or simply bask in the sunshine. Autumn paints the hillsides in fiery reds and gold, creating a stunning backdrop for wine tours. Winter is where Queenstown turns into a world-renowned ski destination. The pristine slopes, complemented by cozy apres-ski scenes, make it a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts.
We visited over the Summer and the great thing about it was how refreshingly cool it was even in December. It was a nice break from our weather in Brisbane. The scenery was magical with beautiful wildflowers everywhere, and the weather was just warm enough that you didn’t need a jumper during the day. The days are also very long which means there’s plenty of time for activities, with the sun setting at around 10 pm.
Queenstown is known for its activities, and you can do anything from bungee jumping to hiking. Not being into heights myself, we opted for some more relaxed activities that kept us on the ground. So I wanted to highlight a few of the ones we did here. But if you want more adrenaline-filled activities, you can find them all in Queenstown.
One of my favourite days of the trip was when we hired eBikes and biked to the wineries. We used a company called Around the Basin for a full-day tour and had the best time. They pick you up in Queenstown and drive you to Arrowtown where you pick up your eBike and head off to the wineries. The first part of the day you spend on a 40-minute or so bike ride to the first winery. This part was so picturesque and magical with so much to see from the bright blue river to the stunning wildflowers and mountains. It’s pretty easy riding on the eBike, and once you cross the bridge where they do the bungee jumping you’re on your way to the first winery. You can visit as many wineries as you want, and then at the end of the day, they pick you up and drive you back to Queenstown (so you don’t need to navigate home after a few wines).
We ended up only making it to 3 of the wineries we wanted to visit as we were enjoying ourselves so much, but half the fun was the riding itself! We had a great time taking in the scenery between wineries, and by the final stop we were ready to enjoy a glass of wine and a pizza whilst we waited for our pick up. It was a great day out and the perfect way to explore the wineries of the Gibbston Valley.
This is probably the most adventure we did the whole trip, but it was really fun! The Queenstown Luge is located at the top of the Gondola above Queenstown, offering incredible views of the town and lake. Even if you were just to do the Gondola and relax in the restaurant you would be in for a good time. But if you want something more, there is a whole luge up there that honestly reminded me of Mario Kart. You can brake if you want to so even if you are a bit scared there’s the option to stop, but if you have the need for speed you will love this activity. It’s a great thing to do with kids too!
Arrowtown is about a 40-minute drive from Queenstown and a beautiful spot to visit. This old mining town is packed full of charm with plenty of beautiful stores to visit and cozy cafes. We didn’t spend too long here as it was raining but you could easily spend an afternoon browsing the stores and enjoying the parks. There are also plenty of great walking tracks just out of town to explore.
Glenorchy is about a 1-hour drive from Queenstown but it is worth a visit if you like bushwalks or are a fan of Lord of the Rings (this was one of many filming locations on the South Island). We visited the town and did the lagoon walk which was a great time, and very easy to do as it was flat. The scenery is stunning with snow-capped mountains even in Summer! Afterwards, the town has loads of cute pubs and restaurants to enjoy.
The Onsen Hot Pools are located about a 15-minute drive from Queenstown and a great spot if you want to relax. They have a day spa there but also have private hot pools. Each booking gives you one hour in your hot tub overlooking the magical landscape along with a drink and snack of your choice. You can have up to four people in a tub so it’s a great activity with friends or with a special someone with a glass of Pinot in hand.
There are so many great wineries to visit in Central Otago, it can be hard to know where to begin. Here are a few of my favourites from our most recent trip.
Ayrbrun is a new winery that had only been open for around a month when we visited. They have a shuttle from Queenstown which is only $10 and means you don’t have to drive, making it a great spot for an afternoon of eating and drinking. Located around 20 minutes out of Queenstown, Ayrburn has everything you need to easily spend half a day, if not a day there. They have a cocktail bar, wine room, restaurant and ice cream store along with walking paths and kids’ playgrounds. Soon they’ll have even more! We had an awesome afternoon trying some of their wines and dining at the Woolshed restaurant which had incredible food and a beautiful fit out. It was probably one of my favourite wineries we visited on the trip!
Amisfield is near to Ayrburn and well known for its rich history and beautiful grounds. Their wines are also stunning, with their Rosé becoming a staple of our stay. The winery is beautiful with a lovely fit-out and stunning cellar door. Their grounds are also stunning with green hills overlooking one of the vineyards and lavender everywhere. They do have a restaurant but it is a little pricey, so only go there if you are after a fancy meal. Otherwise, the cellar door does a good tasting where you can choose 5 wines from their extensive wine list.
Mount Difficulty Wines is located in Bannockburn so is about one hour away from Queenstown, but worth a drive if you want to check out the area and some of the local wineries. There are several great wineries with tastings on the same road as Mount Difficulty Wines, but I highly recommend visiting Mount Difficulty for their wines and their lunch. They are up on a hill so have great views of the surrounding area, and a beautiful terrace to enjoy lunch on. I opted for a wine tasting with lunch and had some delicious wines, one of my favourites being their Ghost Town Chardonnay!
Rockburn Wines is located in Gibbston Valley and I highly recommend heading there for their awesome Pinots. We did a full Pinot Noir tasting and I have to say they were some of the best Pinots we had on our trip! Each was so different and there was something for everyone from juicy to earthy. Their cellar door may not be as fancy as some of the others in the area but the staff are wonderful, and the wines are delicious. Next door is also the Gibbston Valley Tavern if you get hungry!
Kinross is a great place to visit if you want to try several different producers in one place. Their cellar door is the place to go for famous wineries like Valli and Coal Pit that have won many awards for their wines. And it’s easy to see why when you do a tasting. The tastings are designed to give you a feel for the different wines of the area and the host was incredibly knowledgable about all the different sub-regions and producers. It’s a beautiful cellar door and worth a visit. It’s hard to leave without a bottle or two in hand!
Gibbston Valley Wines is a great place to visit if you want to enjoy the scenery in a relaxed setting. Their cellar door does have a restaurant but their tastings are done in the garden which is a great spot to enjoy some wine in the sunshine. There are four different tasting paddle options which is great as everyone can try something they like. We enjoyed our tasting here, and it’s great if you haven’t booked anywhere as they accept walk-ins.
And finally it wouldn’t be a Queenstown travel guide without talking about where to eat! We went to some great spots on our trip, and here are some of the highlights
Fergburger is an institution of Queenstown and something you simply have to do when you’re there. I don’t make the rules. And I know what you’re thinking: How good can a burger be? I wondered this myself because it had been a while since we’d had one. And the lines are no joke! You can’t order online so you have to line up for a burger, and it can take anywhere from 20 minutes to one hour. But don’t be deterred, because the burgers are worth the wait! I don’t know what they do to them, but they are the best burgers I’ve ever eaten. I would wait one hour for them again, and my only regret is we only had them once this trip! They are also open until the early hours of the morning (4 am) so you can get a burger fix all day and night!
If burgers aren’t for you, or you can’t be bothered lining up, Fergbaker has to be the next best thing. They have some of the best baked goods I’ve ever had, and the lines are much shorter! Some of the highlights include their lamb pie, pork and fennel sausage roll and their Boston Cream buns. Many of these were consumed on our trip and the best part? They’re located right next to Fergburger so you can get a snack while you wait.
If you’re heading to the wineries around Gibbston Valley, Gibbston Valley Tavern is a great spot for a pub meal. It has a lovely atmosphere and a very cute dog, with tables outside in the sunshine. The food is well-priced and there are plenty of options from pizza to nachos. They also have several local wines on their wine list. It’s a good spot if you want a relaxed lunch and to enjoy some good wine.
White + Wongs in Queenstown is a great spot if you want a nice Asian fusion dinner. They have plenty of options from dumplings to curries, and everything we ordered was delicious. It’s got a lovely fit-out and has a good local wine list too!
Botswana Butcher is a Queenstown institution and it’s easy to see why. If you’re in the market for a good steak, this restaurant is your best bet. They have awesome meat options from roast lamb to fish and steaks, of course, all served with tasty sides. Complimented by a good local wine list, you really can’t go wrong. It’s the perfect spot for a nice dinner in town.
Mount Difficulty Wines has a great cellar door with a fabulous lunch menu. Not only do they have awesome main dishes to enjoy, but they also do a massive platter for two that’s perfect for sharing. We honestly only needed the platter which was packed full of veggies, dips and bread. But I was also glad we ordered the duck breast which was probably the best duck I’ve ever eaten.
Ayrburn has an awesome restaurant on site called the Woolshed which offers a range of meals from risotto to steak. We opted for a steak and it was delicious! The fit-out is beautiful, and if you sit outside you’re overlooking the stunning grounds. Although they have other dining options on-site, I recommend booking a table here and asking to sit outside if you can.
Finally, we went to Amisfield for a special occasion meal and a special occasion meal it was. This meal will set you back, and it is a set menu degustation. If you are into trying new things, I highly recommend the tasting menu. Everything changes seasonally, and it was probably the most creative meal I’ve ever eaten. I don’t think I would ever try shark before or asparagus juice, but now I have! It’s not for those who don’t like trying new things, but if you are adventurous and want a unique dining experience on beautiful grounds, this one is worth checking out.
I hope this Queenstown travel guide has helped inspire your trip. Whether you want to visit Queenstown for the food and wine, or you are after an adventure, there is something for everyone in this stunning town. The landscape and scenery is out of this world, and the food and wine tops it off. If you’ve ever thought about visiting New Zealand, definitely add Queenstown to your list!
You may only know the Douro Valley for Port, but there is so much more to this iconic Portuguese wine region. It may not be as talked about as other old-world wine regions, but after visiting in October I think it should be. From its dramatic landscapes, stunning scenery and beautiful wines, a trip to this wine region is sure to offer something for everyone. This Douro Valley travel guide dives into everything you need to know so you can plan your own trip to this iconic destination just outside of Porto.
Nestled in the heart of Portugal, the Douro Valley is a mesmerizing destination with stunning landscapes, rich history, and world-renowned wine culture. This is the kind of wine region that you drive around with your eyes glued to the landscape: it is simply magical. This picturesque region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its terraced vineyards that hug the curves of the Douro River, creating a breathtaking mosaic of green and gold.
A journey through the Douro Valley is a sensory delight, where the sun-kissed slopes produce some of the finest wines in the world, particularly the famous Port wine. Beyond the vineyards, the Douro Valley is dotted with charming villages and historic Quintas (wine estates). Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, the Douro Valley promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates the best of Portugal’s cultural and natural treasures.
The Douro Valley is located near Porto in Portugal, making it a great place to add to your trip. It’s around an hour’s drive away from Porto, and so the great thing about visiting is that you can do it for a day trip. There are plenty of options to visit the Douro Valley from Porto so that you can get a taste of this wine region without needing a car, whether it’s by boat or with a driver. There are also multi-day boat trips you can do from Porto which I’ve heard are a great way to discover the region.
If you want to stay in the Douro Valley yourself, there are a couple of options. I recommend getting a car as the drive is really beautiful and worth seeing for the scenery alone. We visited on our way back to Madrid from Porto to break up the drive a little bit and it was a great option. But you can also get a train from Porto to Pinhão if you want to use public transport. The only issue with this is that you might find it difficult to get to the wineries outside of the town, but there is plenty to do in Pinhão itself.
The Douro Valley, like most of the old world of wine, has a strict set of rules and classifications that govern the production of its renowned wines. At the heart of this regulatory framework is the Douro Region, the world’s oldest officially demarcated wine region, established in 1756. The region’s vineyards are classified into a tiered system based on their location, altitude, and grape varieties. Wines here carry designations such as DOC (Denominação de Origem Controlada), signalling the highest quality and adherence to stringent production standards. Among the notable classifications is the famed Port wine, crafted from a blend of indigenous grape varieties and often aged in oak barrels. The Douro Valley’s commitment to preserving its winemaking heritage is reflected in these rules, ensuring that each bottle tells a story of the region’s unique terroir and the expertise passed down through generations of winemakers.
The Douro Valley is known for its iconic Port wines, but there is so much more to discover beyond these fortified gems. While the Valley is globally celebrated for its various styles of Port, including Vintage, Tawny, and Ruby, it’s essential to recognize the region’s prowess in producing remarkable still wines.
The terraced vineyards along the Douro River yield an array of grape varieties, with over 80 native grapes contributing to the creation of robust reds and elegant whites. The red wines, characterized by deep colour and complex aromas, often exhibit the terroir’s distinct nuances. Meanwhile, the white wines, crafted from indigenous grape varieties like Viosinho and Rabigato, showcase a refreshing acidity and a delightful spectrum of fruity and floral notes. Exploring the Douro Valley unveils a rich palette of wine styles, inviting enthusiasts to savour not only the world-famous Ports but also the hidden gems of still wines that contribute to the region’s reputation as a premier wine destination.
The Douro Valley is a year-round destination, each season offering a unique and captivating experience for visitors. Spring, from March to May, paints the terraced landscapes with vibrant blossoms, creating a picturesque setting for exploration. The summer months of June to August bring warm temperatures, perfect for vineyard tours and boat cruises along the Douro River. Harvest season, typically in September and October, is a particularly exciting time to visit when the vineyards buzz with activity. Autumn, from late October to November, transforms the valley into a tapestry of golden hues as the vine leaves change colour. Winter, from December to February, is a quieter time but offers a cozy ambience with fewer crowds, making it ideal for those seeking a more intimate experience.
We visited in October and had a great time. It was still very warm even in Autumn and harvest was pretty much complete, but there were still beautiful colours on the vines. The leaves were just starting to turn making the landscape even more picturesque. And the fact that it was still so warm made me think this is a great time to visit, as I can’t imagine the heat they must get in Summer!
There are plenty of options for accommodation when you look to stay in the Douro Valley. We only had a night there but I would have loved more time because the place we stayed was incredible! You can also opt to do a day trip or boat ride from Porto if you’d rather not stay in the region. But if you do want to make a few days of it, there is a range of charming options that offer both comfort and proximity to the region’s vineyard-draped hills. Many establishments offer stunning panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscapes, creating an immersive experience for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
We had a night at the Casa Do Arco Douro Exclusive and it was one of my favourite places of the entire trip. The boutique hotel only has three rooms so it is really intimate, and we ended up making great friends with the other couples staying there (one we found out even got married at the same place we did back in Australia!). The hotel has lovely rooms and a communal living room with a TV and wine bar that you can self-serve from. They also have a lot of nice outdoor seating to enjoy a glass of wine looking over the stunning view.
The restaurant had some of the best food we had on the whole trip, and delicious wine to match. I loved that the owner of the hotel was involved with the dinner service, it made it feel so much more intimate and special. The food was great for breakfast and dinner, the service awesome and the rooms just lovely. If you can manage to nab a booking here I highly recommend it.
It wouldn’t be a Douro Valley travel guide without highlighting some places to visit, and despite only having one night here we still visited a number of wineries and spots that I recommend seeing for yourself.
Visiting Pinhão in the Douro Valley is akin to stepping into a postcard-perfect scene of Portugal’s winemaking heritage. This charming town, nestled along the meandering Douro River, is a gateway to the region’s renowned vineyards and breathtaking landscapes. It’s where the main train station is so is easy to get to, but even when driving it’s a great base.
Pinhão is a haven for wine enthusiasts, boasting historic wine estates, or quintas, where visitors can indulge in tastings of the world-famous Port wines. A leisurely stroll along the riverfront unveils stunning views of the terraced vineyards that cascade down the hillsides. Pinhão is also a great hub for embarking on boat cruises, train rides, and hiking trails.
Whether savouring the rich flavours of local wines, exploring historic quintas, or simply soaking in the tranquil ambience, Pinhão provides a quintessential Douro Valley experience.
If you have a car it is worth stopping at one of the many viewpoints of the valley. It’s an incredible sight and one you won’t find in every wine region you visit, as the Douro Valley is truly unique with its vineyard-covered mountains along the river. A couple that we met in Porto recommended we visit the viewpoint São Leonardo da Galafura and I’m so glad we did. It isn’t too far from Porto and makes for a great stop between Porto and Pinhão to see the valley for the first time. Just make sure when you arrive that you walk all the way to the top, as there is a small shop and seating area before you hit the actual viewpoint. It’s worth continuing to drive until you reach the peak of the mountain and getting out there. You’ll be rewarded with the most incredible panoramic views!
And of course, it would not be a Douro Valley travel guide without highlighting some wineries to add to your trip. So here are the wineries that we visited on ours. Keep in mind that most wineries offer guided tours that you need to book in advance, so make sure you visit their website before you go. However, if you aren’t up for planning your trip in advance, the major wineries also all have wine bars where you can either enjoy a tasting or a glass of wine without a booking. This is what we did for most of the wineries that we visited and it was still a great time.
Nestled in the captivating Douro Valley, Quinta do Jalloto stands as a testament to the rich winemaking heritage of Portugal. This enchanting estate, with its terraced vineyards cascading down the hillsides, offers visitors a truly immersive experience of the world of Douro wines. The vineyard meticulously tended to by generations of the Jalloto family, is a showcase of the region’s commitment to producing exceptional wines. It’s located high in the hills above of Pinhão so make sure that you have a car, and follow their directions, not Google maps (we ended up on a pretty hairy route because we followed Google). But once you get up the hill you’ll be rewarded with incredible views across the valley.
We visited the winery for a guided tour and ended up being the only two on it which was really special. The tour is immersive and takes you through the vineyard to the winery and finishes off with a tasting. It’s got a lovely family feel to the whole experience where you are taken around by the son of the owners and you learn so much about not only the winery but the Douro Valley itself. This was one of my favourite tours and I highly recommend making a booking. You won’t be disappointed!
Quinta do Bomfim, is an esteemed wine estate nestled in the breathtaking Douro Valley, and is located in Pinhão so is really easy to visit. Owned by the renowned Symington family, whose winemaking legacy spans over a century, this quinta is set against the backdrop of terraced vineyards that embrace the meandering Douro River. Quinta do Bomfim offers visitors a captivating blend of tradition and innovation.
We weren’t able to get into a tour when we arrived, and the restaurant which is meant to be incredible was also booked out. That’s what happens when you don’t book ahead! But we were able to sit on their beautiful terrace and enjoy a glass of wine with some snacks which made the perfect lunch. The terrace is stunning with beautiful views of the river, and there are plenty of options for wine tasting whether you want to try white, red or a mixture of the two. They also have ports available to try too. It’s a great spot with some delicious wines to try.
Quinta das Carvalhas is a must-visit destination located just across the river from Quinta do Bomfim. This expansive Quinta, owned by Real Companhia Velha, one of the country’s oldest wine companies, boasts a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The estate’s terraced vineyards, punctuated by ancient olive trees and almond groves, create a mesmerizing panorama that unfolds along the banks of the Douro River.
I really loved visiting this estate as they were very welcoming. Despite not having a booking we were still able to do a wine tasting in their tasting room, and they spent a lot of time talking us through the wines despite being very busy. We got to try a range of their still wines and port, and it was great to taste them side by side and see the difference between their wines. Interestingly they had a few wines that used international grapes, and we loved the Pinot Noir we tried there so much that we had to buy a bottle. The tasting room has a lovely, lodge-like feel, and overall it is worth a visit.
I hope this Douro Valley travel guide has helped inspire your trip. The Douro Valley may not be as well known as some of the other wine regions of Europe, but it is one of the most breathtaking. With its vicinity to Porto it makes for a great spot to add to your trip to Portugal, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning scenery, amazing wines and delicious food.
Welcome to the Rioja travel guide, your passport to an unforgettable experience in one of Spain’s most renowned wine destinations. Rioja absolutely blew me away with its beauty, and it was a highlight of our trip to Spain. From the mind-blowing volume to the incredible wines to the beautiful scenery, this wine region is sure to steal your heart.
This post unveils the secrets of this captivating region, with tips about where to stay, what to expect, and the must-visit wineries. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious traveller, get all the tips and tricks to make your journey truly exceptional.
Nestled in Spain’s northern landscape, Rioja is a wine region steeped in history, tracing its roots to Roman times. La Rioja, the autonomous community it calls home, boasts lush vineyards along the Ebro River, cultivating varietals like Tempranillo and Garnacha.
Rioja’s winemaking journey spans centuries, starting with the first Phoenician settlers in 11th century BC. This influx of expertise led to the region’s distinct aging processes, with oak-barrel aging imparting a velvety complexity to its wines.
Geographically, Rioja is divided into Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta, and Rioja Baja, each contributing a unique terroir to a diverse range of wines, from bold and robust to elegantly nuanced.
To embark on your Rioja journey, Logrono, the capital serves as a gateway rich in history and culture. For convenient access, Bilbao and Zaragoza are the nearest major airports. Explore vine-covered landscapes at your pace by car, revealing hidden gems along winding roads.
The Rioja wine region, known for its exceptional craftsmanship, classifies its wines into several categories, each reflecting distinct aging processes and quality standards. These classifications play a pivotal role in guiding both winemakers and enthusiasts through the diverse offerings of Rioja wines.
These classifications not only define the aging process but also serve as a testament to Rioja’s commitment to quality. Winemakers adhere to stringent rules, ensuring that each bottle embodies the rich heritage and distinctive characteristics of the Rioja wine region.
You would be forgiven for thinking that wines with the green Roja label are the lowest quality wines. But this isn’t the case, and we learnt a lot about this from the wineries we visited. The rules in Rioja are quite strict, but a lot of winemakers want to experiment with the wines they produce with different ageing, grape varieties and production. So they often use the green Rioja label to still produce wines without following strict rules. This allows them to innovate and explore new ways of producing wine.
This means the Green label does not mean the wine is the lowest quality. Some wines with a green label can be aged for just as long as a Gran Reserva. It just means they don’t have to follow the strict rules. So don’t miss trying these experimental wines!
A few grape varieties are produced in Rioja, but only a few are allowed in Rioja wines. At the heart of Rioja’s identity stands Tempranillo, a red grape with a thick skin and moderate acidity, lending its characteristic dark berry flavours and subtle earthy notes to the wines. This grape thrives in the distinct microclimates of Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja, adapting and expressing uniquely in each subzone.
Alongside Tempranillo, Rioja embraces the indigenous varieties of Garnacha (Grenache), Graciano, and Mazuelo, each adding its distinct flair to the wines. Garnacha imparts a generous fruitiness, Graciano contributes vibrant acidity, and Mazuelo offers structure and depth. These traditional grape varieties, carefully blended, create the harmonious symphony that defines Rioja wines.
There are also some exceptions to these grape varieties. Some wineries are permitted to use a little Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and still call their wine a Rioja. However, it can’t be listed on the label.
There isn’t a bad time to visit Rioja, as I’m sure you will have a great time any time of year. Great wine, delicious food, what’s not to love? However, in this Rioja travel guide, I recommend the time we visited: late September. We arrived right amid harvest, and it was simply incredible. The scenery was stunning, and the towns were alive with activity. I can’t tell you how exciting it was to see all the tractors driving around with trailers full of grapes. At the end of September, there is also the Wine Harvest Festival in Logrono, which lasts about a week. We went there for a morning, and participating in the festivities was so much fun.
When considering where to stay in Rioja, two key locations emerge as excellent bases for exploring the region’s wineries and savouring its culinary delights: Haro and Logroño. Haro, nestled in the heart of Rioja Alta, boasts an array of renowned wineries, with the historic Barrio de la Estación housing some of the oldest and most prestigious bodegas. Meanwhile, Logroño, the capital of La Rioja, offers a vibrant urban experience with a myriad of tapas bars, restaurants, and wine cellars in its charming old town. Both locations provide convenient access to the diverse vineyards of Rioja, ensuring that you can seamlessly navigate the wine trails while enjoying the local gastronomy.
We didn’t stay in either of these towns but I think when I go back I’d love to stay in Haro. There are a number of wineries there and I think it would have made a great base. But for our first trip, I highly recommend where we stayed!
During our stay in Rioja, we stayed at Hotel Viura, a gem nestled in the village of Villabuena de Álava. This unique hotel, with its contemporary design and architecture, seamlessly integrates into the picturesque landscape. There aren’t really any restaurants in the local village but luckily the hotel has an on-site restaurant boasting a diverse menu featuring regional delicacies paired with an impressive selection of local wines. The breakfast was also awesome! It was really special staying in a hotel in such a unique position, and the staff were great. They also have a daily wine tour that they organize with a few of the wineries around the local town which I highly recommend!
It wouldn’t be a Rioja travel guide without a few activities to enjoy. So here are some of the things we did (other than drinking wine) while we were there. As a side note, we were only there for 2 nights, so I’m sure if you had more time you’d be able to cover a lot more ground than what we did. But here are a few things we enjoyed.
A visit to Logroño, the vibrant capital of La Rioja, is a sensory journey through Spanish culture, culinary delights, and festive traditions. A highlight is Calle del Laurel, the city’s famous tapas street, which has so many tapas bars you won’t even know where to start. Each is full of people enjoying a glass of wine and a tapas or two. The best part is that each one has its own speciality tapas so you can hop from bar to bar trying a few different things. It’s a must-do when you visit the city, and where you’ll find the most lively atmosphere.
For those fortunate enough to visit in late September, Logroño’s streets transform into a kaleidoscope of colour and energy during the annual Harvest Festival, or Fiesta de la Vendimia. This celebration marks the culmination of the grape harvest, and the city bursts into life with parades, concerts, and, of course, an abundance of wine. The festive spirit spills into every corner, from the lively Plaza del Mercado to the historic streets, creating an unforgettable backdrop for the harvest season.
Visiting Laguardia is like stepping into a medieval dream within the heart of Spain’s Rioja wine region. Our hotel recommended visiting this town and I’m so glad we did. Laguardia is a walled town perched atop a hill surrounded by vineyards. As you wander through its cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter well-preserved medieval architecture, including the imposing Church of Santa María and the town’s iconic defensive walls. Beyond its historical allure, Laguardia is a haven for wine enthusiasts, with numerous underground cellars, offering guided tours and tastings of the region’s renowned wines. Unfortunately, we visited on a day when not many of them were open, but this didn’t stop us from sampling the wine in a great tapas bar. The panoramic views of the surrounding vineyard-covered landscapes from Laguardia are breathtaking, providing a picturesque backdrop to the immersive cultural and culinary experiences that await in this idyllic Spanish gem.
We were meant to visit Vivanco for a wine tasting and the wine museum but we ended up having a schedule clash, so could only do the museum. But I have to say regardless this is a definite must-do when you visit Rioja. Not only does it provide a great history of Rioja, but it’s also the most comprehensive museum of wine I have ever been to. They had everything from old presses to the most corkscrews I’ve ever seen in one place. The museum is also beautifully laid out with different sections for each element of the winemaking process. You could easily spend hours here learning about wine in this beautiful space. They also have a grape garden outside where you can try all the different varieties of grapes! Honestly it is such a great experience to visit here even if you don’t get a chance to sample their wines.
It wouldn’t be a Rioja travel guide without highlighting some of the wineries we visited and that I recommend including in your trip. We only had one full day in Rioja which wasn’t enough, but these three wineries were definite highlights.
If you’ve been looking into Rioja you have likely seen the famous Marques de Riscal building as it is truly iconic. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, it is a hotel unlike any I’ve ever seen before. Personally, it wasn’t in our budget to stay there, but the wine tour gave us a good glimpse of the building along with the winery.
Marques de Riscal is one of the major producers in Rioja and so a tour of their winery is incredible to see a winery producing at such a large scale. And you really get to see it all from the vineyards to the fermentation room to the incredible ageing cellars all the way to the bottling area. You learn so much on the tour and despite being a more commercial winery, I think it is definitely worth a visit. It was probably my favourite winery that we visited on the trip.
Ysios is worth visiting just to see the cellar door alone. The building is probably one of the most interesting buildings I’ve ever seen, and the scale is just something you can’t comprehend from photos. It’s worth going just for the view alone! We weren’t able to get into a tour when we visited (so I recommend booking well in advance) but they do have a wine store where you can purchase a glass of wine to enjoy in their barrel room. I loved having a glass of their wine surrounded by the barrels – it was something really unique!
We visited Bodegas Luis Cañas as part of the wine tour organised by our hotel and had a great time. Although we weren’t able to get in for a full tour the wine tasting in their tasting room was great. We learnt a lot about the history behind the winery, and also about Rioja wines in general. They also took us through the key areas of Rioja and what sets them apart. I absolutely loved the tasting as I found it to be really educational, and the staff were so friendly. It’s definitely worth a visit if you want to go to a smaller winery (and by smaller I still mean 2 million bottles a year).
I hope this Rioja travel guide has helped to inspire your next trip. There really is so much to discover when it comes to Rioja, so planning your trip is essential to get the most out of it. I personally cannot wait to get back there and spend more time in this iconic wine region as I feel like two days definitely wasn’t enough. But whether you have 2 days or 10, you are sure to have a good time in La Rioja!
Welcome to the ultimate Tuscany travel guide, where we’re about to embark on a journey through the heart of Italy that’s brimming with picturesque landscapes, delectable cuisine, and, of course, great wine. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the charming villages, rolling vineyards, and historic towns of Tuscany and the enchanting Chianti wine region, you’ve come to the right place. This blog post will give you a comprehensive overview of the region, sharing tips on where to find the coziest accommodations, revealing hidden gems for the most mouthwatering meals, and pointing you toward the must-visit attractions that will make your Tuscan adventure truly unforgettable. So, grab your passport, pack your bags, and get ready to head for an adventure under the Tuscan sun!
Tuscany isn’t just a place; it’s an experience that tantalizes your senses, and the region’s renowned wine culture is at the heart of it all. As you wander through the vineyard-covered landscapes, you’ll discover that Tuscany isn’t just famous for its world-class wines; it’s a place where wine-making is an art form, a centuries-old tradition that’s an integral part of the region’s rich tapestry.
Tuscany is a place that has been romanticised time and time again in movies and pop culture, and it’s easy to see why when you visit. But Tuscany itself is actually a huge area that includes many towns and cities, from smaller towns like Montepulciano all the way to cities like Florence. So it can be a little overwhelming to know where to start. When you do get there though you will be rewarded with so much more than wine. The incredible food, the history and culture, and the landscapes are just breathtaking.
Then of course there is the wine. Much like most of the old-world wine regions, Tuscany has many subregions to discover. And Tuscany itself isn’t actually the name of the wine region itself (just like Piedmont). So knowing which subregions you want to visit is critical for working out where you want to stay and planning your trip. It is quite spread out, so I recommend working this out first.
To get you started, here is a bit of an overview of some of the main areas to explore in Tuscany for wine:
As you embark on your wine adventure through Tuscany, you might have encountered some cryptic acronyms on wine labels. Fear not; these are your trusty guides to the quality and authenticity of Tuscan wines. Let’s break down the basics of Tuscany’s wine classifications, specifically DOC and DOCG, and what they mean for your wine-drinking experience.
Think of DOC as the quality assurance stamp for Tuscan wines. This classification ensures that the wines are produced in specific regions and adhere to strict regulations, preserving the authenticity of traditional winemaking methods. Each DOC area has its own set of rules and regulations, including which grape varieties can be used and how the wine must be produced.
For example, Chianti, one of the most famous DOCs in Tuscany, requires wines to contain at least 80% Sangiovese grapes, with the rest typically made up of indigenous varieties like Canaiolo and Colorino. These wines are known for their classic Tuscan character, boasting a harmonious balance of fruit and earthy notes.
Now, if you see DOCG on a Tuscan wine label, consider it a gold star. DOCG represents the highest quality classification for Italian wines, and these bottles are the crème de la crème of the Tuscan wine world. To achieve DOCG status, not only do these wines have to meet the strict DOC criteria, but they also undergo even more rigorous testing and quality checks.
One notable DOCG wine you’ll encounter in Tuscany is Brunello di Montalcino. This wine is exclusively made from Sangiovese Grosso grapes grown in the Montalcino region. It’s aged for a minimum of four years, creating a wine of exceptional depth and complexity. When you uncork a bottle of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, you’re not just tasting tradition; you’re experiencing the pinnacle of Tuscan winemaking expertise.
Now that you know the difference between DOC and DOCG, what can you expect in Tuscan wines? Here are a couple of examples you might encounter on your trip:
Tuscany’s grape varieties are like a joyful gathering of friends at a lively Italian fiesta, each bringing their own unique flair to the celebration. Each grape plays its unique role in crafting the rich tapestry of flavours that define Tuscan wine culture. Sangiovese is the undisputed star of the region, but there are also plenty of indigenous and international varieties that you’ll also find in Tuscan wines. Sangiovese, with its bold red fruit and earthy notes, takes centre stage, especially in iconic wines like Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. But you’ll also find plenty of other grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other local grapes like Canaiolo, Colorino, and Vernaccia. Each grape variety contributes its unique flavour profile, making Tuscan wines a delightful exploration of diversity and tradition.
Picking the right moment to explore the enchanting Tuscan wine regions is key to a memorable experience. We visited at the end of August revealing a well-kept secret: it’s a fantastic time to savour the delights of Tuscany. This year was very busy in Italy for tourism, but at the end of August the crowds felt manageable and we were able to get into most places we wanted to visit. The villages also weren’t too busy which made it a lot easier to visit. August is notorious for being scorching hot in Italy, but at the end of August, we found the temperature to be quite manageable.
What I also loved about visiting at this time was it was so close to harvest. It hadn’t happened yet, but the vines were covered in grapes which made for stunning scenery. I don’t think you can really go wrong with a time of year to visit Tuscany, but I honestly loved visiting at this time for these reasons. It was not to hot, not too cold, not too quiet, not too busy. Just right in my opinion!
Selecting your base in Tuscany is like picking the perfect wine to complement a meal—it’s all about finding the right fit for your preferences. Florence, with its cultural treasures, bustling streets, and historical allure, makes for a fantastic choice if you crave the vibrant energy of a major city. It’s also great if you don’t have a car as you can do wine tours out from the city. But, keep in mind you really won’t get a proper feel for Tuscany from within Florence. While the Renaissance city has plenty to offer, it may leave you yearning for the breathtaking vineyard-dotted landscapes and quaint villages that define the heart of Tuscany.
Our own Tuscan adventure led us to the sweet spot of choosing a different path. We decided to rent a car and nestle ourselves in one of the main wine regions—a decision that made all the difference. Opting for a countryside location allowed us to experience Tuscany’s soul more intimately, soaking up the undulating vineyard vistas and savouring the region’s rustic charms at our own pace.
We found our own haven just a short distance from San Gimignano at a hotel that felt like staying in a Tuscan villa. It had a restaurant and pool making it the perfect base after a day of exploring. It also made you feel like you were getting the full Tuscan experience. From here, we could effortlessly explore nearby gems like Chianti, Montepulciano, and the nearby towns.
As I’ve mentioned above, you won’t get a true feel for Tuscany without visiting some of the major towns. As much as wine was a focus of our trip, I also loved exploring some of the nearby towns. There is so much to discover in each, from cute little shops, to great culture and wine of course! So here are some of the main towns we visited on our trip.
I’d been to San Gimignano before and couldn’t wait to get back on this trip! San Gimignano is a captivating time capsule that transports you to a world where medieval towers punctuate the sky, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your Tuscan adventure. This picturesque town is a treasure trove of history and culture, offering winding, cobblestone streets where you can wander through artisan shops, sample delectable gelato, and soak up the enchanting atmosphere. The skyline, adorned by its iconic towers, allows you to ascend into history, each tower sharing a story of its own. San Gimignano is a place where you can meander through history, shop for local crafts, and discover the irresistible allure of a bygone era.
We had dinner at Bel Soggiorno and I couldn’t recommend it enough. The restaurant has stunning views across the Tuscan countryside and the food was excellent. The service was excellent and the food was out of this world. One of the highlights for me was the pistachio cream pasta, but honestly, every pasta we got was amazing. They also serve a range of delicious steaks and meat dishes which you can’t go wrong with. From the view to the food, this restaurant ticks all the boxes.
Montepulciano, perched on a Tuscan hill, is a gem waiting to be uncovered. Its historical streets beckon with an irresistible blend of Renaissance elegance and ancient charm, making it a must-visit destination. But what truly sets Montepulciano apart are its underground cellars, where the region’s renowned Vino Nobile is lovingly aged to perfection. I highly recommend visiting one of these cellars while you’re in the city as they are something I’ve never seen before.
If you happen to find yourself in Montepulciano in August, you’re in for an exhilarating treat. We had no idea when we visited that this event was taking place, and it made more sense why we couldn’t get a carpark once we entered the city. In August, the annual barrel race, known as the “Bravio delle Botti,” takes over the town’s streets. This spirited competition sees teams racing enormous wine barrels through the steep, cobbled lanes, showcasing the town’s rich winemaking heritage in an exciting and unique way. We weren’t able to stay for the race itself but it was incredible watching all the teams parading around the streets. The atmosphere was amazing and it made our visit even more special.
Panini’s are an awesome option for a cheap and delicious lunch in Italy, and the Italians know how to make a next-level sandwich. We stumbled across La Schiaccia dell’Opio as we were exploring and saw the line out the door, so decided it was worth going in. And it sure was! For under 10 euros, you got a sandwich piled with cured meats and various condiments. Honestly, the amount of meat they put on the sandwich would cost over $100 to make at home. They also had a help-yourself wine station where you could get a glass of wine for 2 euros to have with your sandwich. You then take it down the road to the lookout for the perfect spot for eating, sipping and enjoying the landscape. It was one of the most memorable meals of our trip!
Our visit to Siena was an unexpected delight, as we arrived just a week after the thrilling Palio horse race, an iconic event that annually electrifies the city. It was only after spotting the jubilant winning team parading through Siena’s historic streets that we realized our serendipitous timing. The city was still abuzz with the spirited energy of the race, and we got to experience the palpable excitement that lingered in the air. The best part? While the race brings a surge of visitors each year, we found ourselves in Siena when it was much quieter which allowed us to explore the enchanting medieval town with ease. A highlight of our visit was definitely the Siena Cathedral which is a must-see when you visit the city.
And it wouldn’t be a Tuscany travel guide without highlighting some of the wineries we visited. Now we only had two full days in Tuscany so we didn’t visit too many wineries, but the ones we did were great! We mainly focused on the Chianti Classico area so most of my recommendations are from there, but there’s also one from our day trip to Montepulciano which I also recommend.
Visiting the Castello di Verrazzano winery in Tuscany is like stepping back in time to the roots of Italian winemaking. This enchanting estate, nestled in the heart of Chianti, boasts a history dating back to the 12th century and is named after Giovanni da Verrazzano, the explorer who sailed to the New World and gave his name to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York. Walking through the ancient cellars and vineyards, you’ll sense the centuries of tradition that have gone into crafting their remarkable wines.
Castello di Verrazzano has daily tours where you can visit the castle, and its underground cellars and learn about the rich history of this winery. The tour was great and we learnt so much not only about the estate but also about Chianti wines. It ends on their terrace with a wine tasting and sampling of some of their regional produce.
The tour was 28 euros per person and lasted for around 1 hour. You can book on their website.
Savignola was the smallest winery we visited and was a completely different experience from any of the other wineries we visited. I absolutely loved the feel of the place, everyone was so welcoming and it almost felt like you were family. Savignola is a great spot if you want something off the beaten track. We were taken for a tour of the winery and then sat down in their lovely terrace area to a wine tasting and lunch. I highly recommend visiting here for lunch as it was absolutely delicious and really affordable too! I loved that the wine tasting was paired with each course, and we got to try some delicious delicacies from salami to an incredible Chianti risotto!
The wine tasting and lunch was 35 euros each and you need to book ahead.
We, unfortunately, couldn’t get in for a tour of Castello di Albola as the timing just didn’t work out with our visit, but we still got in for a great tasting of their wines. Castello di Albola is a beautiful winery set on a hill with expansive views across their vineyard. Their tastings are done in a lovely courtyard and they also do lunch and coffee if you need. There were a few options for the tastings too to match your budget which I loved. This winery is a great spot to visit if you want some beautiful scenery and great wine. Despite missing the tour, we still learned a lot about the winery and its wines on our visit from the lovely server who still took the time to conduct a full tasting for us.
The tasting was 15 euros per person, and you need to book ahead. Tours are a little more expensive.
Nestled in the heart of Chianti, Badia a Coltibuono is a winery that effortlessly weaves history, tradition, and exceptional wine into a single enchanting tapestry. This Tuscan gem occupies the grounds of a thousand-year-old Benedictine abbey, showcasing a past that’s as rich as the wines it produces. As you explore the serene abbey and lush vineyards, you’ll sense the profound connection between the land and the winemaking heritage that has been meticulously preserved here.
The wine tour includes an extensive tour of the winery, grounds and cellar where you learn all about the history of the winery and its wines. The highlight for me was visiting the cellars where they have wines stored dating back decades. You can purchase but you need to call ahead (we wanted to on the day but the owners wouldn’t allow it so make sure you book ahead). The grounds are also beautiful and perfect for exploring. You then head back inside for a wine tasting which was really informative and gave a great sense of the difference in the red wines they produce.
The tour and tasting was 30 euros each and needed to be booked and paid for in advance via their website.
I mentioned above that visiting the cellars in Montepulciano is a must when you visit, and our visit to Cantina De Ricci was absolutely magical. They have a rich history dating back to 1150. I won’t give away the full story because it is really something to hear for yourself, but I will say learning the rich history that went into this underground cellar and the story behind the hedgehog that graces their labels is something really special. They conduct guided tours of their underground cellar which is almost like a cathedral dedicated to ageing wine. It was one of the most incredible cellars I’ve ever seen with cavernous ceilings and archways. It takes your breath away! The tour concludes in their tasting room where you can sample a range of their wines alongside regional produce.
The tour and tasting was 20 euros per person and needed to be booked ahead.
I hope this Tuscany travel guide has helped to inspire your next trip. There really is so much to discover when it comes to Tuscany and its wine regions, so planning your trip is essential to get the most out of it. Whether you want to explore Chianti or head further south to Montepulciano, there is plenty to see and do. From the rolling hills to the food-worthy wines and delicious dishes, you are sure to have a great trip full of memories!
Welcome to Bordeaux, where the joy of wine meets the beauty of France! If you’re a wine enthusiast, you’ve just stumbled upon the perfect paradise for sipping, savouring, and exploring. Bordeaux is all about fantastic flavours, rich culture, and stunning scenery that’ll leave you smiling. In this travel guide to Bordeaux, we’re going to spice up your wine adventure, making sure it’s a blast from start to finish.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine pro or just someone who loves a good glass, Bordeaux has something special in store for you. From where to stay to fun activities, and vineyards to visit, we’ve got it all covered. Join us as we pop the cork on Bordeaux’s best-kept secrets, one glass at a time. This is your ticket to an amazing wine journey that’s full of life and laughter. Get ready to say “Cheers!” to Bordeaux, because this travel guide is here to make your wine-loving dreams come true!
The interesting thing about visiting Bordeaux is that Bordeaux is not only a wine region but also one of the largest cities in France. So there is so much to do and see whether you head out to the wineries, or simply stay in the city. This means it’s a great region to visit for those who love wine, or just want to explore a beautiful city. There is still plenty to do in the city whether you love wine or not.
But for those who do love wine, Bordeaux is an incredible place to visit with so much to do and see. It can be tough to understand what the difference between all the different Bordeaux wines is, as the region itself is made up of so many sub-regions each with its own character, terroir, and wine traditions. There are also all the rules to consider in the mix! So let’s dive into a little bit about the region to help you plan your trip.
To truly appreciate Bordeaux, you need to understand its diverse subregions, which contribute to the exceptional range of wines that have made this place world-famous.
Bordeaux can be a very complex wine region to understand, and so breaking down some of the rules behind the wine of the region can help you discover a wine you are going to love. Understanding the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system, the Grand Cru Classé classification, and the iconic 1855 Bordeaux Wine Classification, along with what’s written on that label, will help you make informed and delightful wine choices.
AOC, or Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, is like the quality seal of approval for Bordeaux wines. It’s a set of strict regulations that dictate where the grapes are grown, which grape varieties are used, and how the wine is made, ensuring each bottle showcases the unique character of its region. Bordeaux has several AOCs, each with its own distinct rules. For example, within Bordeaux, you’ll find AOCs like Saint-Julien, Pauillac, or Margaux in the Médoc region, and Saint-Émilion or Pomerol on the right bank. These rules act as guardians of Bordeaux’s terroir, preserving the essence of each vineyard’s soil, climate, and heritage. You can think of it as Bordeaux’s way of maintaining its identity and heritage in every bottle.
Picture this: It’s the mid-19th century, and Bordeaux wines are in high demand, delighting palates from Paris to London and beyond. But in the midst of this wine frenzy, there was a growing need to distinguish the exceptional from the merely excellent. That’s where the magic of Bordeaux wine classifications was born! The year was 1855, and Emperor Napoleon III decided that Bordeaux wines deserved to be ranked and celebrated for their unique quality. So, a team of experts gathered to create a classification system that would stand the test of time. The result was the legendary 1855 Bordeaux Wine Classification, which still shapes Bordeaux’s wine identity today.
This groundbreaking classification placed Bordeaux wines into different growths or “crus,” five of them in the Médoc region and one in Sauternes. The First Growths, like Château Margaux and Château Latour, were celebrated as the crème de la crème of Bordeaux. These wines weren’t just bottles of fermented grapes; they were living expressions of centuries of expertise and passion, recognized and revered worldwide.
However, as time has passed, the classification system has faced its challenges. New wineries with outstanding quality have emerged, deserving recognition, but the rigid 1855 classification remains largely unchanged. Critics argue that it doesn’t reflect the evolving landscape of Bordeaux wine. Additionally, the world of wine has witnessed shifts in climate, viticulture, and consumer preferences that the original classification could not have foreseen. As a result, some question whether the system should adapt to accommodate these changes while preserving the heritage and excellence that Bordeaux is known for. It’s a debate that continues to simmer, making Bordeaux’s classification system a topic of both tradition and transformation in the wine world.
Like many old-world regions, the grapes that can be used in official Bordeaux wines are strictly limited. This means that if a winemaker wants to produce a wine using grapes outside of the rules, it cannot be a Bordeaux wine under the AOC classifications.
The primary grape varieties used in Bordeaux wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Camenere for red wines. But Bordeaux’s blend extends to white wines as well, with Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle being the primary white varieties that can be used, adding their own charm and complexity to the region’s wines. Also permitted for white wines are Sauvignon Gris, Muscadelle, Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Merlot Blanc, and Mauzac.
The most famous grape varieties you’ll come across for red Bordeaux are Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon which define the left and right banks. For left-bank wines, you’ll find they are dominant in Cabernet Sauvignon, and for the right-bank, they are usually dominant in Merlot.
In 2020, Bordeaux winemakers welcomed a historic change, allowing the use of previously restricted grape varieties in Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Supérieur AOC red and white wines. This evolution in regulations aimed to provide more flexibility to Bordeaux winemakers, offering them the opportunity to experiment and adapt to changing climates and consumer preferences. As a result, you may now encounter varieties like Marselan, Touriga Nacional, and even Albariño in Bordeaux blends, adding exciting new dimensions to the already diverse Bordeaux grape palette.
We visited Bordeaux at the start of Autumn just before harvest began, and even though I have nothing to compare this to, I highly recommend this time of year. It was still warm enough that you didn’t need a jacket, and the scenery was unbelievably beautiful. I loved seeing the endless rows of green grape vines covered in grapes. There really were vineyards as far as the eye could see and it’s a beautiful sight!
I’m sure visiting year-round is great in Bordeaux as there are always things to do. However just after Summer was a great temperature, and the scenery was some of the most beautiful I’ve seen.
I found it quite tough to decide where we should base ourselves for our 3-night stay in the Bordeaux wine region, so wanted to give you some tips. I found it quite hard to find somewhere to stay within the wine regions themselves, and the ones that I could find were not that connected to nearby towns. This meant if you wanted to go out for a meal you would need to drive everywhere, which would make it tough if you didn’t have a car. The hotels on the wineries themselves are also quite pricey, particularly in the Medoc region. So if you have the money, go for it. I personally would have loved to stay in one of the stunning chateaus. But if you’re like us and don’t want to spend your entire trip budget on accommodation, there are some great options for you!
We ended up basing ourselves in the city of Bordeaux and I couldn’t recommend it enough. I was hesitant at first as it is a large city, and I was worried it wouldn’t feel like we were staying in a wine region. But this doesn’t matter as the city of Bordeaux is absolutely stunning! There is so much to see and do, and there are so many restaurants to try. It’s also well connected from other cities via train and is a great base for doing tours out to the wine regions as a lot of the operators start their tours in Bordeaux. I couldn’t recommend staying in the city itself enough for all of these reasons, but especially as it is a destination in itself beyond just the wine regions. It’s worth ticking off your list just for the feel of the city alone.
Bordeaux is a massive city, and so it can be hard to know where to stay. This is why I recommend staying as close to the downtown area as you can. The reason is that most of the attractions and tours are in this area. Bordeaux is a very walkable city, but being in this central area is a great start for exploring outwards. If you are too far out, you’ll find yourself needing to catch trams everywhere.
Because we had a car we couldn’t stay right in the middle of the city, but we did stay a short walk out of it near the botanic garden and it was a perfect spot, especially if you don’t want to be right in the middle of the hustle and bustle. This area is a little more residential and has plenty of cute restaurants and bakeries. The botanic garden is also stunning and worth a wander. It also situates you in between downtown and the La Cite du Vin if you’re planning to visit it – so I highly recommend it!
Okay now to the fun stuff in this travel guide to Bordeaux: what to do with your time! Well, the good news is that there really is so much to do both in the city and in the wine subregions. We barely scratched the surface in our three days, but here are a few things I absolutely adored
I had to include La Cite du Vin separately as it is probably the destination to visit if you are a wine lover visiting Bordeaux. The La Cite du Vin is a wine museum housed in a unique building shaped like a carafe and has a range of interactive exhibits to learn everything you need to know about wine in a fun way. From interactive displays on the winemaking process, stations where you can smell the different wine aromas and even a grape-smashing game, you are sure to find something fun here. I absolutely loved our visit and was shocked that even though the main exhibit was one level of the building, we still spent hours there.
After your visit, you also get to head up to the top floor for a glass of wine of your choice from across the world and a beautiful view of the city. I actually loved how global this museum was even though you were in Bordeaux. It left you with a great understanding of wine worldwide as they touched on so many different wine regions across the world.
We also went on the sensory experience which cost a little extra but was worth it for something different. You were led through a journey across the seasons each with its own audiovisual display that helped immerse you in the feeling of that season. They then paired this with the perfect glass of wine for each.
I’d recommend booking ahead online, especially if you are going to have an extra experience. I did hear some people say they missed out, so make sure you book in advance.
There are so many great places to eat in Bordeaux, and plenty of touristy places too. I recommend checking your hotel’s recommendations and also using Google reviews to make sure you avoid anything too touristy as I have heard it can be a bit hit-and-miss when it comes to food in Bordeaux.
But here are a couple of places we loved:
Ok now a travel guide to Bordeaux wouldn’t be complete without talking about visiting the wineries, right? And I have to admit, we didn’t visit as many wineries as I would have liked to. So rather than talk about the wineries we did visit, I wanted to give you something that might be more helpful: ideas on where to visit. If you only have limited time to discover Bordeaux, it can be hard to know where to visit. As the subregions are quite spread out, you can’t do them in one day. So where should you go: the right or left bank? Here are a few things to consider.
We visited Medoc on our full-day wine tour and it was a great day out. Medoc is where you will find the iconic French chateaus that you immediately think of when you think of what a Bordeaux winery is. The scenery is absolutely stunning and the buildings that you pass are quintessentially French. This was the main reason I chose Medoc as I felt if we only had one day, we should do the area that screams Bordeaux.
The wines in this region are cabernet sauvignon dominant and can carry a high price tag. This isn’t to say that Saint Emilion wines are cheaper, but you do have some of the most expensive Chateaus in Medoc. Keep that in mind for planning your wine tastings as some of the tastings can be expensive, and some visits are by appointment only.
We visited the village of Saint Emilion on our way to our next destination. We were tossing up whether or not to go and a waiter told us we absolutely had to. And I am so glad we listened to him because it truly was one of the highlights of the trip. So even if you don’t visit the wineries around Saint Emilion, if you have time I recommend visiting the village. It is simply stunning, and there is plenty to do there, along with plenty of wine stores to try different wines at.
Saint Emilion has smaller Chateaus and not quite as many of those iconic-looking ones that you’ll find in Medoc. But there are still plenty of beautiful sights, and being able to visit Saint Emilion is a highlight in itself which you won’t find a replica of in Medoc. You also have Pomerol nearby which is one of the most iconic subregions of Bordeaux.
The right bank is known for wines that are Merlot-dominant. Whilst you can find some cheaper wines here, the prices are still high, especially when you add Pomerol into the mix.
Realistically, Bordeaux is one of the more expensive wine regions to visit, so visiting the left or right bank based on price won’t get you very far. I really don’t think you can go wrong either way!
I hope this travel guide to Bordeaux has helped you understand more about Bordeaux wines, and also to get some tips for planning your next trip. We learnt so much about this complicated yet iconic wine region on our trip, and I think that’s the best part about visiting. You learn so much, and it also means you can try more sub-regions that you would normally try when purchasing wines at home. Who knows, you might find your new favourite and bring home a bottle or two!
If you’re visiting Italy, you might be thinking about exploring some of their incredible wine regions. And we all know about Tuscany, but if you’re looking to discover something different, why not check out Piedmont (Piemonte)? Located in the North of Italy just an hour or so drive away from Milan, Piedmonte may not be as well known as Tuscany, but it has so much to discover! Not only is it the home of Barolo and Barbaresco, but it also was where the slow food movement began, and also where some of the most expensive truffles in the world are found! So whether you are a foodie, love wine, want to see incredible scenery or all of the above, you’ll find something you love here. In this travel guide to Piedmont, I highlight some of our favourite spots from our recent trip, as well as some handy tips for planning your own.
You may not have heard of Piedmont before, but you have probably heard of Barolo or Barbaresco. Piedmont is actually a large region in northern Italy that spans a lot of ground up to the Alps, and so there really is a lot to see even if you don’t love wine. But because the region itself is so big, it is important to know where the wine regions you want to visit are so you can make sure you are in the right spot for you. But if you don’t just want to see wine, rest assured there are plenty of cute villages, and huge cities like Turin to see.
As the region itself is so large, Piedmont is known for more than wine. It is actually where the famous White Truffle is found, so there’s plenty of amazing truffle food to try throughout the year. It’s also the birthplace of famous Italian foods like Nutella and Ferrero Rocher. You should also definitely try the gianduiotto chocolates while you’re there – thank me later!
The scenery is also incredible. Whether it’s the rolling hills of the Barolo covered in vines or the glorious alps. There is so much natural beauty to discover in this region. We loved simply driving around with our eyes glued out the window!
Because the region is sheltered by mountains, it is drier and warmer than you’d otherwise expect. This means that late-ripening grapes thrive here. The main grape variety of course is Nebbiolo which is key to Barolo and Barbareso. But you’ll also find plenty of other varieties such as Dolcetto, Barbera, Arneis, Chardonnay, Moscato, Cortese and many more.
Barolo is definitely the most well-known subregion of Piedmont, and the “king of wines” demands a high price tag. The wines from Barolo (using Nebbiolo grapes) are flavourful, aromatic and highly tannic, making them perfect for aging for a minimum of 10-15 years. So if you want to try some wines, keep in mind that Barolo at a tasting will often be too young to be fully appreciated. You might get lucky like us and get to sample something really special like a 1990 and discover just how long you can age them for!
The other main subregion is Barbaresco, known as the Queen of wines. Barbaresco wines tend to be slightly less tannic and so that means that you can usually enjoy them younger, and they tend to be more affordable.
But there are also plenty of more approachable wines to discover, particularly in the Langhe region that sits outside of the Barolo and Barbaresco classifications. You can also try other wines like Dogliani (Dolcetto), Asti (sparkling Moscato), and Gavi (Cortese) for something completely different during your visit! We had some amazing dry sparklings too that were very affordable. So even if you aren’t a fan of big and bold reds, there is something for you.
One important thing to consider when planning your visit is that despite the worldwide acclaim for the Barbera and Barbaresco wine regions, most of the wineries are still family-run. You will be surprised by how traditional and small-scale a lot of the wineries are especially when you are planning your visit. It can make it difficult to find wineries that are open, especially on public holidays.
Because of this, I recommend checking for public holidays, as well as opening hours on weekends before your visit. As many of the wineries are family-run they aren’t always open for tastings, especially on public holidays. We visited around Ferragosto which is a huge public holiday in Italy, and we found a lot of the wineries that we contacted were closed for most of August or at least a few weeks. The trade-off is that the scenery is absolutely stunning in August with it being so close to harvest!
I would also recommend visiting in truffle season which is October to December. This will be the busiest time of year to visit but there are a lot of events celebrating truffles. And you might get a taste of white truffle if you have the budget! Just keep in mind it will get a little cooler.
It would be easy to look at how large Piedmont is and think you should base yourself in Turin. And Turin is great, don’t get me wrong. There is plenty to do, lots of museums and restaurants, and it is well connected via public transport. However, keep in mind that Turin is over an hour’s drive away from Barolo and Barbaresco. So if you don’t want to be driving to get to the wine regions, I would suggest staying closer to them. And then you can visit Turin on a day trip which I highly recommend!
The other thing I would say is it can be hard to find places to stay in the wine regions themselves as a lot of the wineries are smaller scale. The negative about staying out of town is also that it can be hard to find restaurants, especially if you are there for a few days.
We stayed in Alba which I think is a great in-between for exploring the wine subregions. It is situated pretty much in the middle of Barbaresco and Barolo, and so it’s a great base for seeing both spots with a car. Alba is also a good size as it has plenty of restaurants to visit, but is also small enough that it’s easy to get around.
We stayed at Hotel Langhe which is just out of Alba but a short bike ride away from the main area and had an awesome time. It feels like you are still out of the city, but you are close enough to enjoy all the benefits of being in town. We really enjoyed our stay here and I’d highly recommend it to anyone thinking of visiting.
There are so many towns to visit around Piedmont, so I wanted to highlight a couple that we visited and loved:
Turin is also a good spot to visit if you want more of a city experience. They have amazing palaces you can see and great aperitivo. It’s also great for a spot of shopping!
A travel guide to Piedmont wouldn’t be complete without talking about food! There are so many great spots to eat in Piedmont, I mean it is Italy after all! Some of my favourites from our trip were:
We didn’t visit as many wineries as I would have liked to due to many of them being closed, but here are the ones that we loved while we were there.
Montaribaldi is located near Barbaresco and is a great spot to visit for lovely views, a great tour and delicious wine. We had a four-person tour of the winery followed by a tasting and it was a lovely morning. We were warmly welcomed and I learnt a lot on the tour of the winery and cellar. The wines were also absolutely delicious from their sparkling to their reds. And the views from the tasting terrace make it worth a visit alone!
The tasting for us was 20 euros per person and needed to be booked ahead.
Alessandro Rivetto is a great spot to visit for a by-appointment tasting experience. It was really special to visit and taste the wines just the two of us, and be able to ask as many questions as we wanted. We had a great visit and learned so much throughout the comprehensive tasting. Although the tasting was a little more expensive, it was worth it for the personalised experience. Out of the wineries we visited, I definitely learned the most in this tasting and probably enjoyed the wines the most too. Bonus points for the cutest wine dog, Buddy!
The tasting was 40 euros per person and by appointment only.
G.D. Vajra is a great spot to visit near Barolo and has plenty of tours available when you contact them. On the tour, you visit their winery and cellar and learn all about their winemaking process as well as their history. The winery has beautiful stained glass windows which are beautiful to see, and lovely views across the vineyards. We’d had some of their wines before so it was great to try more of their range. Each tasting is tailored to the group so you’re sure to find something you love!
The tasting was 25 euros and you need to book ahead.
Marchesi di Barolo is right in Barolo and a bit more commercial than some of the other wineries we visited. But don’t let that deter you as the wines here are great, and the tour is awesome too. You learn a lot about the history behind the winery, as well as the region. I also thought it was good that they had multiple tasting options so you could choose what you wanted to try based on what you wanted to spend.
The tasting was 35 euros each and you’ll need to book in advance.
If you want to try a number of different wines from the area, we stopped at Vinoland in Neive and had a great time. You have to pay for the tasting but we ended up getting to try a lot more than what the tasting was meant to include which was great. They also tailored it so we could compare different grapes or different styles of winemaking. It was definitely one of the best tastings we had on the trip, and the service was amazing. We ended up staying there for almost two hours!
I hope this travel guide to Piedmont helps you to plan your own trip to this incredible region. Whether you head there to explore the scenery and small towns, enjoy some delicious food or discover some great wine, there really is something for everyone to discover!
You may not have heard of Tumbarumba, but it should be on your list of regions to seek out. I hadn’t tried many wines from there before, and after visiting I am blown away by the quality of their wines, the beauty of the region and the connection of the community. This cold wine region (not cool, it’s cold – the locals will tell you) is producing absolutely outstanding wines packed full of refinement and elegance. So in this Tumbarumba Wine Guide, I want to introduce you to the region and highlight the wines and producers putting this incredible wine region on the map.
I want to start by thanking the incredible community of Tumbarumba for hosting me and a group of wine professionals for a few days. It was a wonderful experience and one I won’t forget, with great discussion and even better food and wine. You could really feel how strong the community was, and it was so special to be invited along to be part of this experience.
Tumbarumba is located in Southern New South Wales, about 480km from Sydney. It is within the Riverina region and at the Western Edge of the Snowy Mountains. Tumbarumba is known predominately for agriculture, in particular timber, having the largest timber plant in the Southern hemisphere. But they are also known for blueberries and more recently are becoming renowned for their wines.
The town itself (known as Tumba if you’re a local), is a cute little alpine town with a beautiful main street and great options for dining. There are also plenty of recreational activities if you are visiting, including fly fishing, incredible hikes and mountain biking. The landscape is absolutely breathtaking with rolling green hills, idyllic mountain peaks and bushland.
It’s crazy that we don’t talk more about Tumbaraumba, because interestingly it was first really discovered by some of the largest wine producers in Australia. They saw an opportunity in their high-quality fruit to produce incredible sparkling wines. Since then Tumbaramba has made a name for itself with Chardonnay and is now expanding into outstanding Pinot Noir and other varieties, including alternatives. Kim Schroeter, the Senior white winemaker at Penfolds, talked about his love for the region, particularly the Chardonnay of Tumbarumba. He said his three favourite regions for Chardonnay are Tumbarumba, Adelaide Hills and Tasmania. He’s been using Tumbarumba Chardonnay in a few of his classic wines for years, and for good reason.
We heard the story of the beginning of Tumbarumba wine from the pioneer herself: Juliet Cullen. She had visited Beaune in Burgundy and fell head over heels for their wines, so she set her sights on finding a region that had similar conditions in Australia. With her geology background, she scoured the country to find a spot with the same mean temperatures as Burgundy, which was no easy thing at the time without Google!
After searching day after day manually calling up weather stations, she finally found Tumbarumba. She then covered her living room with maps of the topography to find the perfect slopes. Juliet and her then-husband Ian then set out to find the perfect site to start their project, getting lucky on 100 acres one day that they purchased from a lady who would not sell to anyone but fell in love with their dream.
They first planted vines in 1982 however were smashed by droughts, then frost. Finally, they were able to get their first crop in 1986, with the first vintage in 1988. Their fruit caught the interest of Charles Sturt University who made a sparkling out of the wine that took out awards, pricking the ears of Seppelts who started funding the wine industry in Tumbarumba. In fact, many larger wine companies like Penfolds have been producing wines in the region for years, and it’s only in recent years that smaller winemakers have started producing Tumbarumba labelled wines that put this region on the map.
While there is still a big proportion of growers in the region, winemakers are starting to come together in the region too, as well as winemakers from other NSW regions and Canberra. Currently, there are approximately 214 hectares under vine.
Unfortunately, in 2020 Tumbarumba was devastated by bushfires. The grapes got smoke taint, and so nothing has produced that vintage. They are now rebuilding in the wake of the devastation, and the stories we were told around this really showed the resilience of the wine community there.
The Tumbarumba climate is quite unique to Australian wine, and that’s one of the reasons that they call it cold, not just cool. The altitude ranges from 209 to 1920m, creating a range of temperatures across the vineyards. The growers have to grapple with the risk of many environmental threats from frost to bushfires.
Temperatures in Tumbarumba can be quite cold (trust me I know from experience) and you can get 4 seasons in one day. They have long daylight hours, especially in Summer which makes site selection important so the vines get just the right amount of sunlight (not too much or too little). The grapes need enough sunlight to ripen as evening temperatures remain cold even in Summer, which can lead to late ripening and late starts to the growing season and harvest.
Tumbarumba is one of the only Australian wine regions that is not cooled by a maritime influence, making it really unique. The elevation is critical to the production of these cold-climate wines. As such, grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot dominate, as well as the production of Sparkling wine. There are growers now experimenting with other varieties too, such as Tempranillo, Pinot Gris, Albarino, Gamay and even Shiraz (in one vineyard).
Tumbarumba has a few dominant types of soil which are scattered across the region and paired with climate meaning that every site produces very unique wines. This is one of the things I love about the region: there is a sense of place within the wines but a lot of diversity too. Some vineyards have decomposed granite and others more of red loam, and some have basalt as well. These soils are great at providing the right kind of conditions so the grapes are not too tortured or stressed.
The Tumbarumba wine region has made a name for itself by producing grapes of outstanding quality. Only recently has it started to promote itself as a region for winemaking under the Tumbarumba regional name, so it’s worth looking out for to try for yourself.
Having started its history with sparkling wine and chardonnay, Tumbarumba has a lot to offer in both of these as well as beyond, including its recent expansion into Pinot Noir. We did two benchmarketing exercises when we were there, comparing 6-8 Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays to other iconic regions for the varieties. It was a great experience as it really highlighted how special the wines are.
They stand out on their own as a distinctive region producing wines that are elegant with finesse and a lovely line of acidity across them. Each wine has a consistently high quality with a purity of fruit at the forefront. These wines are balanced and celebrate place beautifully with diversity to discover. They also have great aging potential. We tried a few wines that were over 10 years old, one that was even from 1992. I couldn’t believe how well they held up despite their age, showing the ability of wines from this region to stand the test of time.
What also makes Tumbarumba so special is the sense of community. I summed up the region in one word: Partnership. There is a really beautiful partnership between the growers of the region and the winemakers both within the region and beyond. Having winemakers on the trip highlighted this partnership and respect for each other’s craft. The growers want to give the winemakers the best fruit, and the winemakers want to work with growers to showcase the purity found in the region. This partnership shines through in the strength of the community, as well as how beautiful the wines are. I loved getting a glimpse into this beautiful and resilient community who are so passionate about what they do.
It wouldn’t be a Tumbarumba wine region guide without looking at the wines! While a visit to the Tumbarumba wine region is a great experience, if you can’t get there, you can still check out the wines. There are many wines you can check out that have Tumbarumba fruit in them, but here are a few of the wineries we visited and the wines I absolutely loved.
We visited Wondalma Vineyard as a first stop and had a beautiful tour. Stuart and Janine Barclay are predominately growers for Penfolds, CSU and McWilliams, however, they had a tasty Pet Nat and Chardonnay for us to try while we were there. I absolutely adored the Chardonnay, and Janine and Stuart went above and beyond to help organise the trip and make us feel so welcome. Janine took us on a beautiful hike on the second day which was so special, and they also welcomed us into their family home for a lovely lunch.
Obsession Wines were the first that I’d ever tried from the region thanks to Adrian Brayne sending me a couple to try. When I tried them I was blown away by the quality, and so to visit the cellar door was really special. Adrian is also about to expand his cellar door which has the most beautiful view of the snowy mountains.
The name Obsession comes from Adrian’s passion for producing wines that he believes borders on obsession. He believes in devoting yourself to something, and for him, this is his wine where he loves controlling every aspect, down to foot stomping the grapes so he can check for hot and cold spots in the ferment.
This really shines through in his wines which are a mix of traditional and alternative varieties. I really enjoyed the Albarino and Pinot Noir, as well as the Tempranillo. All his wines are worth checking out though for their quality, and also to discover a different grape variety.
Courabyra Wines has recently won a number of tourism awards, and it is easy to see why when you visit. They are also planning an expansion, and have a beautiful cellar door overlooking the vineyard. It has a lovely outside area for enjoying wine in the sun, as well as a restaurant. They have a lovely family feel to their vineyard with their logo a homage to Cathy’s 10 siblings (she is 1 of 11).
What I loved so much about Courabyra Wines was their Sparkling Wine. They are renowned for it and it is easy to see why. Their vintage Cuvee was absolutely fantastic – we tried the 2016 and a special bottle of 2001 which was absolutely incredible. Their Rosé sparkling was also an absolute treat! Cathy and Brian Gairn have done a fantastic job, and if you are a sparkling lover, definitely add their wines to your list!
Richard Cotton and Elvie Yates hosted us for a fantastic tasting at their vineyard. Their label On the Fly is a dedication to Richard’s love of fly fishing. He did take some of our group out to give it a go, and although they didn’t really catch anything they had a great time doing it.
They have a great range of wines, and my favourite was definitely the Pinot Gris. It was so full of flavour yet light and elegant with just the right amount of acidity. Their Rosé is also fantastic, as well as their Pinot. However, all their wines were standouts to me!
I absolutely loved visiting Johansen Wines. Their cellar door has a lovely warm feel to it and I felt really welcomed with Helle and Tom Southwell taking us through their wines. They had the widest range of wines for us to try, and we also had some great conversations with their parents Robert and Heather Johansen.
It was so interesting trying their wide range of wines and hearing the stories behind them. It was interesting hearing the pivots that Tom worked with winemakers to make when things didn’t work out as planned. For example, they tried a pet nat and it ended up as a cracking Grenache Rosé, and their Riesling was meant to be dry but didn’t showcase the fruit as well as Tom wanted, so it ended up as a beautiful off-dry style.
My favourite wine had to be their Chardonnay and their vintage Sparkling. However, the biggest surprise of the trip was their merlot which absolutely blew me away. Whatever you enjoy drinking, Johansen wines are one to add to the list – I really adored their range.
Tumbarumba is truly a special place, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to visit and experience it for myself. The dedication to producing grapes and wines that have elegance and finesse alongside purity of fruit shines through in everything they do. And the community and partnership between winemakers and growers is something really special to experience. Whether you are planning to visit an Australian wine region, or you want to try some seriously tasty wines, Tumbarumba is a wine region you need to put on your list. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next few years as Tumbarumba continues to shine!
It can be hard to work out where to go while you are on a trip, or even in your local area for good food and wine. Lucky for us we have a great app to take the guesswork out of figuring out where to go! The Gourmakers App is an Australian Gourmet Travel app that makes it easier for you to find Australia’s Best Wineries, Distilleries and Gourmet Food Venues.
What I love about the Gourmakers app is that you don’t need to search around on Google to find the information you need. The app has all the useful information about each venue, including important details like opening hours, accessibility and dining options.
The app also makes it easy to discover new venues. You can search for individual spots, or use one of their Gourmet trails which maps out a day trip for you! I love this option as you don’t need to think about how to order the venues we visited – the app gives you the most efficient route! It also means that you can find new spots to discover whether you are in your home state or on a holiday. There is a great selection of venues and gourmet trails throughout Australia to discover.
If you don’t want to use a Gourmet trail, you can also search, discover and save gourmet venues to visit yourself and create your own trip all in the app! You can create shortlists too and save the venues that you love so you can share them with friends.
While we were in the Barossa Valley, I tried out the Gourmakers app using one of their great Gourmet trails. As it was our first time in the area, it was a great way to find hidden gems along the way! It allowed us to discover new places to eat and wineries to visit, all within a dedicated food trail that made the most of our time. I loved that it had a trail ready to go which made the most efficient use of our time. It meant we weren’t jumping from one place to another.
You can download the Gourmakers App on the App store and start planning your next gourmet Australian road trip! Learn more on their website.
I really needed a getaway and was very keen to explore some more wineries. Despite having a great trip to the Yarra Valley and Tasmania earlier this year I couldn’t get enough! We were hoping to head to the Barossa Valley but COVID and lockdowns had other plans, so we went to the next best thing. We are so lucky in Queensland to have access to the Granite Belt about three hours drive from Brisbane. So we gathered a few friends and headed out for a long weekend of friends, fun and wine! It was a bit of a different trip from what we normally do, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to share my highlights in a guide to the Granite Belt.
The Granite Belt is a very small wine region which is why it sometimes gets overlooked. But the producers here are creating incredible wines in the face of serious adversity. Last year many wineries lost 100 per cent of their harvest due to severe drought and bushfires. When we visited last year (see my guide here) I really felt for the producers and prayed for much-needed rain to help them. Luckily they got some great rain, and this year’s harvest brought new life to this wine region. There was so much to explore and some fantastic wines to try! I was so glad we could bring our friends along to experience everything this unique wine region has to offer.
The Granite Belt is one of the highest wine regions in Australia with vineyards found up at 1,000 metres above sea level. It has around 240 hectares under vine. The climate is unusually cool (it was -3 degrees when we were there) and has a unique terroir from the region’s 200 million-year-old rock formations.
Most of the producers in the region are small boutique wineries with a huge variety of wines. Small production means that many of the wineries are trying different varieties which means you never find the same wines at each winery. Their Strange Bird wines are what makes this region really special. These are varieties with under 1 per cent under vine in Australia, meaning you can find something you may never get to try in other wine regions. They have a great guide you can use as you explore the region to find these wines too!
What I also love about the boutique feel of the Granite Belt is the people. You often meet the winemaker or owners of the winery at the cellar door. I love this as you get a really personalised experience. You can really feel the passion as you taste the wines. It’s one of my favourite things about the Granite Belt!
There are a few good options of places to stay in the Granite Belt depending on what you’re after. Whether you’re after a cozy cabin with a fireplace, or a bed and breakfast, you can find something to suit your needs and budget. At the moment however tourism is so popular in the region, so it’s important to book early!
We stayed at Quaffers on Storm King last year and I was so blown away by our stay that I knew we had to stay there again. Luckily they still had a two-bedroom and one-bedroom cabin available to suit our group’s size!
Quaffers on Storm King is just out of Stanthorpe on the Storm King dam. Paul and Deb have a number of incredibly modern and spacious cabins that have everything you need from a fireplace to a slow cooker! The two-bedroom cabins are very spacious with two bedrooms with king-sized beds and large bathrooms. The living room was also the perfect size for our entire group of six to enjoy some cheese and wine by the fire. They also include breakfast packs in your stay which you can customise based on what you want – from bacon and eggs to pancakes!
What I also love about this accommodation is they have fire pits near the dam that you can use for afternoon drinks. We loved heading down there with some wine and marshmallows to enjoy the sunset and watch all the stars come out before dinner.
There are so many great places to eat on the Granite Belt that suit any budget. But here are a couple of places that we visited on our trip this year:
Our first stop was Stanthorpe Cheese where we enjoyed one of their cheese platters out on the sun. They also offer cheese tastings at set times as well as other cafe food. I loved the cheese platter as you could choose the cheeses you wanted to include, and it came with assorted relishes, jams and some fresh fruit! You can then take away any of the cheese you love to enjoy later
Vincenzo’s is located at the big apple and was closed last year when we visited. It’s recently reopened and offers both a cafe and a deli stocked with amazing produce. We visited to collect some cheese and meats for a cheese platter to enjoy at our accommodation. They had a great selection to choose from – it was almost too hard to pick!
Vincenzo’s also has a great selection of ready-made meals which is a great way to do dinner after a wine tour. If you also want to sample some of the local wines they have a great selection available to purchase in case you missed one of the cellar doors on your travels! I loved that this was a one-stop-shop for everything you needed and that there was a big focus on local produce.
Granite Belt Brewery is a great spot for a casual lunch and a perfect spot for a group. They do dinner as well but their lunch special is great value. At $30 for a main and dessert, you can’t go wrong! The meals were massive and absolutely delicious. It was also great for beer lovers as they had a range of beers to try – whether you wanted a pint or a tasting paddle. For wine lovers like me, there was also a selection of local wines available. It’s perfect for a casual lunch in between winery visits.
On our winery tour day, we headed to Varias and at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism. It has a great selection of lunch options and is quite well priced. Most of our group got burgers which were under $20 and absolutely delicious.
I got the medley of mains and it was such a fun experience. For $50 you get a sample of three different mains and wines to match with them followed by a dessert. I loved trying the different wines with their food match to see how the wine changed. The food was also absolutely delicious! It was the perfect option for someone like me who can never decide what they feel like eating.
If you love chocolate, you need to head to Heavenly Chocolate near Girrawean National Park. It is the perfect spot for enjoying hot chocolate in their garden. They have so many flavours to try, along with a selection of handmade chocolates. The best part is all the animals on the property. We loved checking out the chickens while we enjoyed our drinks in the sun.
Balancing Heart is a new kid on the block in the region but is bringing something different to the scene, and I think they are only going to get better. They have a huge expansion planned which I can’t wait to check out! But the best part was enjoying a wine tasting and lunch outside in the sunshine. They have a beautiful outside area with plenty of tables and chairs to sit at and enjoy the live music. You could order wine by the glass or bottle to enjoy with your meal with platters and pizzas to enjoy. The pizzas were absolutely delicious and blew us away! It was the perfect end to our trip and we ended up staying for hours soaking up the live music and sunshine. None of us wanted to leave!
And now for the fun bit – the cellar doors! We visited quite a few cellar doors on our trip, and here are my favourites from this year’s trip:
Golden Grove Estate was probably our favourite winery that we visited as a group. It was the first stop on our winery tour and we had a fantastic tasting with the winemaker Ray. Golden Grove Estate is a family-run winery that has been passed down through the generations. Now Ray produces wines that are unique to the region with plenty of Mediterranean varieties to sample. He loves to try new things so you’ll always find something different. I absolutely loved every wine we tried from their Rose Brose to their premium Shiraz. They also have beautiful labels which have been commissioned by an artist that really make the wines pop!
Golden Grove Estate lost all their grapes last year so it was fantastic to see they’re back creating some incredible wines for us to enjoy. I’m so glad they are back on their feet!
I mentioned Balancing Heart above but didn’t go into their wines. This is a must-visit for its cellar door experience. The cellar door is so well thought out and perfect for enjoying an afternoon in the sun. It will only get better with their expansion plans!
But the wines are delicious too! Many were sold out which shows how good they are, but we were told there will be plenty more on offer in the coming weeks. Mike Hayes is the winemaker and is producing some incredible wines for Balancing Heart. When we visited last year the new owner had only really just started, and it was fantastic to see the transformation he had done in just one year.
In terms of my favourite wines, the Shiraz has always been a favourite of mine and was a favourite of the group. But I also loved their Chardonnay which was low acid and incredibly refreshing.
Whiskey Gully is a winery we always visit on our trips and this year was no different. It is set in a beautiful old house that offers a perfect spot for enjoying their wine. Unfortunately, they were out of many of their wines with a restock in a couple of weeks time, but the wines we did try were absolutely delicious! A favourite of ours was the Republique Red which was an easy-drinking and crowd-pleasing wine we enjoyed that night over the fire.
I’d never visited Girraween Estate before and it was definitely one of my highlights. I’m not sure why I haven’t been before but now I am so glad we made the time. It is located next to Balancing Heart and is a small winery producing incredible wines. I honestly loved every single wine that I tried! But the highlight for me was chatting to the owner about the different wines and decisions they’d made in the winemaking for each of them.
The highlight wines for me were the sparkling wines which are a little hard to come by in the Granite Belt. They were both so different in their flavours but incredibly refreshing.
We didn’t visit Ridgemill Estate last year so I was very excited to get back there. It is one of the more well-known wineries in the area and it is easy to see why. The real winner for our group (other than the wine of course) was the goats! When you pull up you can go over to the goats and say hello. They are very cute and you might even be able to feed them if you’re lucky!
The animal love followed us into the cellar door with their very friendly cellar door cat who loves jumping up into your lap for a cuddle. We loved enjoying some pats while sipping on the wines. The wines themselves were also delicious and offered a great range of varieties and styles. My favourite was the Hammer Shiraz but they also produced a great sparkling wine which we enjoyed over some cheese that night.
Granite Ridge Wines is one of our favourite wineries in the Granite Belt. We always seem to have their wines on hand. But this time we hadn’t planned to visit their cellar door as we do tend to visit every time we go. But after trying some of their wines from Vincenzo’s on the first night, it was a group consensus that we needed to head there to give the rest of their wines a go. So we did and we certainly weren’t disappointed!
Granite Ridge produces a great range of wines that are sure to tick the box for anyone. They have an unoaked and oaked Chardonnay (the oaked being one of our favourites), along with some sweet wines, a huge range of reds and even some chocolate liqueurs! I love the variety of flavours in this generous tasting, but we did end up grabbing a few more bottles of the groups favourite: The Fergie’s Hill!
I always love visiting Pyramid Road Wines because I leave with more knowledge than I left. The owners always take the time to talk you through not only their wines but why they taste the way they do. I have never been to such an informative cellar door! Although they didn’t have as much stock as they usually do, I loved their range of wines. They had made a couple of wines from 2020 but in a different style that was much lighter than they usually produce. Talk about making hay while the sun shines!
I hope this article has helped to put the Granite Belt onto your wine map. This small but mighty wine region produces some incredible wines. But its the people that really make it. They’ve been through a lot in the past few years, and I’m so glad to see them on the other side of it. I can’t wait to see more of the 2021 vintage as it is released, and we’re already planning our next trip back!
Last week I shared some of our favourite spots from the first part of our Honeymoon. We visited Launceston and the Tamar Valley, and gosh was it a good time! You can read the full guide here. But in this guide to Hobart and the Coal River Valley, I want to share my favourite spots we visited in the second part of our honeymoon!
It’s hard to pinpoint a favourite part of our trip as I absolutely loved it all. But Hobart was definitely a highlight, and the only thing I wished was that we had more time! There is so much to do both in and around Hobart that whether you love food, wine, adventure or nature, you’ll find something there. Even the touristy things to do aren’t really all that touristy, so don’t worry about doing what everyone else is doing. There’s a reason for it!
We didn’t have a lot of time in Hobart so we only scratched the surface really. But what we did manage to fit in was seriously fun. For this guide to Hobart and the Coal River Valley I wanted to provide some tips:
There are a few wine regions to discover around Hobart which is great as you’re spoilt for choice. We ran out of time to explore everything, and so we mainly focused on the Coal River Valley. I can’t wait to head back and explore the Huon Valley which is renowned for its cool climate wines.
The Coal River Valley is a fantastic spot to explore as it is so close to Hobart! 15 – 20 minutes drive and you are right in the middle of some incredible wineries. The Coal River Valley surrounds the historic town of Richmond which is definitely worth stopping in to see the oldest bridge in Australia and all the cute historic houses. Commercial vineyards only started appearing here in the 1970s and now there are a handful of small-scale wineries operating in the area.
This wine region is still cold but it isn’t as cold as some other Tasmanian wine regions, and also doesn’t get much rainfall. Because of this, producers are experimenting with more red wine varieties than in other regions. Although you’ll still find plenty of Tassie classics including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling.
There are plenty of places to stay in Hobart, but I’ll focus on where we stayed in this guide to Hobart and the Coal River Valley. We stayed at MACQ01 in the waterfront area of Hobart and had a fantastic time. We opted for one of their rooms on the third floor which is a bit of a splurge but totally worth it if you’re celebrating a special occasion. The room was massive and even had a closet as well as a lovely bathtub. The mini bar was filled with Tassie goodies, and the movies were free too!
The best part about this room other than the ability to really spread out was the balcony. It was quite cold while we were there but it was still beautiful stepping out onto the balcony and looking out over the harbour. We even saw a seaplane take off!
Even if you don’t go for one of these rooms, the hotel itself is stunning. It is based on storytelling so each room has a character that goes along with it that you can discover. They have a lovely bar with a fireplace along with a range of restaurants at the bottom of the building. We also had breakfast included which was delicious – you got a fruit, cheese, pastry and meat platter along with your choice of a main. It was definitely a highlight of the trip!
The great thing about MACQ01 is also its location. It is at the end of the harbour area but still very centrally located. We found it so easy to walk to all the places we wanted to visit, and didn’t even need to think about driving anywhere.
You know, we didn’t just go to Hobart for the wine, although that was a big part of it! So I thought in this guide to Hobart and the Coal River Valley I would include some fun activities. There is so much to do in Hobart itself, and here are some of the things we really enjoyed doing.
The Salamanca Markets are on every Saturday. Yes, they might seem touristy but they have a good reputation for a reason. The market is filled with Tassie arts, crafts and food to enjoy. It’s a great spot to pick up a gift or two for people at home, or to buy a beanie if you get as cold as we did! It is also a great spot to sample some of the local distilleries – there were about 10 when we visited! We were a bit hesitant to drink gin and whiskey at 9 am but on such a cold morning it was a very welcome tasting!
While you are at the Salamanca markets, you should also make sure you try one of the Scallop pies. Hobart is known for Scallop pies, but the Scallop pie van is meant to have the best there is. We heard about this after we left and my partner wanted to try one so badly that we went back just for one! I have to say I never thought I would enjoy a scallop pie, but it was seriously delicious!
Mona has seriously put Hobart and Tasmania on the map, and it is definitely worth a visit whether you like art or not. You can get there via car or the Mona ferry. I personally recommend the ferry because you get the full experience. We also paid a bit extra for the posh pit. You get a special area where they provide surprisingly delicious food and unlimited alcohol. I didn’t know how much wine they would really give you on the 26-minute journey, but it turns out they gave you a lot. It certainly made the whole museum experience a lot funnier after a couple of glasses of sparkling!
Mona is not your average art gallery, and it might rub a few people up the wrong way. But whether you like art or not, it is a fantastic experience. The architecture is also an artwork in itself, and I would visit just to wander around the grounds! The art gallery is also really interesting to explore and discover, even if you might not get all the art!
If you aren’t there for the art, there are also some great restaurants and even a cellar door you can visit! We didn’t end up going to the restaurants but headed to the cellar door where you can get small plates to share and a glass or two of wine. There’s also a nice grass area with beanbags that you can relax on with a glass of hot apple cider. So you can see it is easy to spend plenty of time here!
My partner has just started getting into whiskey, and so while we were in Hobart he really wanted to visit Lark Distillery. It is located right near the Waterfront and is a lovely cosy bar underneath a heritage building. It was very warm and welcoming on a cold evening in Hobart I can tell you that much!
You can opt for whiskey or gin flights to try their range of spirits. I tried their gins and really enjoyed the ones that you pair with tonic. You can then purchase gin and tonics, wine, beer and whiskey to enjoy after or instead of a flight. The only thing I would say is that there isn’t any food here – so if you are going to be there for a couple of hours make sure you pace yourself like we did not! It would be perfect for a nightcap after dinner.
It wouldn’t be a guide to Hobart and the Coal River Valley without some food! I had a seriously full schedule of food in Hobart, and we ate at some amazing restaurants. We were getting so full by the end of our trip, but we persevered! There are some amazing restaurants to eat at in Hobart and we were seriously spoilt for choice. I didn’t get to every place we wanted to go to, but I know next time I’ll just have to visit them! Here are the highlights of this trip:
We went to Landscape Restaurant on our last night in Hobart and the last night of our Honeymoon. It was one of the most memorable meals of our trip! The restaurant gets its name from the walls which are covered with art of Tasmanian landscapes. The restaurant feels like an art gallery and you’re encouraged to wander around and view the art in between dining. I loved the atmosphere in here – it was so intimate. It felt a bit fancy with all the wait staff having bow ties, but when you spoke to them you immediately felt welcomed. The service was some of the best we had – everyone was so friendly, engaging and actually very funny. It would have been the best part of the experience if not for the food and wine.
The wine list is like a bible which is a little overwhelming, but the sommelier is wandering around and more than happy to talk wine. He actually grabbed something out for us from the cellar that wasn’t on the wine list based on our preferences which was amazing! We also got a glass of sparkling for our honeymoon which really went above and beyond.
But then there was the food. My partner was stoked because it wasn’t a set menu, so if you would rather select what you eat then take note! Every dish was incredible, but the most memorable part had to be the steak. Each night they grill the steaks on different wood chips, and I can’t even begin to describe to you the flavour of this steak. It was the best steak I’ve ever had.
Seriously if you are in Hobart make sure you visit this restaurant! You won’t be disappointed.
Aloft is situated above the MONA ferry terminal and has an incredible view out over the harbour. Although we went for dinner so we couldn’t see anything but the thought was there! The food here is absolutely incredible. My partner was getting a bit over all the set menus, and he had had a couple of whiskeys. So when he saw it was another set menu he got a bit cranky. I was worried he was going to hate the food regardless of how good it was because he was in a mood. But I have to say, Aloft turned him completely around! By the end of the meal, he was shaking hands with the waiter and telling him how the food couldn’t possibly beat anywhere else in Hobart. If that isn’t a recommendation to go there I don’t know what is.
The food at Aloft is modern Australian with Asian flavours, and the set menu is incredible. Among my favourite parts were the eggplant that melted in your mouth, the pork that was saucy and fell apart with your fork, and the fresh coconut dessert. But all the food was incredible, and it was definitely a highlight of the trip. The set menu was really well thought out, and was definitely worth it!
I wanted to go somewhere special and so I booked Dier Makr after reading some reviews. This is definitely a special occasion restaurant at $120 per person, but boy was it special. The kitchen is tiny but it pumps out some seriously good food with a huge selection of wines to match. The only option is degustation but each dish was better than the next. It was a seriously good meal where the food kept coming. What I loved about it was they didn’t provide you with a menu so you were guessing the whole time about what you were going to get next. I loved the anticipation of it! They even give you a menu to take home with you to remember your meal by.
The food changes daily and so no two meals will be the same. One of my favourites from the menu we had was the lamb. They also have a wine room that you can go into to select a wine for yourself, or you can choose from the wine list.
Definitely check Dier Makr out if you are after something special that really heroes local ingredients.
We visited Glasshouse after getting off the ferry from MONA. It is in the ferry terminal building and perfect for afternoon drinks with a beautiful view out over the harbour. They have a great selection of bar food and drinks for those wanting something to snack on before dinner. We had quite a late dinner booking so it was perfect for grabbing a couple of bites. We loved the oysters which went perfectly with a glass of sparkling. I believe you can also have dinner here and I’ve heard the food is good. But in terms of a spot for some drinks with a view, it really doesn’t get much better!
We went to Agrarian Kitchen on our way into Hobart and I really loved the food. Agrarian Kitchen is known for its farm to table philosophy, so all the ingredients were from the local area or from their own garden. They used to be located on the farm but have recently moved to an old Asylum building which they have done up beautifully. They plan to turn it into another cooking school as they had at their original spot.
The menu here isn’t cheap but the food was awesome. Each dish was so fresh and seasonal, and the wine list was great. One of my favourite dishes was this calamari that had the most incredible green sauce. It seemed more like pasta than fish! And the pork main and desserts were both amazing. It’s a great spot if you’re in the mood for a long lunch.
We had Pigeon Whole Bakers recommended to us so we walked over on our last day to sample some of their pastries. I have to say I had one of the best Almond Croissants of my life! It was so crunchy and crisp. They also have heaps of other pastries, doughnuts, sandwiches and sweets on offer, as well as bagels and house-made bread. It is a cute bakery with a view of the bakers doing their thing above. A great option if you are looking for a light breakfast.
Coal River Farm is located out near the wineries and definitely worth a trip. We weren’t all that hungry when we visited but still managed to enjoy a cheese plate. It was worth being super full for! They don’t offer cheese tastings but instead, you can select a couple of their cheeses to pull together into a platter. They also have a number of breakfast and lunch options, and chocolate tastings options too! It’s also a beautiful spot with a light-filled cafe to enjoy sitting in while you munch some seriously good cheese. If you need a spot to visit between wineries add this one to your list! You’ll find their cheeses and chocolates all over Tasmania for a reason.
And now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for in this guide to Hobart and the Coal River Valley. It wouldn’t be a Cheeky Vino Guide to Hobart and the Coal River Valley without exploring the wineries that made the trip so magical. We didn’t get to all the wineries I wanted to discover, but we found some great ones! Here are some of the highlights.
We did a wine tour out of Hobart with Ageing Barrel and had such a great time. Although we didn’t get to as many wineries as we would have hoped (due to the restaurant taking a very very long time to serve us lunch) we had a great time.
Stefano Lubiana isn’t located in the Coal River Valley but is a short drive north of Hobart. I have to tell you it is definitely worth the trip and should make it to your list of cellar doors. The winery is modelled off an Italian Villa and honestly, if it hadn’t been freezing I would have thought we were in Tuscany. From the Olive trees at the entrance to the beautiful interior, this winery transported you to Italy. We were lucky enough to be shown around the winery by Marco who is one of the winemakers and part of the Lubiana family. Stefano Lubiana has a rich history in Australian wine, and after settling in Tasmania they are producing some seriously incredibly biodynamic drops!
We loved the wine tasting here which is done at the bar. There are so many wines to discover including a great range of whites, sparkling, reds and even grappa! Our highlight had to be the Pinot Noir though. There are so many different ones to try, and I loved exploring all the different flavours that each wine brought. We had a chat with one of the guys who worked in the winery about his favourite Pinot clones and then got a chance to try some of the wines using these. I absolutely loved all their Pinots but this one had to be my favourite.
If you love Italy, make sure you make a stop at Stefano Lubiana. You can also get a great view from the garden of Hobart. Also, if you do go into the garden, you’re standing on top of their barrel room! They even have a restaurant on site which I’ve heard is fantastic, and looked like it had a lovely family-style feel.
Pooley Wines was definitely a highlight of the trip for me. It is located in a beautiful old manor house just out of Richmond and is worth a visit for the architecture alone. But it is the cellar door experience that really sets this winery apart. The cellar door is underneath the main house and has a really nice cozy feel. Although there was a set tasting menu that went right out the window as we were taken through some of their favourites and got to talking. By the end, we had sampled so many wines including heaps that weren’t usually available for tasting. It was so nice chatting about wine and seeing the passion in the cellar door staff.
Pooley Wines was established in 1985 when the late Denis and Margaret Pooley planted Riesling and Pinot Noir. Margaret loved Riesling and wanted to produce it herself. Today they have two vineyards and the winery is still family-owned. I loved hearing the rich history behind some of the wines, their names and the winery itself. It made me love the wines even more!
We got to try so many wines and I absolutely loved their oaked Chardonnay. We also loved the Oronsay Pinot Noir but that one was a little more on the expensive side (worth seeing if you can have a taste of it though!) In all honestly, there wasn’t one wine I didn’t like trying at Pooley, and with such a memorable tasting experience it is one I want to keep going back to.
Every Man and His Dog is a winery that you may not have heard of but must be added to your list. It is a must-visit for the cellar door experience which is almost like a show. As soon as we arrived Loretta gave us a glass of sparkling wine and marched us down to her winery. She then proceeded to run the entire tasting while showing us through the process of making the wine. She even let some of us press the grapes with her winery rake (not to be confused with the garden rake). Loretta was absolutely hilarious and we learnt about how her husband bought the winery she didn’t want, how she learnt about making wine because she had to, and why Andy is not allowed to label the wines.
I’ll be honest, it was easy to be sceptical of the wines when you saw how small-batch they really are. But Loretta has one of the best mentors in Tasmanian wine from Domaine A, and the proof is in the glass. One of the standouts of the whole trip was their Cabernet Sauvignon. It was the best Cab I had in Tasmania, and from such a humble winery I couldn’t believe it. Loretta is seriously kicking goals, and if you don’t visit for the wine, come along for a good laugh.
We had a great tasting at Puddleduck Vineyards. They had been recommended to me and when we didn’t visit on our wine tour, I made sure we stopped by on our way to the airport! Puddleduck Vineyards is absolutely beautiful with a lovely lake out the front full of ducks. They have a nice deck overlooking this where you can enjoy a wine tasting flight and a cheese platter. We opted to do a tasting at the bar and weren’t disappointed. The wines were absolutely beautiful. They had a number of older wines to compare to the younger wines which I absolutely loved. The favourites for me had to be the Pinot Noirs. I really enjoyed all of them for different reasons. Definitely worth a visit while you’re in the area to enjoy some great wine, knowledgeable staff and some very cute duck merchandise!
Morilla is the winery at Mona and is definitely worth booking while you’re there. You can do this before your visit, but we were able to squeeze in when we got there. The rich history of this winery was so interesting to learn. It was started by a textile merchant on the island that is now Mona. Some of the wines even have a cloth label in his honour! David Walsh purchased the vineyard in 1995 and the rest is history. There are some really interesting wines to discover, but hearing about the history was what I really enjoyed! The wines themselves are absolutely beautiful and can also be enjoyed at the cellar door cafe downstairs if you can’t get into a tasting!
So there you have it. The highlights of our trip to Hobart and its surroundings. I hope you’ve found this Guide to Hobart and the Coal River Valley useful. I’ve really enjoyed pulling it together and it has made me realise how badly I want to go back already. It is truly a beautiful part of the world with so much to discover. I wish we had seen more, eaten more and visited more wineries. But at least we’ve got some things to do next time! I don’t think you could ever run out of things to discover on a trip to Tasmania though!