Discover Hidden Wine Regions in Australia and New Zealand
Wine lovers will be no strangers to Australia and New Zealand’s top terroirs, spanning from the Margaret River’s velvety Chardonnays to the aromatic Sauvignon Blancs of Marlborough, New Zealand. However, both countries offer diverse terrains—dry craggy plains, verdant valleys, and weather-worn plateaus—creating innumerable under-the-radar wineries worth visiting.
Grab a glass and explore these 10 tantalizing regions weaving through Australia and New Zealand’s finest wine country.
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Canberra’s cool-climate wine region is one of the nation’s youngest. However, what it lacks in maturity, it makes up for with enthusiasm and a willingness to experiment. Visitors can experience one of Australia’s most authentic cellar door experiences here, as eager owners and winemakers await to sample their delicious creations.
The Canberra District’s first vines were planted in 1971 at the region’s signature winery, Clonakilla, located in Murrumbateman. Clonakilla’s founder, John Kirk, was instrumental in carefully planning and developing the region. The continental climate provided warm summers with cool nights and frigid winters—perfect for producing exceptional Shiraz and crisp, floral Riesling. Consequently, another Australian wine region was born.
Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia
With age comes experience. The first vines were planted in the Hunter Valley in the 1860s, and today the region excels in wine tourism. Featuring 110 cellar doors, excellent dining options, and everything from hot-air-balloon rides to horse-drawn carriage tours, it’s a complete adventure for wine enthusiasts. The scenic landscape of lush vineyards framed by the Brokenback Range is picturesque, but it’s the wine—and the cheese, beer, olives, and chocolate—that will satisfy the culinary adventurer.
Each of the Valley’s seven sub-regions has its own character, with the majority of cellar doors found in the central Pokolbin/Rothbury and Lovedale areas. The wineries reflect a blend of old family estates, such as Tyrrell’s and Mount Pleasant, and modernists like Usher Tinkler and De Iuliis.
Hawke’s Bay, North Island, New Zealand
Known as the ‘fruit bowl of New Zealand,’ Hawke’s Bay boasts a mix of orchards, vegetable gardens, and vineyards interspersed with pasture. Moreover, it features attractions such as art-deco architecture, farmers’ markets, and a sophisticated dining scene, complemented by surf beaches and cycle trails. As the country’s second-largest and oldest wine region, it dates back to 1851 when Marist missionaries planted the first vines between Napier and Hastings.
Full-bodied reds are predominant in the Bay, with significant plantings of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that have earned it the title of ‘Bordeaux of New Zealand.’ Syrah is also produced in greater volume, known for its dense, peppery profile that distinguishes it from the vibrant Aussie versions.
Granite Belt, Queensland, Australia
Lying about 210km southwest of Brisbane, the Granite Belt is Queensland’s premier wine region, characterized by rolling hillsides lined with vineyards, olive groves, and orchards growing various fruits. Located just north of the New South Wales border, it enjoys a mountainous climate where the 1000m altitude provides Queensland’s coolest grape-growing environment.
Established as Queensland’s official health resort in 1905 due to its fresh air, the mountainous terrain and high altitude are favorable for vineyards. The soils are predominantly decomposed granite, giving the region its name, and these rocky conditions produce high-quality wines, particularly reds. Mainstream varieties such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Riesling are produced alongside exciting newer varieties promoted by the StrangeBirds Wine Trail.
Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia
A southward drive from Clare reveals around 40 family-run wineries in Clare Valley, an Edenic plateau about two hours north of Adelaide. Many wineries offer tastings and locally sourced produce platters, greeted with the warm hospitality characteristic of Australian culture.
Clare remains a hidden gem. Unlike the more tourist-heavy Barossa, the cellar doors here lack large parking spaces for coaches. This region is exceptionally beautiful, with secluded wineries lining shady lanes and is known for producing some of the world’s best Riesling.
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia
Langhorne Creek is an under-appreciated wine region where historically grape-growers sold most of their produce to large wineries. This practice often overlooked the origins of the grapes. Thankfully, the region is now recognized for cultivating new varietals, with an increasing number of wineries making it a worthy weekend destination.
The natural fertility of the region’s floodplains, its cool maritime climate, and the winds from Lake Alexandrina create ideal conditions for red varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot thrive here, but the malbec variety stands out with its full-bodied, plummy profile.
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Marlborough stands as a vinous giant, producing around three-quarters of New Zealand’s wine. Currently, nearly 600 growers cultivate 23,000 hectares of grapevines, sustaining 151 producers. Remarkably, Marlborough has evolved within 40 years, transforming from initial plantings to a billion-dollar industry.
This is why Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is well-known; this New World classic is characterized by its aromatic, fruity, and herbaceous qualities, dominating the global wine scene. For an exceptional tasting experience, focus on smaller, independent wineries that offer single-estate wines, revealing not just Sauvignon Blanc but also Marlborough’s other notable varietals like Pinot Noir and Riesling.
Coal River Valley, Tasmania, Australia
Located just northeast of Hobart, the Coal River Valley is Tasmania’s fastest-growing wine region. Visitors can experience a mix of sophisticated wineries with gourmet restaurants and small family-owned vineyards offering cellar doors open by appointment. While it’s tempting to explore the nearby Derwent Valley, there are enough cellar doors in Coal River Valley to warrant a dedicated visit, hosting the largest concentration of vineyards in Southern Tasmania.
Pinot Noir, Tasmania’s most significant grape variety, flourishes in the Coal River Valley, where the mild climate ensures desirable ripening conditions, adding variety and interest to the wines through the region’s differing climates and soils.
King Valley, Victoria, Australia
The King Valley stretches along the Whitfield to Wangaratta road, about three hours northeast of Melbourne. It’s a tranquil region where the road runs parallel to the picturesque King River, ultimately feeding Lake William Hovell at the region’s southern end.
The story of farming here began with tobacco in the 1850s, cultivated by Chinese immigrants to meet the gold rush’s demands. By the 1950s, Italian farmers took over, eventually shifting their focus to vineyards in the early 1980s. This transition introduced the flavors of Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Glera, which is used to make Prosecco, establishing the distinct Italian flavor characterizing King Valley today.
Margaret River North, Western Australia, Australia
Few wine regions worldwide have achieved renown as quickly as Margaret River. While Australians have always known about this region’s exceptional wines, its vast surf beaches, towering karri forests, limestone caves, and pristine air make it an appealing destination beyond just wine.
Margaret River stands as one of the most geographically isolated wine regions globally, where rich, gravelly loams cultivate exceptionally high-quality fruit. Despite producing only 3% of Australia’s wine, it accounts for 20% of the country’s premium wine. Renowned wine critic Jancis Robinson once remarked: ‘Margaret River is the closest thing to paradise of any wine region I have visited in my extensive search for knowledge.’
