In the last four decades Australia’s reputation of a producer of world-class wines has grown to the extent that the country now ranks alongside France and Italy in terms of wide quality and diversity. Regions including the Hunter and Barossa Valleys, Margaret River and McClaren Vale have become synonymous with the production of fine wines, and as a consequence of their international popularity, Australia has become the world’s fourth largest exporter of wine.
”Well, what are you waiting for?” from Margaret River – Western Australia – specialising in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Given that Australia boasts more than sixty wine-producing regions, at least one hundred grape varieties and countless excellent vineyards and wineries, the scope for promoting to visitors the wealth of tastings, tours, activities and experiences based around Australia’s viniculture is immense.
Josef Chromy Estate – most definitely one of Tasmania’s most exciting producers of Pinot Noir. An absolute ‘must-visit’ vineyard.
It seems odd, then, that no individual or group has previously taken the trouble to collectively showcase Australia’s abundance of wonderful wine experiences to a wider national and international audience.
Thankfully, Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia (UWEA) has arrived to rectify the situation and what a ‘corking adventure’ you’ll have if you visit some of their suggested vineyards.
Launched in 2013 and backed by Tourism Australia, UWEA’s role is to raise the profile of Australia as an outstanding wine tourism destination. It’s achieving this by collaborating with leading wineries and vineyards throughout the country. As reflected by its name, this new initiative aims to offer visitors unique wine-related experiences that go beyond simple wine-tastings alone. As Sally Cope, UWEA’s Executive Officer, is keen to point out, most of the many celebrated Australian wine producers that have already joined UWEA can already offer “a complete tourism experience with great restaurants, fabulous places to stay, tours and some really good behind-the-scenes winery experiences”.
The wine experiences to which Sally refers are diverse and exciting. Among many unique activities, visitors to UWEA’s member wineries can enjoy memorable experiences such as blending their own wines, learning how to perfectly match different foods and wines, exploring a vineyard in a 4×4 vehicle, joining a cookery class or even cycling in the Barossa Valley.
Cycle through one of the world’s most popular wine brands, Jacob’s Creek in the Barossa Valley.
Of course an additional benefit to guests visiting any of the participating members of the Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia is that these producers tend to be located in some of the country’s most naturally beautiful wine regions. With an abundance of quality accommodations to suit every taste and budget and many other regional attractions for visitors to explore, it’s possible for wine buffs – and anyone else – to create a varied and memorable holiday around the Australian wine experience.
Experience a classical concert at the Leeuwin Estate for an unforgettable memory.
Now, for the first time, the world’s food and wine lovers can plan their perfect escape to the best Australian vineyards and wine regions courtesy of UWEA’s website which features an ever-growing list of member wine producers, detailed information about grape varieties and locations and the activities that can be enjoyed at each winery.
Fowles Wine Cellar Door and Cafe is located at the foothills of the stunning Strathbogie Ranges in central Victoria, just 1.5 hours north of Melbourne.
Named as Victoria’s ‘Best Tourism Winery’ three years in a row, a ‘Winery to Watch’ by Wine Spectator Magazine.
Anyone with a passion for wine who wants to embark upon an adventure beyond the cellar door of some of Australia’s most prestigious and celebrated wine producers now have a champion in the form of the Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia – and that’s got to be worth raising a glass to!
”Happy cheers from us all!”
