Top Australian wine regions in 2023
Below are the top 10 wine regions of 2023. It's clear that touring our wealth of wineries and cellar doors was a priority over the last 12 months – with regions around Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania all featured.
Tasmania saw record visitation numbers to cellar doors in 2023, so it's no wonder the southern state has come in as number one in your top 10 wine regions for the year.
"Tasmanian cellar doors continue to attract more interstate and international wine lovers every year. This is the highest number of recorded visitors, reflecting the ever-increasing global demand and interest in our exceptional wines," says Sheralee Davies, CEO of Wine Tasmania.
In Victoria you visited Heathcote, the King Valley and the Grampians, Mudgee, Orange and the Hunter Valley led the charge for New South Wales. In South Australia the Barossa Valley and the Adelaide Hills were your top picks, and over in the west, Margaret River reigned.
1. Tasmania
Tasmania is Australia's coldest wine region, famed for world-class sparkling, chardonnay and pinot noir. While Tasmania is recognised as one geographical indicator, it is comprised of the following (unofficial) subregions: Huon Valley, Channel Country (D'Entrecasteaux Channel), The Derwent Valley, Coal River Valley, East Coast, Tamar Valley, Pipers River, Relbia. Australia's southernmost state has experienced record tourism rates in 2023.
2. Mudgee, NSW
Mudgee is one of Australia's oldest wine regions, it was established in the mid-1800s, and is famed for shiraz, chardonnay, riesling and semillon, and most recently alternative varieties such as barbera, sangiovese, tempranillo and vermentino. It’s a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney to Mudgee, which makes the wine region an excellent destination for a weekend escape.
3. Orange, NSW
Orange is one of the highest cool-climate regions in the country, its elevation allows winemakers to produce diverse styles, along with key varieties: sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon and merlot, shiraz, and more recently, sparkling.
4. Margaret River, WA
Margaret River is a three-hour drive from Perth, and sits on the rugged coast between Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste. The region is home to some of Australia's most iconic producers, and many five-star wineries. The key varietals are sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz.
5. Heathcote, VIC
Heathcote is just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. The region's soils are millions of years old, but the region is relatively young. It's one of Victoria's largest producing shiraz regions, but is also a hub from for Italian red varieties.
6. Adelaide Hills, SA
The Adelaide Hills is a cool-climate wine region just 20 minutes from Adelaide's CBD. Its wines are fruit-forward and elegant. The region's high elevation – with sites between 400 and 700 metres – allows sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir to shine.
7. King Valley, VIC
The King Valley (AKA the ‘Little Italy’ of regional Victoria) is a hub for Italian varieties like sangiovese, nebbiolo, barbera, dolcetto and prosecco, but chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and cabernet sauvignon also thrives in the region. The region is a foodie haven known for its cheese and mustard, along with cafes and bakeries. The region is home to Prosecco Road.
8. Barossa Valley, SA
The Barossa Valley is one of Australia's most famous wine regions, and hosts some of the world's oldest-producing vines. The region has a Mediterranean climate, which makes it perfect for producing riesling, semillon, grenache, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz.
Mount Langi Ghiran in the Grampians.
9. Grampians, VIC
The Grampians is just a three-hour drive from Melbourne. There's a reason the region attracts so many visitors each year – the region has something for everyone – from forested foothills, rocky mountain ranges, and hikes with panoramic views to historic cellars and award-winning wines. Shiraz is the hero varietal.
10. Hunter Valley, NSW
While the Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine region, it's also one of the most experimental and collaborative wine communities. Two hours' north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley is comprised of Pokolbin, Broke Fordwich, Lovedale, the Wollombi Valley and Mount View. Key varietals include semillon, verdhelo, chardonnay and shiraz.Across eight modules, Halliday Wine Academy's Introduction to Wine course offers a detailed look at the Australian wine landscape. Learn about Australian wine regions, how wine is made, how to taste and describe wine, how to approach food and wine matches, along with handy tips that address common wine questions.
