It hard find to think of a better way to spend a weekend or a week than eating good food and drinking good wine. Fortunately, in
Australia have a plentiful supply of both, but there are two regions in particular that not only produce amazing food and wine but have spectacular surrounds and a great range of other things to do and see.
The Barossa Valley
The Barossa is the ideal location for a weekend getaway and its close proximity to Adelaide means you can experience a little bit of the city and the country in the same weekend. Lovers of wine, food and beautiful countryside will adore the Barossa and all it has to offer. The fertile soils, cool summers and rainy winters make the Barossa Valley the perfect location for
red wine production, particularly the varieties of Shiraz and Cabernet and the same ideal conditions favour all kinds of agriculture. There are over 150 wineries in the area, producing a range of varieties including
Cabernet Sauvignon,
Grenache,
Viognier,
Semillon, Mataro and more. Many of the wineries have cellar doors, and restaurants featuring the local wines and produce are scattered amongst the vines. The gourmet delights and stunning wines are not the only attraction of the Barossa.
There are well posted heritage trails winding through the region that can be travelled by foot or car taking visitors past some of
Australia's most respected and awarded wineries, local galleries, locally produced gourmet food retailers and historic buildings.
There is plenty of accommodation in the
Barossa Valley but staying in one of the many excellent
Adelaide hotels only an hour's drive away means you can spend one day in the city and one day in the country, or more if time allows!
Margaret River Wine Making Region
The stunning Margaret River wine making region is located close to some of Western
Australia's most picturesque coastline, magnificent beaches and beautiful countryside. The warm Mediterranean climate makes it ideal for holiday makers year round and the world renowned wineries are a treasure to explore. Along with the multitude of cellar doors to visit offering free tastings of their
handcrafted wines the area boasts an almost infinite range of activities from
adventure sports and nature walks to whale watching, surfing, shopping and even caving. The local restaurants and eateries feature the best of the region's produce and gourmet delights and will satisfy the cravings of even the most discerning foodies. Even the kids are well catered for with whale and dolphin watching, limestone caves to explore, beautiful beaches with warm water to swim at and free tastings of chocolate, fudge and ice cream at the local boutique manufacturers. There are endless options for
Margaret River accommodation from beachside resorts to cosy bed and breakfasts and
boutique hotels.