The Top 5 Australian Wine Regions You Need to Know–And Have Never Heard Of

Australia is home to some of the most exciting and diverse wine regions in the world, each offering its own distinct flavors, climates, and winemaking traditions. You might have heard of Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Margaret River, and Yarra Valley–and deservedly so. These regions are known to make some of Australia’s best wines. But there are 65 (yes, SIXTY FIVE) different wine-growing regions in Australia, and some of your new favorites, you may have not heard of yet. 

Let’s explore the top five regions that you may not know–but you should. 

1. Adelaide Hills: South Australia’s Cool-Climate Haven 

Just south of the Barossa Valley lies the Adelaide Hills. Sitting at a much higher elevation than Barossa, the Adelaide Hills ranges from moderate in climate to incredibly chilly, making some of Australia’s (and the world’s!) finest Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and more. The Adelaide Hills is also home to a cadre of young, forward-thinking producers, approaching Australian viticulture and winemaking in innovative ways. 

Signature Wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah
Must-Try: An Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc with a goat cheese salad

2. Swan Valley: An Old Soul with New Energy

Just outside of Western Australia’s capital city Perth, Swan Valley was originally planted to vines in the 1820s. Though its star historically hasn’t shined as bright as neighbouring Margaret River, there’s a new energy in the region – paired with incredible, old-vine sites – that is putting Swan Valley on the map in a major way. 

Signature Wines: Grenache, Chenin Blanc, Fortified Wines
Must-Try: A Swan Valley Chenin Blanc with Western Australia specialty, pearl oyster meat 

3. Beechworth: A Mecca in the Victoria Alps

About a 3-hour drive northeast of Melbourne, high up in the Victorian alps, lies the paradise of Beechworth. Recognized by the cognoscenti of Australian wine as being one of its top wine regions, Beechworth has especially been regarded in recent years as crafting some of the world’s best Chardonnay. It is also especially known for its savory and powerful Shiraz. 

Signature Wines: Chardonnay, Shiraz
Must-Try: A Beechworth Chardonnay with seared scallops or poached lobster

4. Gippsland: Victoria’s Hidden Gem

Just southeast of the Yarra Valley lies one of the most promising young regions in Australia–Gippsland. Gippsland is a large region that is sparsely planted, but has attracted some of the top young talent in Australia. For world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – that rivals the best being made anywhere in the world – this is a top destination. 

Signature Wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Must-Try: Gippsland Pinot Noir paired with glazed duck breast or grilled mushrooms 

5. Heathcote: A Playground for Mediterranean Varieties

Though Heathcote is most-planted to Shiraz, it is increasingly becoming known for its Mediterranean grapes, especially grapes originally from Italy. Grapes like Vermentino, Nero d’Avola, Greco, Aglianico, Fiano and more find a perfect growing environment in the iron-rich, volcanic, 550 million year old (!!) soils of Heathcote.

Signature Wines: Vermentino, Nero d’Avola
Must-Try: A Heathcote Nero d’Avola paired with smoked lamb sausages 

Discover Australia’s Wine Treasures

These five regions represent some of the under-the-radar terroirs in Australia that are overdelivering in terms of quality and value. 

When you join the wine club, you’re not just getting bottles of wine—you’re experiencing the best these regions have to offer, delivered straight to your door. Cheers to your next adventure in Australian wine!