Australia. Not your usual winter destination with its image built on sun, distance, and movement. Summer road trips, full beaches, and big itineraries designed to see as much as possible, as quickly as possible. Summer crowds.

But winter shifts the experience entirely.

From June to August, the vineyards fall quiet, and fires light the tasting rooms. What is often labelled “low season” simply means long lunches and a slower way to travel. It’s a time to experience Australia with depth, value, and the chance to discover the true essence of the place.

For wine lovers winter is when the country’s great regions come into focus. There is no rush, no clamour of tourist-driven experiences, but a more authentic journey through Australian wines that enhances every aspect.

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South Australia: Barossa and Adelaide Hills

Winter wine travel should begin in South Australia, where cool days and crisp nights set the tone for immersive vineyard experiences.

The famed Barossa Valley feels especially grounded at this time of year. Old vines stand bare against rolling hills, and tastings move indoors, often beside open fires. Shiraz takes on a deeper presence in winter, best explored through older vintages and reserve bottlings that invite conversation and contemplation.

Nearby, the Adelaide Hills offers a cooler, lighter taste. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir shine here, paired naturally with seasonal menus built around texture and restraint. The lack of summer crowds means fewer appointments, allowing each visit to unfold without pressure and at your own pace.

Where to stay: Perfectly situated, The Louise will charm and delight, and if you’re looking for a more immersive and inclusive experience, Sequoia Lodge in Crafters Valley offers a perspective you won’t forget. 

Plan to spend: 3 to 4 days
Transport: Fly into Adelaide Airport, then a 1-hour drive to the Barossa or 30 minutes to the Adelaide Hills

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Victoria: Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula

Next stop is to head east, into Victoria, where winter reveals a different expression of Australian wine travel with its unique cool-climate elegance.

The Yarra Valley is at its best without the oppressive summer heat. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the order of the day, often poured by the people who made them. Hatted restaurant menus lean into local, winter produce, and the experience becomes more personal.

On the Mornington Peninsula, winter brings a dramatic demeanour to the coastline. Tastings are followed by fireside meals, spa visits, and evenings with a quiet, meaningful charm.

A brief stop into Melbourne itself adds an entirely different dimension. Without the summer heat the city comes alive, giving wine and food lovers one of the best chances to experience this iconic city.

Where to stay: It’s hard to look past Jackalope Hotel in Balnarring for a special slice of luxury, or for group bookings with Australian flair, the Daylesford-linked Dairy Flat Lodge & Farm.

Plan to spend: 3 to 4 days
Transport: Fly into Melbourne Airport, then a 1-hour drive to the Yarra Valley or 90 minutes to Mornington Peninsula

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Western Australia: Margaret River

As you head further west, you head into wilder landscapes, with the Margaret River region at the heart of everything wine.

It’s a place where winter brings out the refined restraint in everything synonymous with the area. While tastings focus on nuance and complexity, it all happens with the dramatic background of Indian Ocean storms rolling across the horizon.

With fewer visitors, you will notice a distinct shift. Appointments are relaxed, dining becomes less hurried and more intimate, and the region’s natural beauty reflects the season better than anywhere else.

Where to stay: A hidden gem in the Margaret River wine region is Cape Lodge, but if you prefer the sand in your toes, Smith’s Beach Resort never disappoints. Alternatively, see Western Australia from a totally different point of view with a small ship cruise with True North.

Plan to spend: 3 days
Transport: Fly into Perth Airport, then a 3-hour drive south to Margaret River

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Mystery in Motion: Tasmania

If there is one place not to miss on a winter wine experience, it's the enigmatic Tasmania. South, and offshore, this is a place of purity and a true sense of discovery that few can offer.

A trip to Tasmania isn’t complete without visiting the Coal River Valley region, where they specialise in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines.

The area offers excellent winter value, with better availability, quieter roads, exceptional seafood endgame restaurants, and wine tasting appointments that turn into thoughtful, intimate experiences.

Where to stay: If you're looking for a Tasmanian mountain escape, we’d recommend Pepper’s Cradle Mountain, for luxury in Hobart’s harbour area, the MACq01, or experience something entirely unique at the exclusive Saffire Freycinet in Coles Bay.

Plan to spend: 3 days
Transport: Fly into Hobart Airport, then a 30-minute drive to the Coal River Valley

Winter & Wine, perfection

Travelling Australia in winter totally reshapes everything you know about the country. The journey is slower, distances feel shorter, and the wine regions reveal their true character and nature when the summer noise falls away.

While you might gain value travelling in the off-season, you gain so much more in accessibility, availability and a chance to experience true Australian generosity and hospitality.

Winter and wine journeys are made for each other, and we aim to design moments that not only embrace the winter rhythm but leave you fulfilled, renewed, and relishing the next adventure. Australia should be high on your list, but it’s just the beginning. 

Remember, sometimes the best journeys happen when everyone else is looking the other way, so let us create a memorable moment for you.