11 wineries to escape to this summer

With a new travel bubble with New Zealand, as the weather warms up, take a chance to explore some of the best wineries in Oz and NZ.

After months of being in literal lockdown, Aussies and Kiwis deserve the chance to unwind and what better way than with a glass of wine in hand. At these stunning wineries you can do both! 

Now that we have an agreement for a ‘trans-Tasman bubble’ with New Zealand, that opens up the chance for Kiwis to visit Australia without having to quarantine, with hopes that New Zealand can soon open the borders to Aussies. 

As NZ continues to produce delicate, tangy and robust wines—particularly their Sauvignon Blanc—and Australia being one of the most diverse wine producing nations, there’s plenty of vintages to cater to any client’s palette.

We’ve rounded up some of the best spots around the country to take a break and stay at a winery that offers something a little extra. Here’s 11 wineries to add to your travel plans this summer.

1 .Bendooley Estate (Berrima, NSW)

Grand estate in the Southern Highlands with luxurious cottages, an onsite restaurant and an iconic Book Barn perfect for taking some time out for yourself. Soaring ceilings, beautiful 200 acre property to explore and once you’ve wandered the grounds stop by the cellar door for an afternoon of wine tastings.

2. Cape Lodge (Yallingup, WA)

A private country house in the heart of the Margaret River hinterland. A three-hour drive from Perth, the lodge has a maximum capacity of 44 guests across their 22 rooms. Foodies will delight in cooking demonstration with chef Tony Howell, or can opt for one of the exclusive private seasonal cooking classes. The Sunday Chef’s Harvest Dinner is a must book for guests. Cape Lodge also offers a number of winery based tours perfect for locals and tourists alike.

3. Nashdale Lane (Orange, NSW)

Take the ultimate opportunity to disconnect and unwind as Nashdale Lane defines luxury glamping. Adults only, carbon-neutral, wood-fired pizza, mountain air and Australian merino blankets to snuggle under. Nestled amongst an established 60 acre vineyard, and close to another 30 wineries and foodie spots, Nashdale is a perfect spot to relax and indulge in your gourmet welcome hamper. We’d recommend savouring a glass of the Nashdale Lane Legacy Tempranillo whilst looking out at the vines from your stunning Kalmte cabin.

4. Karawatha Cottages B&B (Blewitt Springs, SA)

Luxury in quaint, self-contained cottages awaits guests to this sweet B&B in McLaren Vale. Cottages have either a luxe bathtub to soak in or a huge shower big enough for two. Karawatha is a great base to explore the McLaren Vale wine region or to venture south for the Fleurieu Peninsula. The Unwind cottage lives up to its name and is a space for guests to be able to disconnect.

5. MONA Pavilions (Berriedale, TAS)

A trip to Tassie would almost seem incomplete without a visit to MONA. Why not book clients to stay there too? Right on the River Derwent, each of the eight pavilions are named after a famous Australian architect or artist. Something to cater to every taste with a microbrewery, winery and restaurant on site. The Moorilla winery runs tours and cellar door tastings throughout the week.

6. The Louise (Barossa Valley, SA)

A truly luxury experience in the heart of the Barossa, guests are within close proximity to five dozen cellar doors. The Louise is one of the Barossa Valley’s most indulgent stays. The 15 suite property also has on site dining at Appellation with a new three course menu in addition to the existing five course set menu. A number of experiences on offer, our pick for guests is the breakfast with kangaroos.

7. Spicers Vineyards Estate (Pokolbin, NSW)

In the heart of the Hunter Valley is this eight-acre vineyard with 12 luxurious adults-only rooms complete with an ensuite spa. A short two-hour drive from Sydney, complete with sauna, pool and on-site Spa Anise to rejuvenate travellers. The Spicers Retreat experience focuses on creating ‘relaxed luxury’ for guests combined with award-winning dining experiences at Restaurant Botanica. Perfect for couples as the Hunter Valley’s most awarded destination for romance.

8. Sanctuary by Sirromet (Mount Cotton, QLD)

Views of Moreton Bay in the heart of South East Queensland, Sanctuary is an incredible 560-acre property with three restaurants featuring locally sourced produce. The ultimate trip for guests wanting a peek behind the curtain of the winemaking experience and sampling Sirromet’s award-winning Granite Belt wines. Stay amongst the treetop canopy in one of the pavilion tents and watch the wallabies hop and graze.

9. Jackalope (Merricks North, VIC)

A getaway for the discerning designer, Jackalope boasts 46 unique rooms on Willow Creek Vineyard. The monolithic, black exterior is juxtaposed against the green vines. A jackalope is a folklore fusion of a jackrabbit and an antelope. A regular on hotel award lists, the hotel features a cocktail lounge, restaurant, and food and wine store on site. In the heart of the Mornington Peninsula with an exclusive on-site cellar door experience, Jackalope offers an immersive guest experience.

10. The Peppertree Luxury Accommodation (Blenheim, NZ)

Now that we’ve struck a travel bubble with NZ – we had to include Peppertree on our list, especially for those historical romance fans. The 1900s building is nestled in a vineyard, olive grove and orchard. Close to the Marlborough region wineries, you can spend your days sampling the best of the region and return to Peppertree for a leisurely game of petanque or lawn croquet. 

11. Marlborough Vintners Hotel (Blendheim, NZ)

Boutique luxury in amongst the vines in the heart of Blenheim, Marlborough offers 16 hideaway suites, only 2km from a dozen vineyards. The Outdoor Bath Suite is a particular highlight with a clawfoot bath on the patio, perfect for a long soak under a starry sky. Active travellers can hire a bike to explore Marlborough.

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