6 RCA-winning Wineries to Try for Your Next Tipple

As we continue on our delicious drive around the country discovering the plethora of Readers’ Choice Award-winning venues, let’s turn our attention to wineries and vineyards that offer unique tasting experiences, views and food.

Here are six to put on your next wine-tasting list:

 

Established for more than a decade and a leader in new-emerging varieties, ArtWine Estate’s award-winning wines are best enjoyed at the cellar door tucked into the Adelaide Hills along Bird In Hand Road in Woodside. Those who visit can admire views across sweeping landscapes all year round from the comfort of an architecturally designed venue, comprising of a fully enclosed terrace and apex ceilings, which provide a light and airy feel.

The vast and exciting range of Mediterranean estate-grown emerging varieties creates a tasting experience that cannot be surpassed in the region, perhaps try the ancient French variety Grenache Gris, which has flavours of peach and pear with citrus notes and saline acidity.

 

At Glenbosch Wine Estate on Beechworth-Wangaratta Road in Beechworth, it’s all about sharing the experience of fine food, wine and crafted spirits. Feel right at home among the vines while relaxing with a glass of estate wine such as 2020 Sangiovese Blush, or Glenbosch Craft Original Gin – made from favourite botanicals for the smoothest gin you'll taste.

Settle in for a tasting session, accompanied by plates like scallops to start, followed by fresh Australian salmon, asparagus and Hollandaise; best enjoyed with a glass of Pinot Gris, with aromas of apricots and citrus, a crisp, fresh finish and savoury complexity to the mid-palate.

 

Find the lush sweeping landscapes of Preston Peak Wines cellar door and function centre just ten minutes out of Toowoomba on Preston Peak Lane. Perched at a stunning elevated position above the Great Dividing Range and Lockyer Valley, the estate boasts 330 hectares of vineyard and land, providing an extensive panorama over the surrounding region, well suited to hosting special occasions.

Drop into the cellar door for a tasting, perhaps starting with Wild Flower Brut, a sparkling wine light straw in colour, crystal clear with a fine persistent bead and stone fruit characteristics along with citrus notes, or The Rock Shiraz with dense exotic aromas of dark chocolate, cinnamon and white pepper.

 

Situated on the famed Cambrian-era soils of Heathcote, Sanguine Estate on Shurans Lane is an ideal location to soak up scenic views and enjoy a taste of unspoilt flavours. Established in 1996 and producing the first vintage in 2000, Sanguine’s family-run award-winning boutique winery aptly reflects a passion for natural winemaking, taking place within flourishing surrounds.

More than 50 acres of thriving vines are the backbone behind Sanguine’s range, lovingly crafted into memorable drops including Shiraz, Chardonnay, Tempranillo, Rose and Cabernet. At the RED five-star James Halliday-rated winery and cellar door, you’ll be greeted by one of the Hunter family to enjoy tastings of highly awarded wines. 

Nestled in the beauty of the Scenic Rim, good food and wine, magic views, peace and quiet await at Sarabah Estate on Rymera Road in Canungra. Set on 50 acres with just on 10 under grapes, this hidden gem boasts not only a cellar door, but also Chalet Bistro for dining among the lush vines and the Smoke & Vine Bar for pizza and a glass of estate organic Shiraz.

Experience a weekend adventure with family and friends, visit the alpacas and vegetable garden; before heading indoors to sample drops like Pinot Grigio, Rosé, Sparkling Brut and Shiraz and dine on wood-fired pizza such as the Truffle Pig with pork and fennel sausage, housemade tomato sauce, mozzarella, mushrooms and black truffle oil. 

 

Find a surprise package nestled on the edge of Wombat State Forest at Wombat Forest Vineyard and Winery on Springhill Road in Denver. Just 15 minutes from Daylesford, this family-owned and operated vineyard blends seamlessly into the natural environment with an abundance of native bird and wildlife on the doorstep.

Using sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices, expect to sample cool climate boutique wines along with seasonal platters of local produce at the cellar door; perhaps enjoy a glass of 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, or pair a Chardonnay with a cheese and charcuterie selection.