We all know 2020 is the year to vacay at home – rediscovering all that our own states have to offer and for some of the lucky ones, possibly interstate.
What better way to while away your vacay time than at a cellar door, with a glass of estate wine and a share platter of local cheese and cured meats?
From cosy living room settings to grand architecturally-designed structures that stand out from vineyards, Australia offers a plethora of exceptional winery experiences to cater for every taste. Let’s uncork a favourite drop and say cheers to five of our favourite cellar doors, which are open to drink wine this vacay time:
Nestled in the heart of the family’s historic, organic and biodynamic Warboys Vineyard, Angove McLaren Vale Cellar Door has a number of options for the aspiring wine connoisseur and those looking for a relaxed vibe to enjoy some time with friends and family.
Angove Cellar Door.
Grab a wine flight for a tasting experience which delves deeper into the fascinating nuances of Angove’s individual vineyard sites and the rare wines created from them. For the ultimate sensory encounter, pair a glass of Wild Olive Shiraz with pepper and ripe berry aromas with a ploughman’s platter of cheese, locally smoked ham, frittata, olives, chutney and sourdough.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, bookings are essential and all tastings are seated; click here to book, or purchase wine online.
Relax on a hill overlooking the vineyard with a chilled glass of Verdelho at Crooked River Wines, a destination unto itself on Willowvale Road in Gerringong. As well as onsite restaurant Oak Room Eleven, book in for a wine tasting at the cellar door to try the estate Shiraz, aged for two years in a blend of both French and American oak.
Enjoying the Crooked River Wines experience.
Crooked River dining celebrates its surrounds offering an inspiring menu showcasing their Chefs’ creativity, from a spectacular setting with views out over the vines. Perhaps stay for lunch and delve into the likes of seared scallops, baby octopus, green pepper, Israeli couscous and braised leek; to book a wine tasting, meal, or order wine online click here.
Take advantage of the new deli addition at Jane Brook Estate Wines cellar door on Toodyay Road in Middle Swan, offering a carefully curated range of local food to enjoy while tasting drops like Shiraz, Malbec and Sparkling Rose. This family-run winery has been producing award-winning wines for more than 45 years, along with fresh produce and picnic hampers, available at the cellar door.
Deli delights from Jane Brook Estate Wines cellar door.
Spoil yourself with a bottle of 2012 Elizabeth Jane Blanc de Blanc Sparkling made from 100% Chardonnay grapes; or perhaps a new release Margaret River Chardonnay from 2017, fruit driven and matured using French oak barrels. This is a superb food wine, with layers of intrigue from 18 months on oak.
To book a wine tasting, or order online click here.
Internationally-awarded Pinot Noir and Riesling await at Tertini Wines on Kells Creek Road in Mittagong. A comfortable 90-minute drive from Sydney, near the historic village of Berrima, Tertini focuses on small-batch, handcrafted wines as seen in a cool climate range, including rare Italian varietals.
Tertini Wines cellar door.
Newly released Arneis, Lagrein, Refosco and Corvina are delicious examples of these and can be sampled every day at seated, friendly and informative tastings. Try a glass of Private Cellar Pinot Noir, deep red in colour with black cherry, spices and forest floor aromas; or perhaps 2018 Southern Highlands Rose, pale pink in colour with red berry aromas and a medium-bodied palate.
Click here to book your vacay tasting experience, or shop online.
Majestic views and cheeky alpacas set the scene for wine tasting at Megalong Creek Estate Vineyard on Aspinall Road in Megalong Valley. Crafting boutique single-estate wines, created by award-winning Jacob Stein of Robert Stein Wines, this unique cellar door is made from a re-purposed shipping container with a tasting bar that also serves delicious grazing boards.
Take in the view at Megalong Creek Estate Vineyard.
Chill out and sip on a range of wines from Viognier and Pinot Grigio to Pinot and Shiraz – including Megalong’s first single-vineyard Pinot Noir, with its smooth and delicate palate, red cherry and wild strawberry notes. The soft tannins of this Pinot are well paired with the gamey flavours of a duck ragu, or rich mushroom and truffle risotto.
To book your cellar door experience or order online, click here.
So, if you are suffering from novinophobia – the fear of running out of wine – during your vacation, head to your nearest cellar door and wine a little and laugh a lot!
