Reviewing the cellar door experience across some of the world's greatest and most beautiful wine regions​

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If you have had a cellar door experience that you would love to share with us and your fellow winery loving community, be it at one of the 350+ cellar doors we have reviewed to date or any other cellar doors that you have visited around the world, please feel free to add your own comments and ratings in the comments boxes on each of our pages.
 
We would truly love to hear what you have to say!

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Feature Review
Mantons Creek Estate, Mornington Peninsula, Australia 

Situated in a quiet and tranquil part of Victoria's beautiful Mornington Peninsula, the family owned Mantons Creek Estate has recently undergone a stunning renovation of both it's cellar door and restaurant.

Situated amongst the vineyards, the cellar door has a chic, yet warm, feel and offers a great range of wines including Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a number of other varietals.  Tastings are conducted in a friendly and relaxed manner where you are invited to taste as few or as many of the wines on offer.  The cellar door is well designed and fully utilises the space available, including plenty of seating around the vintage leather clad U-shaped bar.  There is also a cute little area in front of the cellar door with a number of tables and chairs, as well as a large deck area with seating in front of the adjacent restaurant.
 
The restaurant itself offers a Mediterranean inspired menu with a great range of dishes that are designed to be shared.  The execution, presentation and flavours of each of the dishes we tried was amazing and the service was friendly, professional and attentive.  If you are looking for something a little less substantial, you can also purchase tasting platters from the restaurant and wines by the glass from the cellar door to eat out on the deck and take in the fabulous views.

​With accommodation also on site, this is a great spot to spend a weekend of fabulous wine, food and surrounds and we definitely look forward to visiting again.

​Congratulations ​Mantons Creek Estate for providing a marvelous cellar door offering and receiving our "Hidden Gem" award.
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In focus this month - Yarra Valley, Victoria - Part 2

Our second trip to the region in as many weeks and it was great to revisit some old favourites as well as visit some now new favourites.  We also checked out a few new dining options in the region, including a fabulous lunch at Oakridge and an amazing dinner at Graceburn Dining Room.

"Congratulations to Oakridge who received an increase in both rating and score (from "1 door" to "2 doors" and a score of 18/20, De Bortoli who received a "2 door" award, Sutherland Estate who received a "1 door" award and Giant Steps whose "pop-up" cellar door in Healesville received our "hidden gen" award.

Refer to our Yarra Valley page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.

In focus December 2019 - Yarra Valley, Victoria

The Yarra Valley is Victoria's oldest wine region with the first vines being planted in 1838.  Just over an hour northeast of the Melbourne CBD, the Yarra Valley is a very beautiful area with it's flowing hills and valleys and is a popular weekend day drip from Melbourne.  

The Yarra Valley is recognised as one of Australia's chief cool climate regions and is famous for it's Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sparkling wines.  However, with over eighty cellar doors in the region, there are a significant number of styles and varietals to taste.

Many of the region's wineries have cellar doors offering wine sales and picnic facilities, with some of them also featuring restaurants, cafes and boutique accommodation.  On our most recent visit we had a beautiful lunch at Tokar Estate, which also has some great views over the vines and valley, as well as a fantastic dinner at Innocent Bystander, which is conveniently located in the town of Healesville.

The region is also home to a number of great restaurants, cheese factories, fruit farms. breweries and distilleries and once you are done eating and drinking, the Yarra Valley has a number of other attractions and activities including bush walking trails, markets, galleries and the famous Healesville Sanctuary. 

We always enjoy or visits to this region and look forward to heading back again next month to visit a number of other cellar doors.

Congratulations to Innocent Bystander and Many Hands who each received our "1 Door" award, joining the regions eleven previous award recipients.

Refer to our Yarra Valley page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.

In focus July 2019 - Yamanashi, Japan

Whilst Japan may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking about grape wine, there are a surprising number of wines made in Japan, with the the most commonly used varietal, Koshu, believed to have been introduced to Japan through the Silk Road around 1000 years ago!

Winemaking became more commercial in the early 1900's, with the most well know wine producing regions being Yamanashi, Nagano, Hokkaido and Yamagata.

Yamanashi is  Japan’s largest and most famous wine-producing region, producing around 40% of the nation’s wine, and was the first Japanese region to be awarded a Geographical Identification by the Japanese government.

The Japanese wine industry actually originated in Katsunuma, a town in the city of Kōshū in Yamanashi. The grape variety Koshu is the most widely planted variety in Yamanashi, making up 95% of Koshu plantings in Japan.  Other popular grape varietals include Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Muscat. 

Situated within 2 hours of Tokyo by train, a lot of the wineries are within walking distance of the Katsunuma-budokyo train station.  There are also a number of taxi's at the station as well as buses that stop off at many of the wineries.  Please note that Japan has very strict rules around drinking and driving (or riding), therefore these are not options if you want to try the wines of this region.  We caught a taxi to the furthest winery we were visiting and walked back to the station which made for a nice day out in the area (including a fabulous lunch at a local noodle restaurant).

We also note that there did not appear to be much accommodation in the area, so we actually based ourselves near Mt-Fuji to visit the region, but a train out from Tokyo is also an easy option.

While there are over 80 wineries in the prefecture, English is not as widely spoken as in other parts of Japan, therefore it is important to enquire as to the availability of an English speaking staff member and arrange your visit in advance if you are not fluent in Japanese.    

We didn't quite know what to expect when we visited this region, but we really enjoyed the winery experience and the wines we tasted.  If you are in the area and looking for a great day out, we would highly recommend a visit!

Refer to our Yamanashi page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.  

In focus May 2019 - Coal River Valley, Tasmania

The Coal River Valley region is just 20 minutes from Hobart and has a good cross section of cellar doors ranging from a number of small family run establishments to one of the larger wine company's in Tasmania, Frogmore Creek.  

Southern Tasmania's climate produces wines more like those of Europe than mainland Australia, with some amazing quality of both reds and whites on offer.  Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon blanc are the main varieties here, however there is a broad range of other varietals on offer including some great Pinot Gris, Syrah and Merlot.

The region is also home to Richmond, a gorgeous historic town that is very popular on weekends and has some pretty shops, restaurants and a very beautiful bridge that was built by convicts (it is photographed in every tourist brochure of Tasmania, so you won't miss it!)

Located at the entrance to the Derwent River and set amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington, Hobart is a great city with a nice blend of historical buildings and modern conveniences.  There are plenty of accommodation options here, a number of fantastic restaurants (including some beautiful winery dining options such as at Frogmore Creek and Riversdale Estate) and plenty to see and do.  Take a walk along the iconic waterfront (be sure to pop by the many fishmongers and fish and chip shops and keep an eye out for the local sea lion!), explore Salamanca (including the fantastic Saturday outdoor market) or take a trip across to MONA for an interesting art experience, as well as a fantastic cellar door and restaurant experience (details of which can be found on our Derwent Valley Page).  There are also a number of new waterfront bars and dining options that have popped up over the last couple of years, including the fantastic Lounge by Frogmore Creek. 

If you are really motivated, a hike up to Mount Wellington is well worth it, but be sure to pack numerous layers of clothing if you are visiting in Winter!

This is a beautiful region that has something for everyone and we always look forward to visiting time and time again.

Congratulations to Craigow and Every Man and His Dog Vineyard who each received a "Hidden Gem" award, joining the regions previous award recipients.

Refer to our Coal River Valley page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited on this and previous trips to the region.  

In focus April 2019 - Alpine Valleys, Victoria

The Alpine Valleys wine region is situated in the north-east of Victoria and winds through the valleys at the base of Victoria's ski region.  The area is known for it's stunning landscapes (including it's amazing Autumn leaves), premium cool climate wines and more recently, it's fantastic food culture.

Due to the many micro-climates in the area, the region is home to over 30 grape varieties, ranging from traditional varieties such as Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon to less common varietals, such as Sangiovese, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Vermentino, Savagnin, Teroldego and Marzemino.​

The cellar doors in the area tend to be smaller, more family run offerings, providing for a great personal experience as well as offering a number of different dining options.

The town of Bright itself is a quaint little town that seems to have had somewhat of a food, bar and lounge revival with a number of great newer options in the area.  We popped into a number of the local offerings including Tomahawks, Dr Mauve Bar and Lounge and Reed & Co. Distillery and had a great time at each.

The area is also extremely popular with cyclists and whilst surrounded by mountains, the bike tracks between a number of cellar doors in the area are actually quite flat, making it a great region to explore on bike.  

The Alpine Valleys is a great place to spend a few days and also makes for a fantastic stop on your way to or from the ski fields.  We definitely look forward to stopping in again and exploring what else the region has on offer! 

Congratulations to Feathertop Winery who received a "2 Door" award, Ringer Reef who received a "1 Door" award and Billy Button who received a "Hidden Gem" award.

Refer to our Alpine Valleys page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited. ​

In focus December 2018 - New Zealand - Central Otago

Central Otago is an informal name for the inland part of the Otago region in the South Island of New Zealand. The area commonly known as Central Otago includes both the Central Otago District and the Queenstown Lakes District to its west.

The Central Otago District, which is the world's southern-most commercial wine growing region, is made up of a few different sub areas and is home to around 80 wineries.

The region is most famous for its production of Burgundy-style grapes, producing some world renowned Pinot-Noir.  Outside of Pinot Noir the region produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer.  Sparkling wine is made in the traditional style from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.

There are a vast range of cellar door experiences in the area, but most still tend to be smaller, family run operations offering a more personalised tasting experience.  One thing that stands out in this region are the views, with many of the cellar doors having amazing views of the magnificent backdrops of mountains, vines and lakes.  A number of the cellar doors also offer dining options ranging from highly regarded restaurants to more casual food platters.

Outside of wine, there really is something for everyone in this region.  Amazing ski fields situated within a short drive, beautiful and varied dining options, sensational vistas, a variety of hiking/walking tracks and for those a little more adventurous there are a multitude of adrenalin activities on offer.

When in the region we tend to stay in Queenstown which makes for a good base.  While many of the wineries are a 30-45 min drive from here, they tend to be in clusters, so you can take a few day trips and cover off on a few at a time, leaving the ones closer to Queenstown for a shorter trip.

We really do enjoy coming to this area and if you haven't been, it is one of those places that really should be added to you must-do list!

Congratulations to Misha's Vineyard, Mount Edward and Wooing Tree Vineyard who each received a "Hidden Gem" award and to Amisfield and Wet Jacket who's ratings were upgraded.

Refer to our Central Otago page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited. ​

Feature Review
Levantine Hill, Yarra Valley, Australia 

Situated in the heart of Victoria's oldest wine region, the Yarra Valley, Levantine Hill is certainly setting the standard for winery offerings in the region.

Set amongst the vineyards in a stunning building designed by renowned architect Karl Fender, Levantine Hill offers an amazing range of wine tasting and dining options with a team that is outwardly passionate and proud of the product they are offering.

The cellar door tasting options range from a more casual seated tasting of five of their wines in a modern, yet elegant tasting space, through to their ultra-premium tasting of ten wines in the barrel style booths that look out over the expansive grounds and vineyards beyond.

While the wines speak for themselves, the team will be more than happy to guide you through a tasting of the range, which is quite extensive and includes varietals such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, to name a few, and provide you with some great history on the wines and winery, including the Family Vineyard wines, where each block is named in honour of a family member and from which only premium wines in impeccable years will be bottled.
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There are also two dining options on offer, including signature hatted restaurant, Ezard at Levantine Hill.  Both dining options are housed within the same amazing building as the cellar door and with high vaulted ceilings, polished concrete floors, wood and black steel accents and floor to ceiling windows, this is a very chic and modern setting that makes the most of the amazing surrounds.

The food on offer ranges from a range of share plates in the more casual all day dining space through to an eight course degustation with matching wines in the signature restaurant.  While we are yet to try the more casual dining option, the eight course degustation was a taste sensation with it's combination of superb, carefully prepared produce, creative flavours and beautiful presentation.
​Each course was matched perfectly with the wines and the service was friendly, professional and attentive.

Just over an hour northeast of the Melbourne CBD by car (or Helicopters can be accommodated if you are in a rush!), Levantine Hill offers a superb day out in the Yarra Valley and if you enjoy amazing wine, food and hospitality we highly recommend a visit if you ever get the opportunity.

​Congratulations ​Levantine Hill for providing a superb cellar door offering and receiving our "2 door" award.

In focus October 2018 - Central Victoria, Australia

Part of the wider Central Victorian zone, the Strathbogie Ranges wine region is home to over 25 vineyards which produce a range of varietals including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz.

Situated 1.0-1.5hrs from Melbourne, it is easily accessible from Melbourne and if you've ever driven along the main highway between Melbourne and Sydney, you will have passed through the region including right by one of the main cellar doors of the region, Fowles Wines.

With a great mix of farms, vineyards and forests, this is quite picturesque region to visit and there are a number of smaller and larger towns to explore including Seymour, home to the relatively new cellar door, Wine by Sam.

The nearby region of Nagambie lakes is also a very picturesque region to visit with its blend of bush settings, vineyards, rivers and lakes.  There are plenty of outdoor activities to get involved in, including taking a trip on the Goulburn Explorer, a riverboat that runs between the Nagambie township, Mitchelton winery and Tahbilk winery.  With both Mitchelton and Tahbilk offering fantastic dining options as well as Mitchelton now offering a beautiful accommodation option, including day spa, this is a fabulous spot to get away for a few days.

We have been to the region numerous times and always enjoy our visits here, so if you are looking for a great, relaxing weekend away from Melbourne, definitely add the Central Victoria region to the list.

Congratulations ​to Mitchelton Winery and Tahbilk Winery who's "2 door" awards were both reaffirmed (with both overall scores increasing to 18/20), Wine by Sam who received our "2 door" award and Fowles Wine who's "1 door" award was reaffirmed (with an increased score of 17/20) 

Refer to our Nagambie Lakes and Strathbogie Ranges pages for further information, including detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.

In focus May 2018 - Wairarapa, New Zealand

The Wairarapa wine region is in the south of New Zealand's North Island, only an hours drive north of Wellington. 

While a relatively small region, producing only around 1% of New Zealand's wine, the area offers a great range of styles and varieties including Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Syrah.  The region’s vineyards tend to be planted on high alluvial terraces in deep stony and free draining soils and with a long growing season (budburst in early September, veraison in February and harvest in late March through to end of April), low rainfall (600- 700mm (24in) a year), high sunshine hours (summer conditions have a peak of approx. 32°C (92°F) and cool nights (10°C (50°F) on average), offer great conditions for the beautiful Pinot Noir that is a focus of many in the region. 

There are three main sub-regions in the area; Martinborough, Gladstone and Masterton and on both of our visits, we have chosen to stay in the town of Martinborough, which is within short walking distance of most wineries in the region.  Cycling between wineries is also very popular with a bicycle hire shop in town.  You can even arrange to have your purchases transferred back to your accommodation so you don't have to ride around with them all day!

The cellar doors in the region tend to be smaller boutique operations which make for some great personal experiences whereby you will often be dealing directly with the owners and/or winemakers who will be more than happy to take you through their range of wines.  There are also has some fantastic dining options in the area, including at a number of the cellar doors.

Other attractions in the area that we found interesting were the Putangirau Pinnacles (signage in the park was a little lacking and we got a bit lost, but quite spectacular to look at once you find them!) and the Cape Palliser lighthouse and seal colony, where the seals are literally just laying on the side of the road.  We also explored Greytown, which is another nice town in the region.

This is a compact region that is extremely easy to get around and packs a big punch in terms of food and wine offerings and we have thoroughly enjoyed both of our stays in this area.

Congratulations ​to Tirohana Estate and Margrain Vineyard who both received a "1 door" award and Cambridge Road and Martinborough Vineyard who both received our "hidden gem" award.  

Refer to our Wairarapa page for further information, including detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited on both this, and prior, occasions, including previous "2 Door" award winner Mission Estate.

In focus April 2018 -  
Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Hawke's Bay is a very well known winegrowing region on New Zealand's North Island.  It is the oldest wine region in New Zealand, as well as the second largest and with a climate similar to that of Bordeaux, is producing some spectacular red wines including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.  However, due to the varying terroir and climate across the region, there are a wide variety of wines produced, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, to name just a few.  

With around 70 wineries in the region, there are some amazing cellar door experiences to be had, as well as some fantastic cellar door dining options and we have had fabulous meals at Craggy Range, Elephant Hill and Black Barn Vineyards.

We found the picturesque town of Havelock North provided an excellent base to explore the region and there are even a few cellar doors within walking distance of town, as well as a number of other well regarded dining options.  We enjoyed each of the places we dined at in town including Maina, Mamacita & Starlake Thai. 

The region is also home to some spectacular mountain and beach scenery, which can be explored via the many fantastic bike and walking trails, and we can highly recommend the 22km Cape Kidnappers walk, where, at the right time of year you can see up to 25,000 Gannets close-up, well worth the effort (just ensure you check the tide times before you depart!).

We have thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this region on both occasions and it is definitely one we look forward to getting back to and exploring further in the future.

Congratulations ​to Craggy Range and Elephant Hill who's "2 door" awards were both reaffirmed (with Craggy Ranges overall score increasing to 18.5/20 subsequent to their recent refurbishment and enhancement of offerings), Black Barn Vineyards who's "1 door" award was reaffirmed and Askerne who received a "1 door" award.  

Refer to our Hawkes Bay page for further information, including detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited on both this, and prior, occasions, including previous "2 Door" award winner Mission Estate.

In focus March 2018 -
Penedes, Spain

Penedès is located less than an hour from Barcelona and is a picturesque region covered in vines and with beautiful mountainous backdrops.

The region is subdivided into various zones including Baix-Penedes (Lower Penedès, where Vilafranca del Penedès is the main village); Mitja- Penedès (Middle Penedès, the main production area) and Alt-Penedès (High Penedès, with the highest altitude in the region).

The soil types across all three sub regions are fairly similar with limestone, sand and clay all present and while the climate is Mediterranean, with such a wide range of terrains, the Penedès is full of microclimates resulting in the production of a wide range of wine styles including the Traditional Method (sparkling) white and rosé Cava (made with the indigenous grapes of Xarel.lo, Macabeo and Parellada), dry reds, dry whites, and dessert whites.

Winemaking in the region dates back thousands of years and there is some amazing history to absorb.  Perhaps now best known for their amazing Cava, which the region began producing in the region in 1872 in the town of Sant Sadurni d'Anoia, there are around 80 wineries producing Cava in the region which now accounts for around 70% of all of Spain's sparkling wine production.

The region itself is quite compact, meaning that there are numerous cellar doors within easy driving distance.  The region is also only a short train trip from Barcelona, with the train station in Sant Sadurni d'Anoia being only a short walk from a number of cellar doors, including Codorniu.

This is a great wine region with a fabulous range of wineries and some beautiful settings all located within an easily accessible area.

Congratulations to Codorniu who received a "2 door" award and Cava Guilera who received our "hidden gem" award.

Refer to our Penedes page for further information, including detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.

In focus February 2018 -
Somontano, Spain

Located in northern Spain, at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains, Somontano has been a Spanish Designation of Origin (DO) since 1984.  The principal wine town is Barbastro, with most of the 15 or so wineries located in the surrounding countryside. 

The production area of the Somontano Designation of Origin is made up of three different zones: the ranges, the Somontano itself, and the plains. Its total area covers over 200,000 hectares, of which 100,000 are cultivated, and over 4,400 hectares of these with vineyards.

Grapes belonging to the DO include traditional local varieties, such as Moristell and Parraleta as well as other Spanish and foreign varieties including Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer.

The Ruta del Vino (Wine Route) of Somontano is one of the 13 official wine routes recognised by the Spanish government and is a very useful tool when visiting the area.  While in Somontano, it is worth leaving some time to drive around the surrounding areas and take in the beautiful vineyard views with backdrops of mountains and historical architecture, including the stunning village of Alquézar.

With documentation of significant wine production in this area dating back to the 2nd century BC, there is certainly a wealth of wine history in this region and, now coupled with some very modern wineries and large architecturally designed cellar doors, there are a great range of experiences to be had in this region.

Congratulations to Laus and Vinas Del Vero who both received a "1 door" award.

Refer to our Somontano page for further information, including detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.

In focus February 2018 -
Jerez, Spain

Jerez, located in South Western Spain, is known as the city of sherry, flamenco, horses and motorcycles and in 2013 was the European Capital of Wine.

All Sherry Wines come from the Sherry triangle; a protected region in the south of Spain embracing Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlucar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa Maria.

There are 3 basic grape types; Palomino grapes, Pedro Ximenez and Moscatel.  Palomino grapes are harvested fresh and pressed almost immediately.  Pedro Ximenez and Moscatel are left outside in the sun for up to a week, effectively turning them into raisins with a higher relative sweetness.

Each Sherry needs to spend at least an average of 3 years in barrel, with VOS (Very Old Sherry) spending 20+ years and VORS (Very Old Rare Sherry) spending 30+ years.  The entire process from harvest (which is regulated and is therefore always done in the last week of August and first week of September) to bottle, therefore takes at least 4 years.

Jerez itself is a beautiful town with a number of spectacular cathedrals and churches as well as a range of fantastic dining options.  There are a number of Bodegas within an easy walk of town, making Jerez the perfect base for exploring all things Sherry!

It's fair to say we had not had much experience with Sherry before visiting here, but we certainly found this an extremely informative and interesting region to visit and we would definitely love to visit this area again.

Congratulations to Bodegas Fundador who received a "1 door" award and Bodegas Tradicion who received our "Hidden Gem" award.

Refer to our Jerez page for further information, including detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.

In focus January 2018 -
Douro Valley and Porto, Portugal

Douro is a Portuguese wine region centred along the Douro River.

The region became an official appellation in 1756 and has Portugal's highest wine classification as a Denominação de Origem Controlada (DOC).  While the region is associated primarily with Port wine production, the Douro produces just as much table wine (non-fortified wines) as it does fortified wine.  The non-fortified wines are typically referred to as "Douro wines".

The region itself is divided into three sub-regions: from west to east the Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo and Douro Superior. The fertile, cooler, rainier Baixo Corgo, is the sub region with the most vineyards.  The Cima Corgo, including the towns of Pinhão, São João da Pesqueira and Tua, is the heartland of fine port production, also the source of many of today’s fine unfortified wines. The Douro Superior, very cold in winter, extremely hot in summer, is the biggest of the sub-regions, and while not all planted, there is much more planting underway.

The Douro has a huge selection of local grape varieties, and many vineyards of impressive, gnarled old vines that give small yields of rich, complex wine, whether for port or for unfortified wines. Dozens of different grape varieties may be mixed together in these old vineyards. In modern vineyards, vines are planted separately, and five grapes have been declared the top choice for port: Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca and Tinto Cão.

The visually spectacular terraced vineyards are very common in the Douro region. Vineyards dedicated to Port production are usually planted on schist while areas with granite-based soils are used for table wine production.

The areas around Peso da Regua, including Pinhao, are home to some of the most spectacular winery landscapes we have ever come across.  There are a large number of wineries (or Quinta’s) to visit in this area, many of which have absolutely stunning views, lovely restaurants, fantastic accommodation and, of course, fabulous wines.  There are also a number of great cellar door and dining options in the villages themselves, making for a great mix of winery based and urban experiences.  Also, if you love sparkling wines, then definitely add the area around Lamego to your itinerary, which has a  great history and sparkling wine culture.

Porto, home to the majority of port cellaring, is the second largest city in Portugal and is a beautiful city with some fabulous architecture, amazing dining options and fantastic wineries.  We had a great casual dinner on the waterfront at "Bacalhau", a lovely winery based lunch at Vinum at Graham's overlooking Porto and amazing fine dining experiences at Palco and DOP (which also has a sister restaurant in the Douro valley that is highly rated, DOC).

Most of the Port Lodges are in the area of Villa Nova Gaia, just across the river from the city and are mostly located within a short walking distance of each other, making it possible to visit a few of them on the same day.  You can also take Port boat rides here, with a number of operators offering tours.

An amazing part of the world and definitely one that every wine lover should add to their bucket list!

Congratulations to Quinta do Seixo, Quinta do Bomfim, Quinta Nova, Quinta do Tedo and Graham's who each received a "1 Door" award and Casa de Santo Antonio Britiande, Cockburn's, Ramos Pinto and Vasques de Carvalho, who each received our "hidden gem" award.

Refer to our Douro page for further information, including detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.

In focus December 2017 - Ribeira Sacra and Ribeiro, Spain

Ribeira Sacra and Ribeiro are Spanish Denominations of Origin (DO) for wines located in the north and northwest of the province of Ourense, in Galicia, Spain.

Winemaking in this area dates back to Roman times, and was continued by monks during the Middle Ages.  The landscape of the region is spectacular, covered in beautiful terraced vineyards, however with inclines of 45-60 degrees (and reaching up to 85 degrees), it is not possible to mechanise the vineyard activities, such as pruning and harvesting.  While these gradients therefore make for very hard work, they are also important for protecting the vines against frost bite, which a number of non-terraced vineyards in the area have been affected by this year.

Ribeira Sacra specializes in the production of dry red wines from the Mencia grape, with other preferred red varieties being Brancellao and Merenzao.  There are also a range of white wines produced, with the most important white-wine varieties being Godello (Verdelho), Treixadura and Albarino.

Ribeiro, on the other hand, is mostly known for its white wines.  The principal grape varieties are Treixadura, Torrontes, Godello, Loureiro and Albarino, with white wines accounting for around 85 percent of all wines produced in the DO, perfect for pairing with the amazing seafood from the Galician region!

There are a number of fantastic wineries in these regions, a number with restaurants and many have views that you have to see to believe.  An amazingly beautiful region that is definitely worth adding to your bucket list!    
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Refer to our Ribeira Sacra and Ribeiro page for further information, including detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.

In focus November 2017 - Rias Baixas, Spain

Denomination of Origin (DO) Rías Baixas is renowned for the Albariño grape, an indigenous variety that produces some of the world’s foremost white wines.  Located in the Galicia region of northwestern Spain, the DO was formally established in 1988. 

Over 99% of all wine produced in Rías Baixas is white, however, differences in microclimates, terroir and grape varieties in the five sub-zones, as well as different winemaking techniques, make for wonderful diversity.

DO Rias Baixas permits 8 types of wines comprising 12 grape varieties, however, white Albariño grape represents 96% of all plantings.  Other important permitted grapes include Treixadura, traditionally blended with Albariño and Loureiro.

Planting Albariño at the proper height and exposure to ensure even, healthy ripening is essential to quality.  Vines are traditionally widely spaced and trained on stone pergolas made of the same granite as the soils below.  To counter the region’s rainfall and humidity, most vines are trained on a wire trellis called a “parra” anchored by granite posts. Parras are up to seven feet high, allowing breezes to flow through for maximum circulation to prevent mildew and to promote even ripening.  They also make for a spectacular setting!

At the centre of the Rias Baixas and Albariño wine region is the town of Cambados, which is where we based ourselves for our visit. From Cambados there are several bodegas you can visit within just a few kilometres, with almost two hundred wineries in the region!  Most of the Bodegas require a prior appointment and include a tour of the winery, many of which are set in spectacular surroundings, with a number of the historical Pazo's also able to be explored.  There are, however, a few wineries where you can just visit and taste the wine, and while appointments are not always required, we would recommend making an appointment just to ensure there will be someone available, particularly if you would like to do a tasting in a language other than Spanish.

There are also some beautiful dining options in Cambados.  For a more formal dinner, be sure to visit Yayo Daporta, beautiful food, great selection of Galician wines and a nice greeting from the Chef.  For more casual dining options, there are a number of great restaurants and bars on and around the square on Praza de Asorel.  We enjoyed fantastic meals at Vago Vinos and A Fonte Do Vino (we highly recommend the Oysters, Razor Clams and Squid!!), and for a great cocktail with a fun team, stop in at Velvet Cocktail Bar!  

Cambados is also a great area to explore on foot and there are aa couple of nice walks down along the waterfront to the Torre San Surdurnino and a good lookout from the Mirador de A Pastora, which also has picnic areas.  You can also drive to the nearby beach town of O Grove, which has a bustling waterfront area and, from what we have been told, some fabulous beaches.

We really enjoyed our visit to this region and wish we had have had a little more time here to explore!

Congratulations to Martin Codax and Pazo Senorans who each received a "1 Door" award.


Refer to our Rias Baixas page for further information, including detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.

In focus October 2017 - Rioja, Spain 

Rioja is a famous wine region in the north-central part of Spain and is best known for producing the well-known and loved red wine, Rioja.  Rioja is a blend of the indigenous grape of Spain, Tempranillo, along with other fruity additions like Garancha, Mazuelo and Graciano.

The denomination of origin spreads along 54,000 hectares around three different Communities (La Rioja, Basque Country and Navarre).

Our first stop was in Elciego, part of the Basque Country community.  In this region you will find breathtaking landscapes, an amazing blend of traditional and modern architecture, fantastic restaurants and hotels, some of which are built on wineries, mountainous backdrops and an endless sea of vineyards!  Be sure to stop off at the "balcony" picnic spot, which has an amazing view out over the entire region. 

When planning winery visits in the region, it is important to book in advance, particularly if you would like an English speaking guide.  There are numerous food offerings in the region, however, we had dinner at both the formal and less formal restaurants at Marques de Riscal and had lunch at Baigori.  Each meal was fantastic.

Our second stop was in Haro, part of the La Rioja community.  Boasting the highest concentration of centuries old wineries in the world, the Station District in Haro is a wine lover's paradise. 

With so many of La Rioja's best wineries within a stones throw of each other, a day spent tasting wine is easy to organise. Haro is not large, and it is possible to walk to most of the wineries. If you just want to do a tasting of the wines, appointments are not necessary and while you will be required to pay, a tasting of a few wines should not cost more than €5-10, although many offer an option to book a tour and/or premium wine tasting.   

We did note in this area in particular, that the opening hours posted on the gates often differed to those on the wineries website, with the times posted on the gates appearing to be the more accurate.  As such, we suggest taking a quick wander around the Station District when you arrive and take photos of the opening hours before you make your plans!

A great region, amazing wines, fabulous surrounds, beautiful food and definitely a mist visit for wine lovers!

Congratulations to Bodegas Baigorri who received a "2 door" award, Ramon Bilbao and Marqués de Riscal who each received a "1 Door" award and Bodegas Valdelana who received our "hidden gem" award.

Refer to our Rioja page for further information, including detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.

In focus September 2017 - Bordeaux, France

One of the foremost wine regions in the world and home to 5 first growth premiere cru's including Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, Chateau Lafite-Rothschild and Chateau Latour.

There is definitely a long and interesting wine history in this region and certainly alot to learn here, with five Bordeaux wine classifications, with each classification having sub-classifications, different rules and regulations, unique labelling, opportunities for reclassification and a whole lot more!!

There are also a number of different appellations within the region, with different terroir, sub-climates, winemaking techniques and philosophies all of which produces an amazing variety of wines, with Bordeaux being the largest AOC vineyard of France.

The city of Bordeaux itself is the centre of the region and is a beautiful city with magnificent architecture situated on the banks of the Garonne river.  Must visits when in the city are the botanic gardens and the farmers markets, where you can try their famous canelé cakes (a caramalised crust cake in the shape of a mould).  These cakes were actually created as a by product of the wine industry, in that they were developed to use the egg yolks left over from the whites that were used for fining the wine.  The other local delicacy that you have to try at the market is freshly shucked oysters and wine. 

​There are also a number of beautiful villages within Bordeaux, including St Emilion, home to beautiful wine and macaroons, Pauillac, home to some of the most famous Chateaux in Bordeaux and Labarde, home to one of our favourite little restaurants in the region, La Gare Gourmande. 

This is definitely one of the most beautiful wine regions we have been to in the world and all of the tours we have done have been a little bit different, making for a very enjoyable and educational experience.  Be sure to allow some time to just drive/wander around and take in the amazing architecture and history of this region, which is spectacularly beautiful and somewhere I suspect we will be returning to again and again!

Congratulations to Château Lamothe Bergeron, Château Siran and Château Giscours who each received a "1 door" award.

Refer to our Bordeaux page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited on this, and previous, trips.  

In focus August 2017 - Bendigo Region, Victoria

The Bendigo wine region, located in Central Victoria, is just two hours from Melbourne, making it a perfect spot for a weekend visit.

Whilst primarily renowned for its Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, the region offers quite a range of varietals, including some fabulous whites.  The cellar doors in the region tend to be smaller in size, often meaning that you will be hosted by either one or more members of the family and/or winemaking team.  This makes for not only a very informative experience, but a much more personal and interactive experience.  We do note that as many of these working wineries are family run, a large number are only generally open on weekends, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.

One thing that we did notice in this region compared to many others is that a number of the cellar doors showcase the same wine across a number of vintages, enabling you to get a sense of the impact of different weather conditions and cellaring potential of the wines.  We personally think this is a fabulous way to help visitors understand and appreciate the wines.

There are a number of great dining options in the region, both at a number of the wineries and in Bendigo itself.  We had great lunches at both Balgownie Estate Winery and at Masons of Bendigo and if you do visit Masons, we highly recommend doing the "Roaming Menu", whereby the chef selects a number of dishes for you to showcase the best of what is on offer.  Not only was every dish beautifully prepared and presented, but we thought that it was sensational value for the quality of food and service.

There are so many great cellar doors and restaurants in this region that we will be sure to visit again shortly......

Congratulations to Balgownie Estate Bendigo and Sandhurst Ridge who each received a "1 door" award and Killiecrankie who received our "Hidden Gem" award.

Refer to our Bendigo Region page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.  

In focus July 2017 - Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

The Mornington Peninsula is a beautiful area, with vistas over either Western Port Bay or Port Phillip Bay from different points along the ridge, plenty of beautiful native bushland and streets lined with old mature pine trees.  
 
Mornington Peninsula produces cool climate wines and is particularly known for Pinot and Chardonnay.  However we did notice from our discussions with the many cellar door teams that there are a significant number of micro climates that make for very varied wines, as well as production of some great wines that aren't necessarily traditionally considered a cool climate wine. 

With the region being so close to Melbourne (and fairly compact, with only about a 15 minute drive between the most distant cellar door locations) it is really geared towards weekend visitors and, as such, we found that a little extra planning was required to find the cellar doors that are open during the week.  Also, while there are a number of cellar doors in close proximity of each other, there are no real walking tracks and therefore some form of transport will generally still be required for your visits.

The region is also home to some brilliant food options ranging from farmgates to highly regarded cheese factory's to 2 hatted fine dining restaurants (and everything in between!).  We thoroughly enjoyed each of our dining experiences during our latest visit to the region, including at The Long Table, Port Philip Estate, Polperro and Rare Hare.

Congratulations to Stonier, Willow Creek Vineyard, Yabby Lake and Morning Sun who each received our "1 Door" award, joining the regions three previous award recipients.

Refer to our Mornington Peninsula Page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited on this, and previous, trips.  

In focus June 2017 - Yarra Valley, Victoria

The Yarra Valley is Victoria's oldest wine region with the first vines being planted in 1838.  Just over an hour northeast of the Melbourne CBD, the Yarra Valley is a very beautiful area with it's flowing hills and valleys and is a popular weekend day drip from Melbourne.  

The Yarra Valley is recognised as one of Australia's chief cool climate producing regions and is famous for it's Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sparkling wines.  However, with over eighty cellar doors in the region, there are a significant number of styles and varietals to taste.

Many of the region's wineries have cellar doors offering wine sales and picnic facilities, with some of them also featuring restaurants, cafes and boutique accommodation.  On our most recent visit we had a beautiful lunch at Meletos, which also has some great views over the vines and valley.

The region is also home to a number of great restaurants, cheese factories, fruit farms and breweries and once you are done eating and drinking, the Yarra Valley has a number of other attractions and activities including bush walking trails, markets, galleries and the famous Healesville Sanctuary. 

We always enjoy or visits to this region and look forward to heading back.

Congratulations to Oakridge, Yering Station and Chandon who each received our "1 Door" award, joining the regions five previous award recipients.

Refer to our Yarra Valley page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.

In focus April 2017 - Southern Tasmania - Part 2 - Coal River Valley & Other Southern Tasmania

The Coal River Valley region is just 20 minutes from Hobart and has a good cross section of cellar doors ranging from a number of small family run establishments to one of the larger wine company's in Tasmania, Frogmore Creek.  

Southern Tasmania's climate produces wines more like those of Europe than mainland Australia, with some amazing quality of both reds and whites on offer.

The region is also home to Richmond, a gorgeous historic town that is very popular on weekends and has some pretty shops, restaurants and a very beautiful bridge that was built by convicts (it is photographed in every tourist brochure of Tasmania, so you won't miss it!)

Just outside of Richmond, Wicked Cheese (review included) is also worth a visit. It really does have some wicked cheeses. Very delicious!

We generally base ourselves in Hobart to explore this area.  Located at the entrance to the Derwent River and set amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington, Hobart is a great city with a nice blend of historical buildings and modern conveniences.  There are plenty of accommodation options here, a number of nice restaurants and plenty to see and do.  Take a walk along the iconic waterfront (be sure to pop by the many fishmongers and fish and chip shops and keep an eye out for the local sea lion!), explore Salamanca (including the fantastic Saturday outdoor market) or take a trip across to MONA for an interesting art experience. 

We always thoroughly enjoy or visits to this region and look forward to heading back.

Congratulations to Riversdale Estate and Bangor Wine and Oyster Shed who both received our "1 Door" award, joining the regions previous "2 Door" award recipient, Frogmore Creek.

Refer to our Coal River Valley and Southern Tasmania pages for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.  

In focus April 2017 -
Southern Tasmania - Part 1 - Derwent Valley

Tasmania's Derwent Valley region is just 20 minutes drive from Hobart.   Although possibly now more well known for MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), which is also home to Moorilla Estate, the Derwent Valley is home to a small, but select, number of cellar doors.

Being a cool climate region, there is some beautiful Pinot Noir and Chardonnay produced, as well as a number of other cool climate varietals.  When looking to visit to the cellar doors in this area, it is important to note that most of the limited number of cellar doors are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, so make sure you factor this into your planning.

We generally base ourselves in Hobart to explore this area.  Located at the entrance to the Derwent River and set amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington, Hobart is a great city with a nice blend of historical buildings and modern conveniences.  There are plenty of accommodation options here, a number of nice restaurants and plenty to see and do.  Take a walk along the iconic waterfront (be sure to pop by the many fishmongers and fish and chip shops and keep an eye out for the local sea lion!), explore Salamanca (including the fantastic Saturday outdoor market) or take a trip across to MONA for an interesting art experience.  If you are really motivated, a trip up to Mount Wellington is well worth it, but be sure to pack numerous layers of clothing if you are visiting in Winter!

Congratulations to Moorilla who received a "2 door" award and Stefano Lubiana who received a "1 Door" award.

Refer to our Derwent Valley page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.  

In focus March 2017 - Coonawarra - South Australia

The Coonawarra wine region is around 4 hours drive from Adelaide and 5 hours drive from Melbourne.  The region, with its layers of red soil on limestone base, is best known for its red wines, particularly its Cabernet Sauvignon, but also produces a nice variety of other wines including Shiraz, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. 

As a region to visit, it is particularly easy to get around to each of the cellar doors, even on foot if you are inspired!  The cellar doors are located along a 22 kilometre stretch and situated either side of the Riddoch Highway, making it very easy to navigate your way.  It is also a very picturesque walk/drive with vines scattered either side of the highway as far as the eye can see.

We have now visited the region on 3 different occasions and note that if you stay at the north end of town, just before the stretch of cellar doors begins, you are able to walk up one side of the highway (as far as you would like), stopping at each of your chosen cellar doors and then walk back along the other side, again stopping wherever you like (we do note, however, that at this stage there is no defined walking path between the cellar doors, so it is a matter of walking along the side of the highway to do this).  All of the cellar doors we visited were also more than happy to hold our purchases until the next day, when we went back with our car to collect! 

There are also some great places to eat in the region and lunch at Hollick was lovely, with a great outlook over the vineyard, Ottelia does some great wood fired pizzas and share plates and one of the restaurants in town, "Pipers" was a particularly delicious experience.  A number of the cellar doors also offer picnic supplies and/or allow you to bring a picnic and enjoy the surrounds.

The Coonawarra Vignerons Association also has a great winery map on their website which also seemed to be available at most of the cellar doors we visited. 

We really enjoy the family feel to this region and also note that it is probably one of the most child friendly regions we have visited, with most cellar doors having indoor/outdoor toys and play areas that seemed to be a hit with kids.  With it's picturesque setting, nice accommodation options, great eateries and welcoming residents, it's certainly a great place to visit.

Congratulations to Rymill, Balnaves of Coonawarra, and Wynns Coonawarra Estate who each received a "1 Door" award, joining previous "1 Door" award recipient Katnook Estate, and Koonara who received a "Hidden Gem" award.

Refer to our Coonawarra page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.  

In focus February 2017 - Geelong Region,Victoria

The Geelong wine region, just over an hour from Melbourne, is home to around 40 cellar doors, many with amazing water views.

The climate in the region is considered cool and many of the vineyards, particularly those on the Bellarine Peninsula, benefit from a cooling maritime influence during summer and autumn.

The Geelong wine region is best known for its Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, however it also produces some great Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Merlot and more recently some lovely Rosés.  There are also a few great sparkling and dessert wines on offer, meaning the region certainly has something for everyone.

Our focus on this trip was around the Bellarine, where there are some fantastic cellar doors of all shapes and sizes.  Many of the cellar doors also offer various dining options and we had great meals at each of the wineries we ate at, which on this trip were Terindah Estate, Shadowfax, Basils Farm and Jack Rabbit.

Getting around the region is fairly simple and there are a number of cellar doors clustered within close proximity of each other.  There is also the option of catching the passenger ferry from Melbourne Docklands to Portarlington, where you can catch a free bus that services Bellarine Estate, Scotchmans Hill, Terindah Estate and Bennetts Winery.

If views are what you are after, then you definitely get some great ones here, including spectacular views over Port Philip Bay and back to the Melbourne CBD.

A great region to visit for lovers of beautiful wine, food and settings and all just over an hours drive from Melbourne!

Congratulations to Terindah Estate, Oakdene, Shadowfax and Basils Farm who each received a "1 Door" award.

Refer to our Geelong page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.  

In focus January 2017 -  Heathcote Region - Victoria

The Heathcote wine region, approximately one and a half hours north of Melbourne, is situated in the heart of Central Victoria and nestled beneath the stunning McHarg and McIvor Ranges.

Home to over 30 cellar doors, the region is renowned for its Shiraz, but also produces a number of other red varietals including Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot as well as some excellent Riesling and Viogner.

The cellar doors tend to be smaller, family run operations, making for a more intimate experience and the opportunity to learn a great deal about the wines, the family’s histories and the region itself.  
There have been quite a few new and improved additions to the cellar doors in the area over the past ten years and there appears to be much more on the cards for a number of the cellar doors, including some new and enhanced food offerings which would be a great addition to the region.

With the cellar doors being in relatively close proximity of each other and with each having a good, but not extensive, number of wines on tasting, it is possible to visit quite a few wineries in the course of a day trip.  However, if you feel like spending a bit more time in the region and enjoying some of the other activities on offer, there are some great new accommodation options available for you to make a weekend (or longer) of it!

Congratulations to Merindoc who received a "1 Door" award and Silver Spoon Estate who received a "Hidden Gem" award.

Refer to our Heathcote page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.  

In focus December 2016 - Yarra Valley - Victoria

The Yarra Valley is Victoria's oldest wine region with the first vines being planted in 1838.  Just over an hour northeast of the Melbourne CBD, the Yarra Valley is a very beautiful area with it's flowing hills and valleys and is a popular weekend day drip from Melbourne.  

The Yarra Valley is recognised as one of Australia's chief cool climate producing regions and is famous for it's Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sparkling wines.  However, with over eighty cellar doors in the region, there are a significant number of styles and varietals to taste.

Many of the region's wineries have cellar doors offering wine sales and picnic facilities, with some of them also featuring restaurants, cafes and boutique accommodation.  On our most recent visit we had a beautiful lunch at Mandala wines, which also some great views over the vines and valley.

The region is also home to a number of great restaurants, cheese factories, fruit farms and breweries and once you are done eating and drinking, the Yarra Valley has a number of other attractions and activities including bush walking trails, markets, galleries and the famous Healesville Sanctuary. 

Refer to our Yarra Valley page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.  

In focus November 2016 - New Zealand (Part 2) -Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island, also referred to as "the Wine Island" is an approximate 35 min passenger ferry ride (or a little over an hour on the car ferry) from Auckland.  The island is home to over 20 cellar doors and offers a surprisingly extensive range of wine varietals.

​The region is historically best known for it's Bordeaux-style blends, but is now increasingly known for its Syrah and Chardonnay, while also offering an extensive range of other varieties of both red and white wines. 

The cellar doors in the region are very much focussed around enjoying the surrounding views, with many of the tastings able to be done outdoors.  Most of the cellar doors also offer you the opportunity to buy wine by the glass so you can sit and enjoy some of the amazing views on offer. 

Many of the cellar doors also have food offerings, including some very well regarded fine dining restaurants.  There are also a number of dining options in the various towns spread around the island.  

Getting around Waiheke is relatively easy and while the cellar doors are quite spread, there are a number of clusters whereby there are 2 or 3 cellar doors within close proximity of each other, so planning day trips is quite simple.  You can also walk between a number of the wineries, if you wanted to leave the car either at home, or in the one spot for the day.  Other means of transport on the Island include both an Island Bus and a Wine Bus (Summer Only), where you can hop on and off at various points on the Island.  A number of the cellar doors also have helicopter pads, with various helicopter packages available. 

There are also a number of beautiful beaches as well as very picturesque walking (or tramping) tracks around the Island....a good way to work off some of the delicious food and wine on offer and take in some of the amazing views that Waiheke offers!  

Congratulations Te Whau Vineyard who received a "Hidden Gem" award.

Refer to our Waiheke Island page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.  

In focus October 2016 - New Zealand (Part 1) - Central Otago

Central Otago is an informal name for the inland part of the Otago region in the South Island of New Zealand. The area commonly known as Central Otago includes both the Central Otago District and the Queenstown Lakes District to its west.

The Central Otago District, which is the world's southern-most commercial wine growing region, is made up of a few different sub areas and is home to around 80 wineries.

The region is most famous for its production of Burgundy-style grapes, producing some world renowned Pinot-Noir.  Outside of Pinot Noir the region produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer.  Sparkling wine is made in the traditional style from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.

There are a vast range of cellar door experiences in the area, but most still tend to be smaller, family run operations offering a more personalised tasting experience.  One thing that stands out in this region are the views, with many of the cellar doors having amazing views of the magnificent backdrops of mountains, vines and lakes.  A number of the cellar doors also offer dining options ranging from highly regarded restaurants to more casual food platters.

Outside of wine, there really is something for everyone in this region.  Amazing ski fields situated within a short drive, beautiful and varied dining options, sensational vistas, a variety of hiking/walking tracks and for those a little more adventurous there are a multitude of adrenalin activities on offer.

When in the region we tend to stay in Queenstown which makes for a good base.  While many of the wineries are a 30-45 min drive from here, they tend to be in clusters, so you can take a few day trips and cover off on a few at a time, leaving the ones closer to Queenstown for a shorter trip.

We really do enjoy coming to this area and if you haven't been, it is one of those places that really should be added to you must-do list!

Congratulations to Amisfield who received a "1 Door" award and Brennan and Wet Jacket who each received a "Hidden Gem" award.

Refer to our Central Otago page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited. ​

In focus August 2016 - Canberra District

The Canberra wine district is around half an hours drive from Canberra, ACT and is home to around 30 cellar doors.  While the region takes its name from the nation’s capital, most of the cellar doors are actually located in the surrounding districts of NSW.  The cellar doors are generally smaller, family run operations, providing a more intimate tasting experience.

The district is considered a cool-climate wine area, but covers a large altitudinal range of 300 to 800 metres, with the lower altitude and more inland regions substantially warmer than the higher altitude areas. This enables production of a wide range of wines from Riesling and Chardonnay to Pinot Noir and Shiraz.

Canberra itself, which is around 7 hours drive from Melbourne and 3 hours from Sydney, is a great base from which to explore this region.  In addition to many well regarded restaurants and eating precincts such as Manuka, Kingston, Lonsdale Street and the new Kingston Waterfront, there are a number of great, generally free, attractions to visit including museums, the High Court, Parliament House and the Australian War memorial.  And if you feel up to it, a walk around Lake Burley Griffin is a great way to work off some of that food and wine!

Congratulations to Helm Wines and Mount Majura Vineyard who each received a "Hidden Gem" award.

Refer to our Canberra District page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited. ​

In focus August 2016 - Orange, NSW

The Orange wine region is around 3.5 hours west of Sydney, NSW.  The region is considered a cool climate region and is the highest wine region in Australia, extending from 600m to over 1000m elevation.  While Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the most widely planted varieties in the region, there are a growing number of newer varieties being planted, resulting in a diverse wine offering.  

The wineries in the Orange region tend to be smaller, family owned wineries and the cellar door experiences therefore often involve the winemaker and/or owners, providing a more personal tasting experience. The 30+ cellar doors in the region are spread around, however the region is quite compact and there are generally pockets of 3-4 cellar doors situated near each other, making it quite convenient for planning visits.

Orange itself is quite a nice town with a number of good dining options.  We had nice meals at Lolli Redini, Percy’s Bar & Kitchen & Union Bank Wine Bar and Dining.  There are also a number of smaller towns in the region and the quaint town of Millthorpe, which is also home to a couple of cellar doors, is worth a trip.

Overall, the Orange region offers a nice, more personalised range of cellar door experiences and is well worth a visit if you enjoy great wine.

Congratulations to Philip Shaw who received a "1 Door" award and Angullong who received a "Hidden Gem" award.

Refer to our Orange page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.  

In focus July 2016 - Hunter Valley, NSW

The Hunter Valley is just over 2 hours north east of Sydney, which makes it a very popular weekend trip for Sydneysiders.  The valley is very picturesque, covered with vines and the beautiful Brokenback ranges in the background gives some fantastic vistas from all areas of the valley.

Hunter Valley can be quite hot in summer (40+ degrees celcius) and cool in winter which leads to quite difficult growing conditions, but also a wide range of varietals produced.  The difficult conditions also mean that a number of producers do source some of their grapes from other regions to ensure greater consistency of production (and even still, there was pretty much no red wine produced in the region in 2012!)

With over 100 wineries in the Hunter Valley, including some very historical names in Australian winemaking, there is a lot of ground to cover and while the region is reasonably compact, there are a few different pockets to explore.

Outside of wine, the Hunter Valley is home to some amazing restaurants.  While in the area we dined at Muse Restaurant, Muse Kitchen, Circa 1876, Esca & Goldfish Bar & Kitchen.  All served great food and had different feels to them, but for us dinner at Muse Restaurant was the standout for the week.

To keep some balance and offset the indulging, the Hunter region is also host to the Annual “Winery Running Festival”, including the marathon which one of the cellardoorscore team successfully completed this year!  There are also a few walking tracks along the road in the area, making it possible to walk between many of the cellar doors.  Oh, and if you want to be guaranteed a sighting of numerous Kangaroos, then this is the wine region for you!

Overall this is a great region and provided us with a number of excellent and diverse cellar door experiences and we look forward to returning again soon.

Congratulations to Bimbadgen Estate, Hungerford Hill and Margan who each received a "1 door" rating in recognition of providing a superior cellar door experience and Tempus Two and Usher Tinkler Wines who both received a "Hidden Gem" award.

Refer to our Hunter Valley page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.  

In focus - June 2016 - Kumeu, New Zealand

Kumeu is a coastal wine village approximately 20 minutes drive from Auckland city.  The area is home to around half a dozen cellar doors ranging from boutique winemakers to larger, well known names (although we note that Matua and Nobilo have just closed their cellar doors in this region). The region produces wines from grapes sourced both in the local area as well as other NZ wine regions including Marlborough, Hawke's Bay and Central Otago.

​Some of the wineries in this area date back over 80 years, many being established when families from Croatia settled in this region.  While there are a wide range of varietals produced in this region, the area itself is best known for its Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The remaining cellar doors in the region are generally smaller, family run operations which makes for a nice change from some of the more commercial regions and on some occasions gives you direct access to the owner/winemaker.

Many of the cellar doors also have food offerings, including some well regarded restaurants.  There are also a number of dining options adjoining or very close to the cellar doors.  Some of the restaurants we visited included The Tasting Shed and Soljans Café and the food was excellent on both occasions.

While in the area, we stayed in the beachside village of Muriwai which is home to a beautiful 50 km stretch of beach, covered in black volcanic sand.  It is also home to a large gannet colony, a favourite spot for local surfers and a great spot to sit and watch the sunset after a busy day of wine tasting!

Congratulations to Soljans Estate Winery who received a "1 door" rating in recognition of providing a superior cellar door experience.

Refer to our Kumeu page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.  

In focus  - May 2016 - Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Waiheke Island, also referred to as "the Wine Island" is an approximate 35 min passenger ferry ride (or a little over an hour on the car ferry) from Auckland.  The island is home to over 20 cellar doors and offers a surprisingly extensive range of wine varietals.

​The region is historically best known for it's Bordeaux-style blends, but is now increasingly known for its Syrah and Chardonnay, while also offering an extensive range of other varieties of both red and white wines. 

The cellar doors in the region are very much focussed around enjoying the surrounding views, with many of the tastings able to be done outdoors.  Most of the cellar doors also offer you the opportunity to buy wine by the glass so you can sit and enjoy some of the amazing views on offer. 

Many of the cellar doors also have food offerings, including some very well regarded fine dining restaurants.  There are also a number of dining options in the various towns spread around the island.  

Getting around Waiheke is relatively easy and while the cellar doors are quite spread, there are a number of clusters whereby there are 2 or 3 cellar doors within close proximity of each other, so planning day trips is quite simple.  You can also walk between a number of the wineries, if you wanted to leave the car either at home, or in the one spot for the day.  Other means of transport on the Island include both an Island Bus and a Wine Bus (Summer Only), where you can hop on and off at various points on the Island.  A number of the cellar doors also have helicopter pads, with various helicopter packages available. 

There are also a number of beautiful beaches as well as very picturesque walking (or tramping) tracks around the Island....a good way to work off some of the delicious food and wine on offer and take in some of the amazing views that Waiheke offers!  

Congratulations to Cable Bay Vineyards and Mudbrick Vineyard who each received a "1 door" rating in recognition of providing a superior cellar door experience and  Man O' War who received a "Hidden Gem" award.

Refer to our Waiheke page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.  

In focus  - February/March 2016 - Macedon Ranges, Victoria, Australia

The Macedon Ranges are approximately an hour north west of Melbourne with the region  particularly well known for it's beautiful pinot noir.  Home to over 30 wineries, the cellar doors in the region are on the smaller, more personal side and are generally family run businesses, providing a nice contrast to some of Victoria's other wine regions.

The region is also home to some interesting non-wine attractions.  There is a fantastic view from the top of Mount Macedon and the infamous Hanging Rock is a nice place to visit and take a walk (and maybe take a picnic, if you dare!!!) Note: Entry fee to Hanging Rock is $10 per car. 

There are also some really nice towns in the region.  Kyneton is home to a number of beautiful restaurants, some lovely stores to browse and botanical gardens.  A few of our favourite restaurants are Source Dining, La Bonta and Mr Carsissi.

Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are home to natural mineral springs and as a result have many day spas offering a wide and varied range of massages and other treatments.  The restaurant that the area is most well known for is Lake House, which is housed in a beautiful setting.  Kasuki's is another hatted restaurant in the area, where we found the food and service to be exceptional. 

There are also a number of other quaint little towns in the region which are worth a stop in between wineries!

Congratulations to Passing Clouds and Curley Flat who each received a "1 door" rating in recognition of providing a superior cellar door experience and  St Anne's Vineyard and Cloud 9 Farm who each received a "Hidden Gem" award.

Refer to our Macedon Ranges page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.  

In focus - January 2016 (for the second time!)

Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia

The Yarra Valley is Victoria's oldest wine region with the first vines being planted in 1838.  Just over an hour northeast of the Melbourne CBD, the Yarra Valley is a very beautiful area with it's flowing hills and valleys and is a popular weekend day drip from Melbourne. 

The Yarra Valley is recognised as one of Australia's chief cool climate producing regions and is famous for it's Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sparkling wines.  However, with over eighty cellar doors in the region, there are a significant number of styles and varietals to taste.

Many of the region's wineries have cellar doors offering wine sales and picnic facilities, with some of them also featuring restaurants, cafes and boutique accommodation.

The region is also home to a number of great restaurants, cheese factories, fruit farms and breweries and once you are done eating and drinking, the Yarra Valley has a number of other attractions and activities including bush walking trails, markets, galleries and the famous Healesville Sanctuary. 

Congratulations to Mandala Wines, Medhurst Wines, Soumah and Tarrawarra Estate who each received a "1 door" rating in recognition of providing a superior cellar door experience.

Refer to our Yarra Valley page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.  

As part of the Yarra Valley trip, we also visited Mansfield and congratulate Delatite Wines on being awarded our "Hidden Gem" award.

Refer to our Other Regions page for our review of Delatite Wines.

In focus - December 2015

Rutherglen, Victoria, Australia

Rutherglen is situated just over three hours northeast of Victoria near the Murray River Border with New South Wales.  It's climate and terrain make it a popular spot for campers, boaters and cyclists. 

Rutherglen is home to over 20 wineries, many of which are family owned and run.  The area is most famous for it's Muscat, Topaque and Durif, however there are a number of variety's and styles to try, including some interesting fortified styles.

Many of the region's wineries have cellar doors offering some very picturesque picnic facilities, with some of them also featuring restaurants and cafes.

The area is quite flat and compact and therefore caters well to cyclists and the Rutherglen Rail trail that travels through wineries and along the banks of the Murray River is a great way to explore the area.  There are also a number of cellar doors within walking distance of town, including one in the centre of town.

If you like fortified wines, picturesque settings and a relaxed atmosphere then Rutherglen should be high on your list of places to visit!

Congratulations to All Saints Estate who received a "2 door" rating, St Leonards who received a "1 door" rating and Pfeiffer Wines, Campbells of Rutherglen and Jones Winery and Vineyard who each received a "Hidden Gem" award.

Refer to our Rutherglen page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.  

In focus - November 2015

Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia

The Yarra Valley is Victoria's oldest wine region with the first vines being planted in 1838.  Just over an hour northeast of the Melbourne CBD, the Yarra Valley is a very beautiful area with it's flowing hills and valleys and is a popular weekend day drip from Melbourne. 

The Yarra Valley is recognised as one of Australia's chief cool climate producing regions and is famous for it's Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sparkling wines.  However, with over eighty cellar doors in the region, there are a significant number of styles and varietals to taste.

Many of the region's wineries have cellar doors offering wine sales and picnic facilities, with some of them also featuring restaurants, cafes and boutique accommodation.

The region is also home to a number of great restaurants, cheese factories, fruit farms and breweries and once you are done eating and drinking, the Yarra Valley has a number of other attractions and activities including bush walking trails, markets, galleries and the famous Healesville Sanctuary. 

Congratulations to Innocent Bystander who received a "1 door" rating.

Refer to our Yarra Valley page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.  

In focus - September 2015

King Valley, Victoria, Australia

The King Valley is an amazingly picturesque area in North Eastern Victoria.  It is situated along the King River, in the foothills of the alpine national park and is therefore a great place to visit on your way to the snow fields, as well as being a destination for food and wine lovers alike. 

The area is particularly known for Italian style wine varietals such as Prosecco, Sangiovese, Barbera and a variety of others.  Being an area with a high degree of variance in elevation, the King Valley produces a large number of cooler climate varietals and you certainly see this in the extensive tasting lists at most of the regions cellar doors.

There are also a range of great eating options in the area from well known stores such as Milawa Mustards, The Milawa Olive Shop and Milawa Cheese Factory to great casual comfort food and more fine dining experiences at some of the areas cellar doors.  

The areas around Milawa and Whitfield, where most of the cellar doors can be found, are quite flat so bike riding is a big part of the visit for many people.  There are also some great walking tracks in the area, making it possible to explore the area on foot as well as walk between a number of the cellar doors.

There is a great sense of history, tradition and pride in the King Valley and with a little over a dozen cellar doors to visit and equally as many dining options, this regions is a food and wine lovers dream and one we always look forward to returning to!

Congratulations to Dal Zotto and Sam Miranda who each received a "2 door" rating, Pizzini who received a "1 door" rating and La Cantina for receiving our "hidden gem" award.

Refer to our King Valley Page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited.  

What's on in Wine - September/October -King Valley

5 September - Delicious Magazine Patricia Wine Dinner - Brown Brothers Winery
18 September - A Culinary Tour de France - Brown Brothers Winery
1 October - Pizzini Presents Nebbiolio - Pizzini Wines
3 October - Pizzini Presents Sangiovese - Pizzini Wines
3 October - Spring Feast at Chrismont - Chrismont Wines

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In focus - August 2015

Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia

The Mornington Peninsula is a beautiful area, with vistas over either Western Port Bay or Port Phillip Bay from different points along the ridge, plenty of beautiful native bushland and streets lined with old mature pine trees.  
 
Mornington Peninsula produces cool climate wines and is particularly known for Pinot and Chardonnay.  However we did notice from our discussions with the many cellar door teams that there are a significant number of micro climates that make for very varied wines, as well as production of some great wines that aren't necessarily traditionally considered a cool climate wine. 

With the region being so close to Melbourne (and fairly compact, with only about a 15 minute drive between the most distant cellar door locations) it is really geared towards weekend visitors and, as such, we found that a little extra planning was required to find the cellar doors that are open during the week.  Also, while there are a number of cellar doors in close proximity of each other, there are no real walking tracks and therefore some form of transport will generally still be required for your visits.

The region is also home to some brilliant food options ranging from farmgates to highly regarded cheese factory's to 2 hatted fine dining restaurants (and everything in between!).  

Congratulations to Polperro and Port Phillip Estate who each received a "1 door" rating and to Merricks General Wine Store for receiving our "hidden gem" award.

Refer to our Mornington Peninsula Page for detailed reviews and ratings of individual cellar doors visited in August