As winter settles across the North East, there’s something especially inviting about lingering a little longer in cellar doors, glass in hand, while mist rolls across the vineyards.
Many wineries embrace the cooler months with cosy tastings by the fire, hearty local produce, and rich, full-bodied reds that truly come into their own in the chill.
It’s not just about the wine, it’s about slowing down, soaking in the scenery, and enjoying the warmth of regional hospitality at its finest.
So when the call of the grapes can’t be ignored any longer, look no further than these multi-award winning wine regions.
Allan’s Flat, just out of Yackandandah, is unique; it is home to the oldest strawberry winery in Australia.
Schmidt’s Strawberry Winery offers dry, semi-sweet and sweet varieties, and strawberry wine can be served at room temperature or chilled and pairs well with chocolate.
Rutherglen wine region is home to more than 20 wineries and is mostly known for its muscat and durif varieties.
Meet the sixth and seventh generation winemakers who draw on family traditions and modern techniques, to keep Rutherglen wines on a winning streak.
Beechworth boasts about 30 wineries in an area which covers Stanley, Beechworth and Everton and the cool climate varieties like shiraz, chardonnay, syrah and vermentino love the outlooks and sloping hills.
The King Valley wine region stretches from Milawa and Oxley to Cheshunt with 12 wineries based in the area.
Varieties of prosecco, pinot grigio, moscato, rosato, sangiovese, barbera and nebbiolo are specialties belonging to this group.
Mansfield wine district takes in Lima South, Delatite, Bonnie Doon, Lake Eildon, Barjarg, Goughs Bay and Lake Nillahcootie.
These wineries specialise in cool climate wines such as riesling, white aromatics, chardonnay, merlot, pinot gris and cabernet sauvignon and many have won awards for their exceptional flavours and blends.
So, whatever your tastebuds crave, you are bound to find a drop to satisfy them from whichever region you visit.