Winter wine events around Australia

Wine growing regions around Australia have planned events to warm you up this winter. Photo / Thinkstock

Feel like a tipple? Australia's wine regions have much to offer visitors - whether you're a wine connoisseur, foodie or lover of natural beauty.

If you're planning a holiday to or tour of the wine regions, here are some events to warm you up this winter and base your getaway around.

Swan Valley, Western Australia

The historic Swan Valley, just a half-hour drive from Perth, features a rich fusion of wineries and fine food.

The valley is Western Australia's oldest wine region and is home to wine varieties ranging from speciality whites, such as Verdelho, to full-bodied reds and fortifieds.

Other attractions include art galleries, boutique beer outlets, a chocolate factory and animal encounters.

Event: Taste of WA Winter Wine Tasting, June 21

This one-day event features tastings of exclusive and new release local wines and the opportunity to meet the winemakers.

Tamar Valley, Tasmania

Northern Tasmania's stunning Tamar Valley is home to over 30 wineries and some of the finest wines in the world. The unique cool climate location produces elegant wines, with standout styles including sparkling wine, Chardonnay and Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

Event: Taste of the Tamar, July 21-22

This annual event held in Hobart showcases the Tamar Valley region's premium cool climate wines and local produce.

Barossa Valley, South Australia

The Barossa, just over an hour's drive from Adelaide, is one of Australia's best known wine regions. It's home to some big names, such as Penfolds and Jacob's Creek, as well as many boutique wineries.

The region has cool summers and rainy winters, which makes it perfectly suited for red wine production, particularly Shiraz and richly flavoured Cabernet.

Other attractions include Maggie Beer's Pheasant Farm Shop, and due to the region's strong German influence you can find butchers selling the likes of bratwurst sausages and bakeries offering yeasted cakes, such as streuselkuchen.

Event: Barossa Gourmet Weekend, August 20-21

Nearly 30 wineries will showcase their wines paired with heart-warming food during this two-day event.

Bathurst and surrounds, New South Wales

Bathurst's close proximity to Sydney and the Blue Mountains makes the area an ideal base to discover new boutique wineries and great cellar doors as well as take in some of New South Wales' best nature attractions.

The Bathurst area has wineries at Kelso, Mt Panorama, Meadow Flat, Rockley, Gemalla and just a short distance away there are more than 20 cool climate wineries in the Orange district.

Event: Winter Winery Wander, June 17

The full-day Winter Winery Wander is a bus journey that curls through the back roads of the Bathurst region showcasing the best food and wines the area has to offer.

Yarra Valley, Victoria

There are more than 100 wineries spread across the picturesque hills and valleys of the Yarra, less than an hour's drive from Melbourne.

Victoria's best know wine region is famous for its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and sparkling wines.

Wineries range from small family-owned vineyards to large scale exporters, such as De Bortoli and and Tarrawarra.

Other attractions include Healesville Sanctuary, TarraWarra Museum of Art and the impressive Innocent Bystander, a one-stop shop with a cellar door, restaurant, artisan bakery and cheese room.

Event: Shortest Lunch, June 23-34

Celebrate the shortest weekend of the year at this boutique Yarra Valley event where 13 wineries throw open their cellar doors, expertly matching food and wine.

South Burnett, Queensland

This region, 200km north-west of Brisbane, is the fastest developing wine area in Queensland. There are over 25 vineyards and several cellar door outlets with wine tasting and sales facilities.

Event: Vine Dining, August 18

This all-day dining event provides an opportunity to sample boutique Queensland wines matched with meals prepared by local chefs. It's held at three great South Burnett wineries: Barambah Wines, Clovely Estate and Bridgeman Downs Cellars.

Hunter Valley, New South Wales

Australia's oldest winemaking region, two hours' drive from Sydney, is home to more than 120 wineries. It's known for its classic white-wine varieties of Semillon and Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir and Shiraz in the red category.

Many big name companies call this region home, including Wyndham Estate, Lindemans, McWilliams, Rothbury and McGuigan.

Event: Hunter Valley Wine and Food Month, throughout June

There are still tickets left to many events taking place in the Hunter Valley throughout June. Try the Fireside Series, which has guests cosying up by the fire to indulge in some fine food and wine, or the Winemakers' Table Series - an event where guests dine with iconic Hunter Valley winemakers and chefs.

Australian Capital Territory

The tranquil rural countryside around the Australian Capital Territory is home to over 100 vineyards with most less than an hour's drive from Canberra.

The range in temperature, vineyard elevations and soil types in the region enables production of a wide range of varieties, such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz.

Event: Truffle Festival, June 21-July 31

Local wineries, restaurants and bars participate in this two-day event to mark the start of truffle season, recognising the region's highly prized quality French Black Truffle.