Here’s the thing. I was trying to find the meaning of grape grazing online but I could not find anything but if you try to get the meaning of this activity by breaking down the two words, then grape grazing would just literally mean to consume a variety of grape- based appetizers as a full meal. Anyhow, this article will not focus on the activity that is grape grazing but rather the 5 areas in Australia where you can go grape grazing. This is especially for the benefit of the millions of wine buffs (also called oenophiliacs) around the world. If you do not know it yet, Australia actually offers a lot of variety when it comes to wine styles and they will certainly tantalize your palate. There are many districts in Australia that are world renowned for wine growing and these are expected to be the moister areas of the country since grapes can grow extremely well in areas that are moister.
In New South Wales, four major areas are known for grape grazing: Hunter Valley, Orange, Canberra and Riverina. Hunter Valley is slowly becoming known as one of Australia’s major regions for wine growing. Several local operators hold winery tours which include touring the vineyards and of course, the much awaited wine tasting. These tours are actually considered a huge industry in Hunter Valley. Orange has three wineries: Ibis Wines, Mortimers of Orange and Orange Mountain. Canberra is home of Australia’s cool climate wines, some of which are regarded and world renowned even. There are a total of 33 wineries in Canberra and if you are in the Riverina area, you can grape graze in either Griffith or Leeton.
In Victoria, there are five major areas for grape grazing: Mornington Peninsula, Beechworth, world renowned Yarra Valley, Rutherglen and Dandenong Ranges. Yarra Valley is near Melbourne so it would be one of the easiest places to get to. Vineyard hopping is such a popular tourist activity and the annual Grape Grazing Festival, also in Yarra Valley is a known tourist magnate. It happens yearly but it was abruptly stopped in 2009 because of bush fire that occurred on a Black Saturday which affected the region severely.
Queensland is slowly becoming a frontrunner in terms of regions that produce wine. Their wineries are producing vast quantities and high quality white wines and red wines, especially right around the Bundaberg or Wide Bay area. If you are more of a spirit fan, head directly to Bundaberg where you can go on a guided tour of Australian rum with free tasting of course!
However, just a small piece of advice. If your purpose of going to Australia is because your itinerary is full of wine tours and grp grazing activities, please make sure that you hire a driver or have someone who does not drink drive you around. Australia has a very strict limit for blood alcohol – 0.05 percent for the vehicle driver and even zero percent for the inexperienced driver or the p- plater.