David Bowden takes a leisurely trip through the vines Down Under. In recognition of the importance of cellar door sales to their business, the majority of Australia's wineries readily welcome visitors with open arms. And with a well-oiled wine tourism structure, a stroll through the vines has become an ideal way to sample all the land Down Under has to offer. Whether you're planning a gourmand's tour of the best epicurean delights, or are in search of a romantic retreat, Australia's premier wine regions are ripe for the picking. Wines are produced in every state of Australia. There's even a winery in Alice Springs, deep in the outback of the Northern Territory! With 100 wine regions and more than 2,000 wineries, there's a lot to sample - whether you're a dedicated wine connoisseur, or just have a passing interest. But wine touring is not just about wine. It's a lifestyle which includes dining in restaurants attached to the wineries, purchasing local produce, staying in unique accommodation, being pampered in spas, playing golf and a participating in a range of adventurous holiday activities. The essence of wine touring is mobility and there's nothing as versatile as hiring your own rental car. But beware, Australian drink driving laws are tough and strictly administered by the police, so a designated non-drinking driver is essential. Alternatively, you can opt to use the spittoon usually on offer. Most vineyards offer free samplings of current vintages in the hope you'll be suitably impressed and buy a few bottles. While wine producers factor a small percentage for "free samples" into their pricing, consumers are expected to play their part and buy the occasional bottle of wine. A winery tour isn't an excuse to get drunk at the winemaker's expense. The wine regions of the Hunter Valley, Margaret River, Barossa Valley and the Yarra Valley are all located close to the large gateway cities of Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Perth, respectively. Here's a rundown on some of the key areas not to miss, plus a few lesser-known regions - for those who prefer to venture off the beaten track. As well as wines, this area is known for its fresh produce, including charolais beef, venison, duck and even emu and kangaroo. Seafood is freighted in daily from nearby coastal towns such as Kingston. And there are numerous spots amongst the vineyards, to rest and enjoy a delicious picnic of locally-produced treats. Getting there Fly to Adelaide and take a further flight to Mount Gambier - just 30 minutes from the vineyards - with Regional Express Airlines (http://www.rex.com.au/), or hire a rental car for the five-hour drive. For those driving from Melbourne to Adelaide along the Great Ocean Road, Coonawarra is half-way between Adelaide and Melbourne. HUNTER VALLEY, NEW SOUTH WALES Eating good food is as important to Australians as it is to most Asians, so quality restaurants have developed alongside many Hunter vineyards. Local produce shops, antique stores, golf resorts and spas now complete the Hunter Valley tourism package, ensuring a visit to these vineyards is essential for those who enjoy the good life. This region's close proximity to Sydney makes it a popular weekend getaway and a stay of just two to three nights will give you plenty of opportunity to explore. Keen golfers will appreciate the four 18-hole courses in the district. The Vintage (www.thevintage.com.au) - designed by Australian golf legend, Greg Norman - is a premier residential golf community. It includes an 18-hole, par 71 golf course, clubhouse, community centre, fitness facilities, housing estates, the Grand Mercure Apartments (www.grandmercurehuntervalley.com.au) and a soon-to-be-built international five-star hotel. Nearby, the Cypress Lakes Resort (www.cypresslakes.com.au) features an 18-hole course and The Golden Door Spa (www.goldendoor.com.au) health retreat. In between wine tasting, be sure to visit the Hunter Valley Gardens in Pokolbin Village. Wander around the colourful Rose Garden, Indian Mosiac Tea Garden, Chinese Moongate Garden and the Story Book Garden - sure to delight young kids. Antique hunters should stop at Peppers Creek Antiques (http://www.pepperscreek.com.au/). Getting there Fly into Sydney and hire a car for the two-hour drive. Bus services are also available. The small island of Tasmania is divided into two main viticulture areas - southern and northern, but there are also distinctive sub-regions. Located at 41 degrees south of the equator, it enjoys climatic conditions similar to the famous French regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne. As such, it produces strong varietals such as Chardonnay, Gewürztraminers, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. And this is the only Australian state with a government-controlled appellation system - guaranteeing only 100 percent Tasmanian grapes are used. Start from Launceston in the north and head off on the Tamar River wine route, comprising a dozen wineries clearly marked. You'll also come across restaurants, cellars and gift shops selling local produces as well as wines. One of the best set-ups is Moores Hill Estate (http://www.mooreshill.com.au/), where winemaker Rod Thorpe produces excellent rieslings, pinot noirs and unwooded chardonnays. The views from the verandah restaurant extend over the vineyard towards the Tamar River and are without equal in the region. Superb restaurants are attached to Moorilla Estate (www.moorilla.com.au) and Home Hill (www.homehillwines.com.au), with the art collection, location and accommodation at Moorilla making it an attraction even for those who don't appreciate the grape. Frogmore Creek (www.frogmorecreek.com) is an organic vineyard headed by Californian-born, Tony Shearer -now an enthusiastic supporter of anything Tasmanian. Getting there Fly into Hobart and out of Launceston, or vice versa. Northern Tassie: Bay of Fires, Clover Hill, Goaty Hill, Jansz, Josef Chromy, Moores Creek, Piper's Brook, Pirie, Rosevears and Tamar Ridge. Northeastern Tassie: Apsley Gorge, Coombend Estate, Freycinet and Spring Valley. Southern Tassie: Bream Creek, Domaine A, Frogmore Creek, Laurel Bank, Meadowbank, Moorilla Estate and Stefano Lubiana. Stay Islington, Hobart (www.islingtonhotel.com), The Sebel Launceston (www.mirvachotels.com.au) and Freycinet Beach Apartments (www.freycinetbeach.com.au). 
Those who appreciate Australian reds should definitely include Coonawarra on their itinerary. Home to the country's best Cabernet Sauvignons, this region's terra rossa soil over a limestone base has proven ideal for growing the perfect grapes for robust reds, since 1895. Navigating your way through the Coonawarra is easy, as the vineyards are located almost in a straight line along the main southeastern road to Mount Gambier - not far from the Victorian border. The small town of Penola is the best base for visiting the 20 cellar doors. At 383 kilometres from Adelaide, it's a little over five hour's drive from South Australia's capital.
Vineyards of distinction Bowen Estate, Hollick, Katnook Estate, Leconfield, Lindemans, Parker, Patrick, Penley Estate, Redman, Rouge Homme, Rymill, S. Kidman, Wynns and Zema Estate.
Stay Cottages provide the ultimate rural retreat with maximum privacy, but there are also plenty of hotels and motels. Try Alexander Cameron Motel & Apartments (www.alexandercameronmotel.com.au), Bankhouse (www.coonawarracottages.com.au), Chardonnay Lodge (www.chardonnaylodge.com.au), Georgie's Cottage (www.georgiescottage.com) - a luxuriously-renovated 1880s cottage, or Punter's Corner Retreat (http://www.punterscorner.com.au/) a contemporary option for up to eight guests.
Dine Pipers of Penola (Tel: +61 8 8737 3999), Upstairs at Hollick (www.hollick.com) or Chardonnay Lodge.
Contacts South Australia Tourism (www.southaustralia.com.sg), Coonawarra Tourism (www.coonawarra.org) and Penola Visitor Information (www.penola.org).
One of the first areas to plant vines and produce commercial wines in Australia was the Hunter Valley, just 160 kilometres - or two hour's drive - north of Sydney. For much of its history, the Hunter has been a farming district. But over the past two decades, the vineyards have ensured the area's development as a lifestyle destination.
Vineyards of distinction Allandale, Bimbadgen Estate, Brokenwood, Drayton's, Lake's Folly, Lindemans, Margan Family, Marsh Estate, Pepper Tree, Tamburlaine and Tyrrell's.
Stay Grand Mercure Apartments (www.grandmercurehuntervalley.com.au), Peppers Guest House and Peppers Convent (http://www.peppers.com.au/), or Peppers Creek (http://www.pepperscreek.com.au/) for larger groups.
Dine Chez Pok (www.peppers.com.au), Legends Grill (www.thevintage.com.au), Pippette (http://www.cypresslakes.com.au/) and Shakey Tables (www.shakeytables.com.au).
Contacts Hunter Valley Wine and Visitors Centre (www.winecountry.com.au), Hunter Valley Gardens (www.hvg.com.au) and NSW Tourism (www.seesydney.com).
While not widely-recognised outside of Australia, Tasmanian wines have boomed over the past decade. The cooler climatic conditions of Australia's most southern state are ideal for sauvignon blanc and pinot noir, although some Australians are not even aware of the high quality wines produced in this island state. In fact, many of the large Australian wine producers source grapes for their sparkling wines from Tasmania, but don't always pay recognition where it's due.
Vineyards of distinction
Dine Stillwater, Launceston (www.stillwater.net.au), Smolt, Launceston and Hobart (www. tassal.com.au) and Piccalilly, Hobart (www.piccalilly.com.au).
Contacts Tasmania Tourism (www.discovertasmania.com).
Posted Nov 08
