Wild Women and Coastrekkers are no doubt familiar with Nancy Sinatra’s signature song These Boots Are Made For Walkin’, but it’s a lesser known duet of hers that we’ve got on our minds as the warmer weather approaches. It’s called Summer Wine and it’s about as smooth as a 1970’s cask Moselle – so there’s a reason it didn’t make it to the top of the charts.
Fortunately, the wine regions surrounding our spectacular Coastrek trails are producing some of the finest – and smoothest – wines in Australia. After all, we are all about rewarding ourselves after our hard work (queue the Prosecco popping at the finish line!) – so here’s some of our recommendations for a post-event getaway.
Hunter Valley
Sydney Coastrek finishes in Kirribilli, just north of the Harbour Bridge, and if you keep heading north (by car!) you’ll reach the Hunter Valley around two hours north of Sydney. There’s about 150 wineries to choose from in the region but we’ve selected some Girl Trip-friendly options.
A popular first stop into the Valley is Peterson House, famous for its Pink Blush Rose sparkling wine and the more traditional Pinot Noir Chardonnay Meunier, known as the Australian Champagne, this spot is all about the bubbles.
Scarborough Wines is known for its award winning Chardonnay and the best cellar door experience in the region. A cheese plate selection with your wine tasting – how civilised! Clearly mother/daughter team Merralea and Sally Scarborough have provided a female touch to this experience.
If you want to support a female winemaker, head to Pepper Tree Wines where Gwyn Olsen is making superb wines that you can enjoy in a rustic country setting.
Mornington Peninsula
Our Coastrek route takes in the picturesque Cape Schanck and its famous lighthouse, so it’s fitting to head to T’gallant for a post-event tasting from their Cape Schanck range of wines. They’ve also released some cute and colourful canned Prosecco and Moscato spritzers well worth a try.
In addition to its array of superb wines, Willow Creek Vineyard has a shiny new addition with The Jackalope Hotel situated adjacent to the winery. Treat yourself to a stay and enjoy the outdoor 30-metre infinity pool overlooking the vineyards – perfect for a post-trek soak.
Kathleen Quealy is one of the most, if not the most well-known winemaker on the Peninsula and the first person to plant Pinot Gris/Grigio in Australia. Visit her cellar door at Quealy Wines where Pinot is Queen!
Fleurieu Peninsula
The stunning Fleurieu Peninsula is home to the world class McLaren Vale wine region where Shiraz is king. Not exactly summer wine but equally as delicious.
A visit to The d’Arenberg Cube is a must-do McLaren Vale experience. A veritable ‘wine shrine’, the Cube’s ultra-modern five-storey design juts out on the region’s rural horizon with each level designed to entice the senses, including a wine sensory room, a virtual fermenter, wine tastings and blend-your-own wine making sessions.
Whilst d’Arenberg sits at the grand end of the scale, at the quirky, boutique end you’ll find Alpha Box & Dice. Housed in a heritage listed barn overlooking sprawling vineyards, the cellar door décor is a mix of grandma’s lounge room meets upscale op-shop. With wines named Dead Winemakers Society, Mistress, Rebel Rebel and Blood of Jupiter, you just know this is going to be something different.
If you prefer something a little harder, the Fleurieu Distillery recently took home Tasting Australia’s Best Whisky trophy for “The Jabberwocky” peated blend. You might like to stop in and enjoy a wee dram…
Sunshine Coast
Although not traditionally known as a wine producing region, the micro climate of the Sunshine Coast hinterland allows for a wide range of grape varieties to be grown, from Shiraz, Chambourcin and Chardonnay through to Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
There are a number of small boutique wineries popping up in the quaint villages of Montville and Maleny and it’s a scenic drive from the coast to reach Flame Hill Vineyard and Settler’s Rise winery in Montville.
If the amber ale is more your thing, the Sunshine Coast has an ever-growing array of Breweries offering a range of craft beers. Eumundi Winery & Brewery is worth a trip particularly if it’s timed with the Eumundi Markets (Wednesdays and Saturdays) or Brouhaha Brewery in Maleny and Wild Rocket at Misty’s in Montville will also provide some great thirst quenchers.
Keen to check out some of these epic wine regions? Why not take part in Coastrek and make it the ultimate girls weekend getaway! And if you loved these tips you’ll love our epic blog on the The Best (Secret) Rock Pools in Australia.
