Inspiration
Australia’s Best Wineries for Weddings
It’s no secret that Australians love a good glass of vino (we now consume almost as much wine as beer and are the world’s fourth largest wine exporter). And of course, it has its perks. Dotted throughout Australia are thousands of stunning vineyards growing all kinds of grapes and these days you’re invited to not only sample their wines but host an epic wedding, too.
So if you’re planning an out-of-city wedding surrounded by rolling hills, gnarly grapevines and rustic cellar doors, look no further. Here, the ladies over at WedShed have put together a few of their faves…
Arimia Estate / Margaret River, WA
An inviting cellar door and restaurant set the tone of the picturesque Arimia Estate winery, located in the north of Margaret River. There’s a 200-seater function room, a children’s playground and a private parlour/green room perfect for bridal parties. With charming on-site accommodation and a long wine list that celebrates unique, local flavours, this is a place where you’re encouraged to relax, unwind and get wed!
Zonzo Estate / Yarra Valley, VIC
Close all your other tabs and pay attention because the epic Zonzo Estate ticks a lot of boxes. These include an epic Italian menu, endless portrait locations, an indoor space with high wooden ceilings and last but not least – wine (and plenty of it). P.S They’re currently running a promotion for winter weddings.
Polperro / Mornington Peninsula, VIC
Ever wondered what it would be like to stay somewhere with an open fireplace, king-sized bed, spa bath and vineyard views? We certainly have, which is why Polperro is high on our bucket list. A 25 acre property with a bistro serving local delights (like figs, goats curd, estate herbs, candied walnut and port glaze) it’s got all you need to create the perfect wedding.
Swallowfield Vineyards / Yarra Valley, VIC
If driving long distances doesn’t float your boat, Swallowfield Vineyards – located only an hour outside Melbourne – could be a place to consider. Not to mention it has 150 acres of beautiful lush grounds, two ornamental lakes, a pine forest and a boutique winery that functions as a charming reception space. Just saying.
Howard Vineyard / Adelaide Hills, SA
A beautifully restored stone barn is what sets Howard Vineyard apart. Featuring stunning freestone rubble walls and polished concrete floors, it’s an ideal canvas for the creatively inclined. Set amongst ancient gum trees and hundreds of tussled vines, here you’ll feel another world away.
Kimo Estate / Gundagai, NSW
Brides and grooms-to-be living outside Sydney will be pleased to discover Kimo Estate – a whopping 7,000 acre working sheep and cattle farm that holds plenty of history. Now an incredible venue to tie the knot (with a rustic barn built in 1910) there’s luxury on-site accommodation and immaculate surrounding gardens.
Cake Wines / Sydney, NSW
Let’s give three cheers for this new initiative to drink wine (not that we really needed another excuse). Based in Sydney the good folk of Cake Wines are doing things a little differently – mixing top-notch wines with tasty food in an incredible inner-city warehouse space. It’s a little bit trendy and that’s exactly why we like it.
Sandalford / Swan Valley, WA
Sandalford is one of WA’s oldest and largest privately owned vineyards. Longevity = experience = impeccable service = happy couples. Whether you envision your big day taking place surrounded by barrels of American oak or out on the lawns surrounded by the eye-candy that is the Swan Valley, you’re sorted.
John Gehrig Wines / The Murray, VIC
You’d be silly to overlook this smaller scale winery operated and owned by husband and wife Ross and Meghan Gehrig (Ross’s father John Gehrig was a fourth generation vineron). With a converted wine shed, marquee and fire pit John Gehrig Wines is picture perfect.
Darlington Estate / Perth, WA
Located only 30 minutes outside Perth the 40 acre Darlington Estate certainly packs a punch. The restaurant boasts floor to ceiling windows to allow for unspoilt views, while outside an abundance of fairy lights adds a little magic to the open courtyard.
Shadowfax Wines / Werribee, VIC
If you love a woodfire-cooked meal (and enjoying yourself amongst some of the most lovely, relaxed surrounds out there), then we reckon you’ll find yourself a fan of Shadowfax. Get hitched in their barrel room and then sip on something outside under market umbrellas before heading off into the vines for photos.
Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard / VIC
If the thought of planning a wedding makes you dizzy then consider this: Brown Brothers Milawa will happily do all the dirty work for you. Established in 1885, Brown Brothers caters to all kinds of weddings – there is a range of ceremony and reception spots and everything is available on site (including furniture, microphones and an entire cellar full of wine).
Frogmore Creek / Cambridge, TAS
A few things that might float your boat: a cooler climate (no sweat patches!), quality wine and water views. And if you want all three, Frogmore Creek is where you should consider getting hitched. The venue itself is pretty spectacular too!
Stones of the Yarra Valley / VIC
Not too many wineries can say that have a Chapel, Barn, Dairy and Stables set up to cater for the most beautiful of big days. Stones of the Yarra Valley has all this and accommodation too, not to mention some seriously world-class in-house catering.
WedShed is an online platform that brings together a collection of unique Australian venues to hire for weddings. For more venue inspiration, see their other fab roundups or head to wedshed.com.au
Credits
Words WedShed | Images Various, as captioned |