It's that time again, spring is bursting into colour and the temperatures are rapidly rising. This is a beautiful time of year to spend some time in the great outdoors and Australia is blessed with myriad opportunities for getting out and about.  In our beautiful wine regions, there are so many picturesque locations to lure you from the cellar door, so why not combine your passions? Here are some suggestions for wine adventures that won't compromise your outdoorsy streak.

Victoria

Montalto on the stunning Mornington Peninsula is all about combining indoors and out.  Inside, the cellar door, private tasting room and fine dining restaurant are all positioned to take advantage of views over the beautiful property; while outside, relaxed dining in the al fresco Piazza, the meandering Sculpture Trail and a variety of bookable picnic sites offer the perfect setting for an afternoon in the sun.

For some outside time with a bit of education thrown in, Montalto's Off the Beaten Track is a 60 minute hands-on experience with a wine expert exploring the Lake Block, home of Montalto's sparkling rose; North Face, the source of the multi-award winning The Eleven Chardonnay; South Face, where you'll find Montalto's much-loved Pennon Hill Pinot; and Red Hill Block, the revered Single Vineyard pinot noir vines.

Located in the Nagambie Lakes region of central Victoria roughly 120km north of Melbourne, Tahbilk Winery is one of Australia's oldest and most picturesque properties, perched among beautiful gardens, original buildings and underground cellars dating back to the 1860s with a cellar door overlooking the Goulburn River and Café overlooking the fully restored Wetlands area.

On A Day at Tahbilk, VIP guests can enjoy a day of wine tasting, blending and lunching followed by a Wetlands Ecology Tour accompanied by an expert guide who will walk with you through the wetlands trail and explain the restoration work that has been completed, the work being done to save the endangered species that live in the wetlands and the impact the ecological work has on the winery and wines.

South Australia

Gemtree Wines is located in McLaren Vale, a short drive from Adelaide.  Here, the cellar door takes in sweeping views across the vineyard and Ecotrail and wetlands, an area lovingly restored by owners Mike and Melissa.  On Gemtree's Wine and Wander experience, discover the flora, fauna and wildlife of the Gemtree Wetlands on a self-guided tour of the Ecotrail, learn about biodynamic grape growing and winemaking at the Biodynamic Hut, enjoy a tutored tasting of Gemtree’s regional and fine wines, and graze over a secluded picnic under the majestic gum trees.

The famous Seppeltsfield Estate in the Barossa Valley has something to offer year round with a buzzing cellar door; fine dining restaurant, FINO Seppeltsfield; JamFactory craft and design studios; and Vasse Virgin soap factory and shop.  In the warmer months, there's no better place for an afternoon stroll through the manicured gardens admiring the original and contemporary architecture of this iconic institution.  For those wanting to bask in the sunshine with a picnic and glass of wine, Benno’s Kiosk and Picnic Grounds allows you to do just that. With open lawns shaded by large gum trees, it’s easy to lose an afternoon here. Benno’s Kiosk provides light meal and snack options, although the best way to enjoy Picnic Grounds, is with a Picnic. Benno’s Basket is a picnic basket that can be pre-order and collected on arrival, showcasing the best of South Australian and Barossa providore. BBQ facilities are also available for hire.

A short drive away, another famous Barossan gem, Jacob's Creek, is surrounded on all sides by wide open spaces, immaculate vineyards and a charming kitchen garden.  Here the talented Jacob's Creek chefs host Cooking Classes for groups small and large.  You'll pick fresh seasonal produce from the kitchen garden before watching your hearty feast take shape over the outdoor barbecue with an interactive cooking demonstration.  Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the sunshine with a glass or two of Jacob's Creek wine. 

Tasmania

The Josef Chromy property, just a stone's throw from Launceston CBD and airport, feels a million miles from the pace of city life.  The beautiful homestead overlooks old English gardens, rolling vineyards and a beautiful lake.  Here, you can enjoy lunch outside in the sun, or for those more adventurous, the Fly Fishing experience combines a morning of basic fly fishing tuition in the lake with RiverFly Tasmania, with a complimentary tasting and two-course lunch.

Wine and golf have been the ideal indoor/outdoor partnership since records began and there's no shortage of ways to enjoy this perfect pairing. For something extra special for the wine-loving golfer, Moorilla's Golf, Wine & Art experience is a 3-day, 2-night extravaganza with private charter flights, luxury accommodation and fine dining thrown in for good measure.  

New South Wales

The glorious Hunter Valley is blessed with spectacular scenery year round but spring and autumn offer the best conditions for outdoor exploring.  Audrey Wilkinson's famous Picnic Among the Vines experience is a dream come true for anyone who longs to lounge in the sun with a bottle of wine and a hamper of gourmet produce (who doesn't?).

Alternatively, around the corner at Tyrrell's, take a private and personalised tour of the Sacred Sites vineyards, located on the Ashmans property. Tyrrell’s own 7 of the 11 oldest vineyards in NSW. The Sacred Sites are ungrafted dry-grown vineyards which are over 100 years old. These vineyards are still producing exceptional fruit which is made into some of the most sought after wines in Australia, all of which are generally pre-sold prior to release.  Complete the experience with a winery tour and barrel tasting. 

Western Australia

The Margaret River cape offers one of the most spectacular, untouched stretches of coastline in the world. On the Vasse Felix Cape to Vine Day Trip, experience the power of the Indian Ocean and the unique and pristine flora and fauna of the Region on this walking tour with track specialists, Cape to Cape Explorer Tours, before enjoying a tour of the Vasse Felix vineyards, a private tasting and five course tasting menu.

Queensland

It's no surprise that Queensland's ultimate winery has the indoor/outdoor balance set to 'just right'.  A short 40 minutes drive from both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, a relaxing day in the sunshine at Sirromet is the perfect antedote to a week at your desk.  Perhaps try your hand at a game of Supa Golf, enjoy a guided tour of the estate or simply settle in for lunch on the Tuscan Terrace overlooking Moreton Bay.  Don't want to go home? No problem, Sanctuary by Sirromet offers luxury glamping pavillions with everything you need for an escape to remember.  On the Ultimate Winery Escape, we've packaged up two night's accommodation with tours, tastings and an 8-course tasting menu at Restaurant Lurleen's.