It’s time to crack out the bon-bons and embrace the silly season after a year of unprecedented challenges. Whether you’re planning a big corporate bash, a long lavish lunch with friends and family, or an intimate celebration, Australia’s beautiful wine regions are teeming with idyllic COVID-safe venues of all sizes. 

Read on for eight of the best:

1. Sirromet, Mount Cotton, QLD

Set amongst 560 acres of natural bushland and vineyards with spectacular views to Moreton Bay and Stradbroke Island, Sirromet is an exciting host venue for Christmas parties and events. Just 30 minutes from Brisbane and 40 minutes from the Gold Coast, Sirromet’s unique offering includes award-winning cuisine, fine wine and even a range of team building activities, from laser skeet shooting to human foosball and wine tasting – the perfect way to kick off the festive season.

With its buzzing cellar door, relaxed al fresco fare at the Tuscan Terrace and lush onsite glamping accommodation, Sirromet is a destination in itself, with a professional functions team to help your dream Christmas party come to life.

2. Audrey Wilkinson, Hunter Valley, NSW

Set on the crest of a hill, Audrey Wilkinson’s cellar door boasts 360 views of a picturesque patchwork of vines and paddocks cascading across the Hunter Valley. Small groups of family and friends can book behind-the-scenes winery experiences to celebrate Christmas together, including tours of the heritage-listed museum, wine and cheese tastings and premium picnics among the vines.

Corporate groups can enjoy fully catered events with music, roaming canapes, and dinner under the stars. With its gorgeous cottage accommodations available on site, this will be a Christmas to remember. Find out more HERE.

3. Printhie Wines, Orange, NSW

Set amongst rolling hills, quintessential farming sheds and dams, cradled in the protective shade of magnificent Mt Canobolas, Printhie Wines in the Orange wine region is the ideal venue to gather with friends, family and workmates to kick off the festive season. Enjoy a tasting in The Packing Shed, the original apple press, set amongst vineyards and the heritage apple orchard, or go beyond the cellar door with an intimate journey of discovery where you’ll uncover the process behind Printhie’s award-winning wines.

Celebrate Christmas with a three-course meal curated by Printhie's newest team member, Chef Jack Brown. Your private level of The Packing Shed extends to an outdoor area with vistas of the orchard, vineyard and water views. Choose between the Mountain Range or Topography Range package which includes the three-course meal (with sides + bread) and all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks served for the duration of the lunch.

4. Dominque Portet, Yarra Valley, VIC

Set amongst rolling hills reminiscent of the French countryside, Dominique Portet is a young winery steeped in European history. Explore the estate and discover 10 generations of winemaking legacy with an intimate tasting, savour delectable classics paired with impeccable wine at the French Bistro or go beyond the cellar door to learn the story behind the family name and the secrets of the thriving vineyards.   

When size matters, Dominique Portet’s cellar door has a space to accommodate groups for functions and events with a private area set amongst barrels and a set menu. Whether it’s for groups of 10 or 40, Dominique Portet serves an array of mouth-watering morsels to make the most convivial of Christmas gatherings. Find out more HERE.

5. Montalto, Mornington Peninsula, VIC

A celebration at Montalto on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula offers much more than just award-winning wines. The estate is renowned for its welcoming ambience, relaxed Australian architecture, intimate cellar door, vast kitchen garden and breathtaking grounds, including an olive grove, acclaimed restaurant and café, sculpture walk and wetlands.

Montalto offers bespoke function packages tailored to your needs, whether it be in the restaurant, casual piazza, or elsewhere on the estate. For groups of 15 to 30, Montalto’s intimate private dining room enjoys the same breathtaking views as the main dining room, separated by floor-to-ceiling glass bi-fold doors.

6. Seppeltsfield, Barossa Valley, SA

Mark the festive season with a visit to Seppeltsfield, just under one hour’s drive from Adelaide. Located on the ‘Western Ridge’ of the Barossa Valley, Seppeltsfield combines over 420 acres of ancient vineyard, gardens and heritage-listed architecture. Upon arrival, a vibrant Barossa community of wine, food, art and beauty awaits, highlighted by Seppeltsfield’s world class cellar door & tasting rooms, FINO Restaurant, Octeine Coffee, JamFactory Contemporary Art & Design studios, Segway Sensations and Vasse Virgin Skin care.

The perfect backdrop to catch up with friends, family and colleagues this festive season, Seppeltsfield caters for intimate groups of 10 up to large groups of 350. Pre-bookings are essential, click HERE to find out more.

7. d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale, SA

Fall in love this stunning wine region as you take in panoramic views over McLaren Vale, the Willunga Hills and the Gulf St Vincent from the top level of the architectural masterpiece, the d’Arenberg Cube. Celebrate Christmas with canapés, lunch, dinner, degustations, or extended dining options. Whatever the occasion, a package can be tailored to suit your needs.

From small group tastings and winemaking experiences at d’Arenberg’s famous Blending Bench, to long, lazy lunches at d’Arry’s Verandah, housed in a restored 19^th century homestead, your special gathering will be remembered for years to come.

8. Mandoon, Swan Valley, WA

The trick to throwing a memorable Christmas event? Spectacular food and drinks in a WOW location. Located beside the magnificent Swan River, Mandoon Estate has developed a reputation as one of the Swan Valley’s best wineries and most popular destinations. Featuring a cellar door, the Homestead Brewery and fine dining restaurant, Wild Swan, Mandoon has you covered for events of all sizes, from an intimate soiree in the underground wine cellar, to a leisurely long-table lunch, or cocktail party for hundreds.

Also onsite, luxury accommodation is available at The Colony, with 32 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites overlooking the Swan River and the property's original verdelho vineyard, planted in 1895.