Sumptuous cuisine, sparkling rosé, decadent chocolates and vineyard vistas – it’s hard to imagine a better place to celebrate love and friendship than one of Australia’s stunning regional wine regions. Read on for some of our favourite romantic adventures that take you beyond the cellar door.

Victoria

Experience a slice of Bordeaux in the Yarra Valley, where award-winning wines are crafted with a French sensibility. Set amongst rolling hills reminiscent of the French countryside, Dominique Portet is a young winery steeped in European history, with 10 generations of winemaking under its belt. Undulating vineyards and lush lawns frame the Cellar Door and Bistro, whose European design, complete with white French doors and shutters, reflects the rich French heritage of the Portet family.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for Le Tour de Rosé, an exploration of Dominique Portet’s sparkling Brut Rosé, their highly regarded Fontaine Rosé and a new addition – Single Vineyard Rosé.

Enjoy a warm welcome from a Dominique Portet host, who will provide you with an overview of the estate’s history, then guide you through three wines matched with a selection of charcuterie, cheese and rustic baguette - the perfect match for rosé. Santé!

New South Wales

For a Valentine’s Day to remember, book lunch or dinner at Brokenwood Wine’s restaurant, The wood, in the beautiful Hunter Valley. The Brokenwood Match + Dine experience begins with a flight of six wines perfectly matched with six bite-sized canapés. Next, select a main, side and dessert, plus a complimentary glass of sparkling on arrival.  

At nearby Audrey Wilkinson, set the scene for pure romance with a Premium Picnic Among the Vines complete with a picnic rug for two, a full-to-the-brim hamper, a personalised bottle of wine signed by the winemaker, and sweeping views of the rolling paddocks of the Hunter Valley. Set on the crest of a hill, the serene ambience of Audrey Wilkinson estate will have your loved one swooning.

Queensland

Celebrate Valentine’s early with the one you love at Sirromet winery, located around half an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Lurleen’s fine dining restaurant is plating up a specially curated 4-course dinner on Saturday 12^th February, or lunch on Sunday 13^th February, with impeccable matching Sirromet wines.

Really want to make an impression? Take to the sky with a 15-minute scenic helicopter flight over Sirromet Winery and breathtaking Moreton Bay before landing at picturesque Sirromet for a private premium wine tasting experience and four-course lunch.

Tasmania

Indulge in a romantic weekend away in the MONA Pavilions, luxury dens perched on the shores of the River Derwent. Savour a long, lingering, French-inspired lunch at The Source restaurant and book a special Moorilla Decanted tour at Moorilla at MONA winery, for a deep-dive into the vineyards and wines, escorted by one of Moorilla’s resident wine-savants.

Next, it’s off to the underground wine bunker for a comprehensive tasting of the Moorilla range, including wines from their Praxis, Muse and Cloth Label series, all decanted into spiffy crystal glassware (you’ll get some tips on the finer points of decanting and wine tasting, too).

Western Australia

Art brings out the inner romantic in all of us. Leeuwin Estate in the spectacular Margaret River wine region is a premium winery that celebrates food, wine and its long association with the arts. The estate has earned an international reputation for producing outstanding wines, an award-winning restaurant, serviced boardroom and private airstrip.

Book the Leeuwin Triple Celebration: Art, Wine & the Ultimate Lunch for a decadent Valentine’s Day escapade. This private tour includes morning tea and a guided tour of the estate’s art gallery to see the more than 100 paintings from Australia's leading contemporary artists, commissioned to feature on the famous Leeuwin "Art Series" wine labels.

Next, enjoy a tutored wine tasting before retiring to Leeuwin’s award-wining restaurant for a gastronomic journey with an incredible seven-course tasting menu of seasonal West Australian delicacies, perfectly paired with Leeuwin Estate Art Series wines.

South Australia

Whisk your love away to the tranquil Barossa Valley for a mini vay-cay at Jacob’s Creek original 19^th century settler’s cottage. Beautifully restored with wide verandas and enticing gardens, it’s enough to make you fall on one knee!

Jacob’s Creek Cottage is within walking distance to both Jacob’s Creek and St Hugo estates. Spend the morning at St Hugo for a Valentine’s Day date with a difference. At the St Hugo & Riedel Masterclass, you’ll discover how glassware influences the taste and enjoyment of St Hugo Wines. Much like human relationships, where chemistry and personality draw out the character of another, you’ll learn how the shape of a glass draws different qualities from each of the wines.

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to Jacob’s Creek for a Picnic Perfect afternoon, involving little more than lazing around, indulging in delicious food and wine (and hopefully even better conversation), while taking in the stunning views. This experience also includes a complimentary tasting flight to be enjoyed before or after your picnic.