Research finds Aussies are hitting the road in autumn to visit undiscovered wine regions across Australia

More and more Australians are increasingly hitting the road in autumn to visit undiscovered wine regions across the nation. New data revealed autumn vineyard bookings for families or groups of friends had increased by 30 per cent year-on-year since 2024, according to Airbnb. The survey conducted by YouGov found most Australians were also keen to branch out from traditional wine regions to discover something new. High quality wine was a key factor for more than 40 per cent of Millennials and Gen Z, while Gen X and Baby Boomers were less picky. Food and wine events, as well as history and culture were also big draw cards that brought Australians to the regions. International visitors from Asia were also getting a taste for Australian wine regions with guests from China rising 82 per cent, and India doubling in the last year. Wine expert Mike Bennie revealed Australia’s hidden vines in a new travel guide for Airbnb to help steer wannabe wine buffs in the right direction. Mr Bennie said some of the regions had fallen off the radar, while others highlighted an insider’s knowledge of exciting places that provided a sense of discovery and grassroots connection to boutique wine producers. “The regions chosen come with stunning vistas, great eating and drinking opportunities and additional places of interest outside of the wonderful cellar doors and winemakers,” he said. “The collection showcases winemakers keenly invested in their regional staple grape varieties while also having points of difference, with quality as paramount.” Surprising entries on the list were Queensland’s Granite Belt and Tasmania’s East Coast along with South Australia’s Riverland and Mount Gambier regions. Popular visitor spots included the Southern Highlands in NSW, Canberra, as well as South Gippsland and the Macedon Ranges in Victoria. While Western Australia is renowned for its Margaret River wine region, the Great Southern, Southern Forests and Perth’s Swan Valley were tipped as must visit regions in the West. Tourism and Transport Forum Australia Margy Osmond said Australians loved getting off the beaten track and making new discoveries. “These places will no doubt benefit from an increase in visitors who will stay for the Easter long weekend or school holidays,” she said. Australian Grape and Wine chief executive officer Lee McLean said Australia’s wine regions were special places and initiatives like the hidden vines guide helped people uncover the true essence of Australian wine country. “We want more people to get out there and explore the unique cellar doors, family-run vineyards and wineries so they can experience the incredible diversity of our wine regions and regional communities throughout Australia,” he said.