A welcome gift to wine lovers everywhere, Airbnb has released its Hidden Vines guide to help travellers connect with lesser-known regions.
Travellers are seeking new adventures
YouGov research shows that a huge 88% of Australians want to explore new wine regions – and more than half want to do it this year. But it’s not only wine that is luring adventurers to new regions, the data shows that 29% of travellers are drawn to the local history and culture of these areas, and another 26% are keen to line up their trip with local festivals or events.
And it’s not just locals getting in on the action. Over autumn, international visitors from Singapore, the UK, the US, New Zealand and China are topping the charts for Aussie wine travel. In fact, Asia is leading the way, with an 82% increase in visitors from China, a 55% spike from India, and 40% more Japanese travellers booking nights in wine regions compared to last year.
Airbnb’s Hidden Vines
With the help of wine expert, Mike Bennie, Airbnb has created the Hidden Vines guide, packed with 12 of Australia’s must-see wine regions for travellers to devour. Many are a scenic drive from a major city, making them ideal for the 40% of Aussies who want to uncover unique wine destinations that are easy to get to.
The regions include:
- Southern Highlands, NSW
- Canberra District, NSW
- South Gippsland, VIC
- Macedon Ranges, VIC
- Granite Belt, QLD
- Coonawarra, SA
- Riverland, SA
- Mount Gambier, SA
- Great Southern Region, WA
- Southern Forests (Manjimup and Pemberton), WA
- Swan Valley, WA
- East Coast, TAS
“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. The collection showcases winemakers keenly invested in their regional staple grape varieties while also having points of difference, with quality as paramount.”
Mike Bennie, Wine Expert & Airbnb Hidden Vines Contributor
The guide also features curated accommodation and attractions so that travellers can pack their trip with culture, history and incredible wine tastings.
“It’s fantastic to see that nearly 90 percent of Aussies are keen to explore our beautiful, lesser-known wine regions providing a much-needed boost to local economies with research revealing guests, on average, are willing to spend almost $700 per person on their weekend getaway.”
Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand
Tourism leaders are also praising the exposure for smaller regions.
“Aussies love getting off the beaten track and making new discoveries. This guide from Airbnb is a fantastic initiative to promote smaller regions, while also giving travellers a new wine experience that won’t break the bank. These places will no doubt benefit from an increase in visitors who will stay for the Easter long weekend or school holidays.”
Margy Osmond, Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism & Transport Forum Australia
So if you’re craving something new this Easter, now’s the perfect time to hit the road and explore the country’s vines. Not only will you taste some of the best drops in the country, but you will also support local communities and winemakers.
You might even uncover some hidden treasures along the way.
Check out Airbnb’s Hidden Vines guide today.
Top image: Cottage By The Lake, Airbnb
Will you be exploring new wine regions this year? Leave us a comment!
