Cycling in Australian wine regions has its advantages. Along with a fair amount of wildlife, the scenery is always attractive, wine people are a mighty hospitable bunch, the food is invariably top notch and the wine...well, there is lots of it and there will be days when a glass or two comes in mighty handy.
Cycling did not come naturally to me; it came later in life in the form of an e-bike and friends who like to cycle and don’t mind a wine. Happily, some of the best Australian cycling trails weave through wine country, down back lanes, past vines and sometimes right beside wineries. I recommend using rail trails for your cycling and wine adventures, former railway lines transformed into walking and cycling paths, which are not only safe but travel across some picturesque countryside through hills, culverts and cuttings, across gullies and over bridges. According to Bicycle Network, more than 90 per cent of Australia’s rail trails are in Victoria. Given Victoria also has the largest number of wine regions of any state – 21 – it makes sense that it offers some fab cycling and wine possibilities. South Australia and NSW are also catching on fast.
Here are my top five cycling and wine destinations (be sure to add a basket or a carrier to your bike for a bottle of two as a reward for a good day’s ride).
1. The Riesling Trail, Clare Valley
Australia’s premier riesling region is also home to Australia’s best cycling and wine trail. The trail winds its way through the heart of the Clare Valley. Starts in Riverton and ends outside Clare, but many cyclists like to make Mount Horrocks' winery cellar door in Auburn their starting point (how convenient!). From there, it’s a ride into gorgeous wine country through the villages of Leasingham, Watervale, Penwortham, Sevenhill and Clare. Enjoy the scenery and stay for the riesling and shiraz.
Total length: 33 kilometres. Auburn to Clare (the prettiest part) is 25 kilometres.
Tipple treat: A glass of Mr Mick riesling and a platter of something nice in the gardens of Mr Mick in Clare at the end of the ride.
2. Bright to Myrtleford, North-East Victoria
One of the delights of wine cycling trails, the Bright to Myrtleford ride takes you past state forests, orchards, the odd winery and, possibly the best part, for many cyclists is the fact that it is gently undulating. You cycle through one of the most exciting areas for alternative grape growing in Australia. We always end our trip with lunch overlooking the vines on the deck of Gapsted Estate, just outside Myrtleford. Try the fiano and the sangiovese.
Total length: 30 kilometres.
Tipple treat: A tasting or pre-dinner drinks at the Billy Button cellar door, Myrtleford.
3. Beechworth to Everton
You’re in cool climate wine country and, yes, you can’t help but notice it, but those crisp mornings that turn into sun-filled days are just right for some relaxing cycling. Just into your ride on the edges of town, the bike trail takes you directly past Pennyweight, owned by the Morris family and devoted to biodynamic wine growing. Stop for a tasting and don’t miss the aperas, fortified wines and Pennyweight Gold dessert wine.
Total length: 16.6 kilometres.
Tipple treat: A tasting at Eldorado Road cellar door in the main street of Beechworth, followed by a red ale and the best pizza in town next door at Bridge Road Brewers.
4. Tahbilk–Mitchelton–Fowles, Nagambie Lakes and Strathbogie Ranges
A back roads tour of two neighbouring wine regions, Nagambie Lakes and Strathbogie Ranges. This is pretty flat countryside, which doubles the enjoyment factor! Gear up for some excellent local specialities from honeysuckle-rich marsanne and medium-bodied shiraz to rising star roussanne and underrated riesling and cabernet. Your route starts in Avenel at Fowles Wine, runs out of town past Box Grove Vineyard across the Goulburn Valley Highway (by bridge) to Mitchelton. Then it’s a short ride across cattle farms and famous racehorse stables to Tahbilk.
Total length: 17.5 kilometres. Avenel to Mitchelton, Mitchelton to Tahbilk 9.7 kilometres.
Tipple treat: There's something special about sitting out on the deck of the Tahbilk Wetlands Cafe and enjoying a glass of the signature marsanne. The view across the wetlands is magical.
5. McLaren Vale to Willunga
One short and sweet ride that is part of the Coast to Vines Rail Trail (which starts in Glenelg and takes you into the Vale) and should be timed to coincide on a Saturday in order to visit the Willunga Farmers Market.
Total length: 6.9 kilometres.
Tipple treat: McLaren Vale food and wine is showcased at the Willunga Farmers Market every Saturday, from 8am to noon. This is a fine introduction to this region where alternative varieties are gaining a foothold (nero d’Avola, fiano, mencia shine) in addition to outstanding shiraz and grenache.
Special mention: Heathcote to Bendigo
This is long ride but time flies as you pass some of the prettiest countryside in the state on one of its best kept trails. Your starting point, well, our starting point, is Heathcote Winery in the main street of Heathcote. We get ready for the day with a good coffee and buy some viognier and shiraz to take with us for our treat at the finish line.
Total length: 49.2 kilometres.
Tipple treat: Our essential dinner address is The Dispensary Bar & Diner, Bendigo. It offers a superb local wine list and great food and service. Finn, the manager, makes his own wine, too. It’s not bad!
Safe cycling and enjoy (always in moderation)!
For added inspiration download the All Trails app ($36/year) or go online and join railtrails.org.au ($38/year) or bicyclenetwork.com.au (membership from $40/year).
Image credit: Jeni Port, Eldorado Road, Mitchelton, McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association.
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