TripAdvisor names Barossa in top five for wine

WINE enthusiasts from around the world have voted with their palates, naming the Barossa Valley in the world's top five wine destinations.

WINE enthusiasts from around the world have voted with their palates, naming the Barossa Valley in the world's top five wine destinations.

South Australia's premier wine region, which was fifth on the list from online travel site, TripAdvisor, joined some of the world's most prestigious regions including Bordeaux in France and Tuscany in Italy.

Other top five places were Napa Valley in California and Champagne-Ardenne in France.

Barossa Valley beat other famous wine districts include Marlborough in New Zealand and spots in South Africa and Chile.

The TripAdvisor website is home to more than 15 million reviews of holiday destinations and products written by travellers. The top 10 list was decided by TripAdvisor editors and traveller popularity.

The site described the Barossa Valley as a "scenic region in Southern Australia (which) is highly regarded for its shiraz and its other robust varieties of red wine".

"Characterised by its visibly rich German heritage, along with its rolling, vine-covered hills, Barossa Valley is a uniquely beautiful destination for sightseers and wine connoisseurs alike."

Novotel Barossa Valley Resort's director of sales and marketing, Emily Howard, said "the Barossa has long been considered Australia's premier wine region".

"It's great to see this level of recognition for a region that continues to raise the bar of its wine, food and heartfelt hospitality".

State Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith said the the announcement was significant because it was based on the opinions of "real" travellers.

WORLD'S TOP TEN GRAPE GETAWAYS

1. Bordeaux, France
Produces everything from delicious table wines to the most expensive bottles in the world.

2. Napa Valley, California
Has long been synonymous with superb wine and striking scenery. Home to nearly 400 unique wineries.

3. Tuscany, Italy
Famed for its reds like Chianti and Montalcino.

4. Champagne-Ardenne, France
The province is famous for the sparkling white wine that shares its name.

5. Barossa Valley, Australia
This scenic region in Southern Australia is famous for its Shiraz and other robust reds.

6. La Rioja, Spain
Most recognised for its outstanding reds, particularly distinctive because of oak ageing and flavours.

7. Sonoma Valley, California
Features amazing vineyards with particularly remarkable whites.

8. Valle Central, Chile
Enthusiasts are particularly fond of the Maipo Valley's cabernets and the Curico's chardonnays.

9. Stellenbosch, South Africa
The heart of the Cape Winelands region with more than 100 wine cellars to visit.

10. Marlborough, New Zealand
On the south island, widely regarded as the country's birthplace of winemaking.