National Wine Centre of Australia: What to See and Taste

TL;DR: The National Wine Centre of Australia sits on the corner of Botanic and Hackney Roads, next to the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Explore the interactive Wine Discovery Journey, then taste from around 120 Australian wines at Wined Bar. You can also book guided tours, tastings and masterclasses. It’s a handy way to get a feel for Australia’s wine regions before deciding where to head next.

Can’t decide which wine region to visit while you’re in Adelaide? Here’s a tip: start in the city.

You can learn how wine is made, see how Australia’s regions differ, then taste a few wines for yourself. The National Wine Centre is an easy introduction to the country’s wine regions, and a good way to work out whether you’re more Barossa Shiraz, McLaren Vale Grenache or Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc.

Here’s what to see, how tastings work and how to pair your visit with a day in the vineyards.

What Is the National Wine Centre?

The National Wine Centre of Australia opened in 2001 and sits at the eastern end of North Terrace, next to the Adelaide Botanic Garden. The University of Adelaide has operated the centre since 2003, with wine education, exhibitions, tastings and events all under the one roof.

And yes, the building does look a bit like a giant wine barrel. That was the idea.

Outside, you’ll find a working vineyard with several grape varieties growing side by side, including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Semillon and Riesling.

What Is the Wine Discovery Journey?

The Wine Discovery Journey is the centre’s interactive exhibition, where you can learn about Australian wine without needing to know your tannins from your terpenes.

It covers how grapes are grown, how wine is made, different grape varieties and the characteristics of Australia’s 65 wine regions. You’ll also learn about some of the people and stories behind the industry.

You can explore it at your own pace, or book a guided tour if you’d rather have someone explain what you’re looking at.

How Do Tastings Work?

This is the fun bit.

At Wined Bar, you can choose from around 120 Australian wines to taste, with the selection representing more than 55 of Australia’s 65 wine regions. There’s also food if you’d like to settle in for a while.

Want something more structured? Book a hosted tour, tasting or masterclass. The centre runs several experiences, including Australian wine tours, cellar tastings and sommelier-led sessions.

Prices and availability change, so check the National Wine Centre’s website before booking.

While you’re there, have a look at the cellar. The centre describes it as the largest open wine cellar in the Southern Hemisphere, with rare bottles and back vintages from Australian producers.

Only got a short visit?

Have a wander through the Wine Discovery Journey, then head to Wined Bar and try a couple of wines from different regions.

A Barossa Shiraz next to a McLaren Vale Grenache is a pretty good place to start. You might find your next stop before you’ve even left Adelaide.

What Else Is On?

Wined Bar serves food as well as wine, so you can easily turn your visit into lunch if you’ve got the time.

The centre also runs events throughout the year. These include free Meet the Maker sessions and UnWined UnCovered, which features free tastings from local producers on the last Friday of each month.

It’s worth checking the events calendar before you visit. You might get lucky.

How Do You Get There, and Where Do You Park?

The National Wine Centre is on the corner of Botanic and Hackney Roads, at the eastern end of North Terrace and next to the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

From Rundle Mall, it’s about a 15-minute walk along North Terrace, past the South Australian Museum and Art Gallery of South Australia.

There are several parking options nearby, including pay-and-display spaces on Hackney Road, Botanic Park and Plane Tree Drive. Rundle Road parking is another option, about a 7 to 9-minute walk away.

There are also two accessible parking spaces at the western entrance off Botanic Road.

Opening hours

Day	Hours
Monday to Thursday	8.30am to 5pm
Friday	8.30am to 8pm
Saturday	9am to 6pm
Sunday	9am to 5pm
Public holidays	11am to 5pm

The centre is closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Which Wine Region Should You Visit Next?

This is where your tasting can help with the rest of your Adelaide trip.

If you liked	Head to	How far from the city
Rich, full-bodied Shiraz and fortified wines	Barossa Valley	About an hour north
Grenache, Shiraz and Mediterranean-style reds	McLaren Vale	About 45 minutes south
Crisp whites and cool-climate reds	Adelaide Hills	About 30 minutes east

The Barossa is about an hour north of Adelaide and is famous for Shiraz. McLaren Vale is around 45 minutes south, close to the coast and known for Grenache and other Mediterranean varieties. The Adelaide Hills is closer again, with its cooler climate suited to varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Before You Go

The National Wine Centre is an easy way to get a taste of South Australia’s wine regions without leaving Adelaide. Have a look around, try a few wines and see which region catches your fancy.

If you’d like a hand getting around, our Adelaide City Tour includes a visit to the centre. Heading out into the vineyards afterwards? Our Barossa and McLaren Vale tours take care of the driving.

Cheers!

Frequently Asked Questions