Just in time for the Easter long weekend, Airbnb has teamed up with renowned wine expert Mike Bennie to launch ‘Hidden Vines’, a curated guide to 12 lesser-known wine regions across Australia that are ripe for your next getaway.
Think rolling vineyards, boutique wineries, and beautiful stays nestled in regional gems you might’ve overlooked — until now.
With research from YouGov revealing that 88% of Aussies are open to exploring beyond the big-name regions, there’s a growing appetite to branch out and discover new cellar doors, local makers, and charming countryside towns. Whether you’re a seasoned wine buff or just after a relaxing weekend among the vines, Hidden Vines is here to point you in a delicious direction.
From the valleys of the Southern Highlands in New South Wales to the cool-climate wines of South Gippsland in Victoria, and the striking coastline of East Coast Tasmania, the guide spans every corner of the country. Other must-visit stops include the Canberra District, Macedon Ranges, Granite Belt, Coonawarra, Riverland, Mount Gambier, Great Southern, Southern Forests (Manjimup and Pemberton), and Swan Valley. Each region is paired with unique Airbnb listings and standout small-batch vineyards, along with insider tips from Mike Bennie to help you sip like a local.
Winemakers and locals alike are welcoming the spotlight. Mark Balog of Artemis Wines in the Southern Highlands reflects on nearly three decades of pioneering Pinot Noir in the region. “It’s beyond fulfilling to see what our small business has grown into… Campaigns like this from Airbnb are invaluable, helping more people to come, stay and enjoy all our region has to offer.”
Airbnb hosts are also seeing the impact. In Coonawarra, Simon and Kerry Meares say that hosting is about more than just providing a place to stay — it’s about connecting visitors with the heart of their community and supporting local businesses, cafés, and wineries along the way.
The data backs it up. Airbnb bookings for groups of three or more people have increased by almost 30 percent compared to last year, showing that family and friends are increasingly making wine getaways a shared experience. Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge, with 44 percent of Millennials and 42 percent of Gen Z saying that high-quality wine is a key factor in deciding where to travel. Interest is booming internationally too, with bookings from Chinese guests surging by 82 percent, and Indian travellers more than doubling in the last year.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a group road trip or a solo sipping adventure, Hidden Vines offers the perfect excuse to discover a new side of Australia’s wine scene — and support the regional communities that make it all so special.
View the full guide and book your next stay here.
