If food and wine is high on your hit list, here’s where you need to head. 

In these towns, food and wine aren’t just part of the experience, they are the experience. From paddock to plate and vine to glass, each one showcases the best of its region. Our panel of industry experts have placed them among Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns for their unique ability to transform local produce into a truly memorable trip. 

1. Willunga, SA 

Overall rank: 7/100 

Kaurna Country 

This historic village in McLaren Vale draws oenophiles for its proximity to wineries that press up against its edges. Start your weekend with a beach swim, then drift inland for a mooch around the farmers’ market in town before a slow circuit of the region’s cellar doors, such as Chapel Hill Winery. “McLaren Vale is the perfect wine region, blending coast, countryside and character," says panellist Imogen Eveson. “Willunga is the cute town that captures it all." 

Don’t miss: A tipple at Hither & Yon cellar door, located in the town’s original 1860s butcher shop on its historic High Street. 

2. Lorne, Vic 

Overall rank: 11/100 

Gadubanud Country 

Lorne has long traded on its good looks. But the seaside town along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is also building a reputation for what’s on the plate as much as the roaring surf and limestone sentinels offshore. Just two hours from Melbourne, it draws day-trippers for its polished pubs, cafes, bakeries, bars and ambitious eateries such as IPSOS Restaurant & Bar. Factor in a few coastal walks and hinterland drives between all that wining and dining. 

Don’t miss: “The sweeping coastal drive to Lorne is almost as memorable as the destination itself," recommends panellist Rae Johnston. 

3. Margaret River, WA 

Overall rank: 20/100 

Wadandi Country 

A three-hour drive from Perth, Margaret River sits at the centre of the region that bears its name – where wine, waves and food converge. Begin your day with a morning surf, then commit to a long lunch at winery restaurants like Voyager Estate or Vasse Felix where local crayfish, abalone and truffles inform the menus. “Wine plus surf plus food is a ridiculous combo," says panellist Irene Jones. 

Don’t miss: The outdoors as well as cellar doors: wander amid towering karri trees, explore ancient cave systems etched over millennia and follow the curves of the coastline. 

4. Launceston, Tas 

Overall rank: 26/100 

Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal Country 

“Launceston is big enough to have fabulous big-city restaurants and coffee, but small enough to have maintained a sense of community," says panellist Brett Godfrey. That balance underlines Lonnie’s status as Northern Tassie’s City of Gastronomy. The town earned its title through its grape-to-glass and paddock-to-plate philosophies, exemplified by boutique wineries such as Sinapius Vineyard. But there are plenty other things to do in Launceston besides eating and drinking, from visiting art galleries to catching the chairlift across Cataract Gorge.

Don’t miss: Producers, makers, growers and chefs operate in close orbit here and you can visit them along the Tasting Trail Tasmania route through the state’s north-west. 

5. Meeniyan, Vic 

Overall rank: 27/100 

Gunaikurnai & Bunurong Country 

Meeniyan might be read as a blink-and-you-miss-it stop on Gippsland’s food and wine trail. But exploring the modest village panellist Irene Jones describes as “tiny but surprisingly trendy" feels like an epicurean’s own adventure. Start at Mahob at Moo’s, then move on to woodfired pizza at Trulli Outdoors. Stock the esky at The Meeniyan Store with cheeses, condiments and preserves that catch your fancy. 

Don’t miss:  A pie from Pandesal Bakery, a tasty reason to pull over on your way to Wilsons Promontory. 

6. Orange, NSW 

Overall rank: 33/100 

Wiradjuri Country 

A 3.5-hour drive from Sydney, the Central West town of Orange has become a benchmark for regional dining, produce markets, with hatted restaurants, cellar doors and farm gates all in easy reach. “I never get tired of visiting Orange for the fresh air, great wine and excellent food," says panellist Katie Carlin, who makes a case for visiting in the cooler months when the air is crisp and a glass of red wine around an open fire feels just right. Discover all the best things to do in Orange, along with its best restaurants. 

Don’t miss: Orange FOOD Week, which runs each autumn. 

7. Clare, SA 

Overall rank: 51/100 

Ngadjuri Country 

South Australia’s Riesling Trail links a string of boutique cellar doors (including Shut the Gate) along 35 kilometres of disused railway line, making it one of Australia’s best wine regions to explore on two wheels. Clare is at the centre of the valley that is defined by the varietal – off-dry rieslings with a mineral edge that are perfect for food pairing. “Clare has an incredible wine region. It’s great for food and wine touring," says panellist Paul Hamra. 

Don’t miss: Clare Valley Gourmet Week from 15-18 May; it’s Australia’s longest-running wine and food festival. 

8. Griffith, NSW 

Overall: 63/100 

Wiradjuri Country  

“Griffith is all food, wine and Italian heritage vibes," says Irene Jones. The town is in the fertile Riverina region – one of Australia’s most bountiful food bowls – where generations of Italian families continue to influence how the town eats and drinks. Bakeries turn out biscotti by the tray, restaurants roll pasta by hand and cellar doors pour Italian varietals with confidence. Forget trends; it’s all about tradition with exceptional produce underpinning it all. 

Don’t miss: A Taste of Italy Griffith (24-30 August), where the town’s Italian heritage comes to life through food, wine and a fiercely contested salami-making competition. 

9. Coffin Bay, SA 

Overall rank: 66/100 

Nauo Country 

This beautiful beach town opens onto stunning views of the glittering SA bay the town is named after. “Taste amazing oysters at a local oyster farm," suggests panellist Ben Hall. “Enjoy them freshly shucked and relax while soaking up the views from a deck overlooking beautiful Coffin Bay." As well as being justifiably famous for its world-class oysters and natural environment, Coffin Bay has its fair share of sea life with southern right whale sightings common from May to October.  

Don’t miss: Cutty’s Tours‘ 45-minute guided glass-bottom boat tour that showcases the work being done as part of the Oyster Reef Regeneration Project. 

10. Tanunda, SA 

Overall rank: 72/100 

Ngadjuri Country (Barossa sits across the lands of Ngadjuri, Peramangk & Kaurna peoples) 

“You’re going to shop your little heart out here," says Catriona Rowntree. She’s not wrong. A clever strategy for a wine aficionado is to take an empty suitcase: the history-rich town is in the heart of the Barossa Valley and on the doorstep of the region’s best wineries. Between tastings, there are restaurants such as Appellation at The Louise that make it a breeze to eat and drink well. 

Don’t miss: The iconic Barossa winery, Château Tanunda, where winemaker Jeremy Ottawa is known for nurturing some of the oldest vines in the world. 

This article is part of Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns to visit, as chosen by a panel of industry experts, well-known Aussies and travel insiders. See our full list of 100 best Aussie towns here and visit the special 100 best Aussie towns hub here.