Keep your camera handy! Summer is one of the most scenic seasons in a vineyard, with full bunches of grapes ripening slowly in the sun. If you enjoy picnics, this is also a great time to head to wine country – in the Adelaide Hills, Golding Wines offers a Hamper in the Hills experience for up to four people, or a Pallet Picnic for larger groups with full table service. Alternatively, pack your cossie and head to McLaren Vale where you can enjoy a quick beach break before your wine tasting.

Autumn is all-hands-on-deck time for everyone involved in the wine field. As the leaves begin to change colour the annual wine harvest begins and workers get busy in the fields gathering grapes for crushing and fermentation. Many wine regions host some kind of harvest festival in April or May so check the local listings for details.

Crisp mornings, soft fogs and a glass of red in front of a fireplace… who cares if the vines aren’t looking their best? Wineries may appear to be sleepy places in the winter, with the grapevines bare and the wine fermenting quietly in the tanks. However, it can be the loveliest time to visit for fans of rich red wines and hearty seasonal flavours. A long lunch at one of the Barossa Valley’s excellent winery restaurants, such as Fino at Seppeltsfield or Hentley Vale Farms restaurant, is a great option.

The end of winter signals a fresh start for vines and winemakers alike, with buds appearing in the vineyards and many wineries releasing new wines. The mild temperatures make this a great time to combine winery visits with more active pastimes, such as tackling a stretch of Clare Valley’s Riesling Trail, a 33km cycle route that follows the old railway line.