Road Tripping Reds: The Coastal Cabernet Edition

Where bush meets sea, and Cabernet meets the cooler months

When mornings get crisper and the days start getting shorter, it’s tempting to retreat indoors and say goodbye to those carefree summer afternoons. But cooler weather is hardly a reason to stay home.

In fact, it’s the perfect excuse for a road trip.

Across Australia, winter brings a different kind of beauty, rugged coastlines, misty mountains, lush forests, hearty food and, naturally, a good bottle of red. So pack the car, queue up your favourite playlist and join us on a Cabernet-fuelled journey around Australia.

Where is the best place to enjoy Australian Cabernet?

Australian Cabernet Sauvignon is made for cooler-weather adventures, particularly in regions such as Margaret River and Victoria’s King Valley. Pair it with hearty winter food, barbecue favourites, cheese and scenic outdoor picnics for a relaxed Australian wine experience that brings together great wine, food and the outdoors.

Why Cabernet is made for road trips

As we transition from beers in the sun to wines by the fire, our food changes too. Fresh summer salads make way for hearty stews, rich cheese boards, slow-cooked dishes and grilled meats.

That’s where Cabernet comes into its own.

The Eddie McDougall Margaret River Cabernet is a particularly fitting companion for a winter escape, offering aromas of herbs, ground coffee and ripe fruit, followed by rich blackcurrant flavours and a silky finish.

It’s the kind of red that belongs beside a picnic blanket, a roaring barbecue or a spectacular Australian sunset.

And because great wine is even better when paired with a great destination, here are four road-trip stops worth putting on your list.

1. Margaret River, Western Australia: Cabernet by the coast

We’ll start in Western Australia, where bush meets some of the country's most spectacular coastline.

Margaret River is an obvious choice. Known for its laid-back surf culture, dramatic scenery and world-class wine, the region is also home to Eddie McDougall’s Cabernet.

Rather than rushing between cellar doors, why not make the wine part of the adventure?

Pick up some local produce along the way, pack a picnic and head towards Smiths Beach. Find a spot overlooking the ocean, watch the surfers in the distance, and pour yourself a glass of Margaret River Cabernet as the sun goes down.

Pair it with: artisan cheese, charcuterie, grilled meats and crusty sourdough.

Sometimes the best cellar door is simply a picnic blanket with an ocean view.

2. Mount Macedon, Victoria: Mountains, bikes and red wine

For a cooler-weather escape from Melbourne, Mount Macedon delivers mountains, history, food and plenty of fresh country air.

Just around an hour from the city, it’s an easy destination for a spontaneous weekend road trip. Hire a bike, fill your basket with local goodies and find a scenic picnic spot along one of the area's walking trails.

Bring a bottle of Cabernet, a few favourite cheeses and settle in.

With the King Valley also being part of Eddie’s winemaking story, Victoria makes a natural second stop on this Cabernet road trip.

Pair it with: mature cheeses, roasted vegetables, slow-cooked meats and rustic picnic fare.

3. Whale Beach, New South Wales: Cabernet meets barbecue

New South Wales is blessed with spectacular coastal destinations, from Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay and beyond. But if we have to pick one, Whale Beach takes the prize.

With beautiful ocean views and picnic areas equipped for a barbecue, it’s an ideal place to combine two Australian favourites: grilled meat and red wine.

Fire up the barbecue, throw some juicy porterhouse steaks on the grill and finish them with rosemary. Then pour a glass of Cabernet.

Pair it with: rosemary porterhouse, grilled sausages, roasted vegetables and smoky barbecue flavours.

Beach day? Absolutely. But make it a Cabernet beach day.

4. Tamborine Mountain, Queensland: Cabernet in the rainforest

Queensland might be known as the Sunshine State, but its rainforests are some of its most impressive attractions.

For a day of adventure, head from Tamborine Mountain towards Springbrook National Park, where mountain landscapes, waterfalls and lush rainforest create a completely different Australian backdrop.

Find a peaceful spot surrounded by greenery, take in the sounds of the forest and enjoy a glass of Cabernet after a day outdoors.

It’s proof that red wine doesn't always need a roaring fire. Sometimes, all it needs is a great view.

Pair it with: barbecue dishes, mushroom-based meals, roast meats or rich vegetarian dishes.

The takeaway: Pack the Cabernet and hit the road

A great Australian wine experience doesn’t always happen inside a restaurant or cellar door.

Sometimes, it’s a bottle opened after a long drive, a picnic overlooking the ocean, a barbecue with friends or a glass enjoyed surrounded by mountains and rainforest.

From the vineyards of Margaret River and the King Valley to the beaches of New South Wales and the rainforests of Queensland, Australia offers plenty of ways to enjoy Cabernet beyond the dining table.

So pack the car, grab your favourite people and give that bottle of Cabernet the road-trip seat it deserves.

Quick Cabernet Road-Trip Guide

FAQs: Australian Cabernet & Road Trips

What food pairs well with Australian Cabernet Sauvignon?

Australian Cabernet pairs especially well with grilled and roasted meats, steak, lamb, hearty stews, mushrooms, mature cheeses and rich winter dishes.

Is Margaret River good for Cabernet Sauvignon?

Yes. Margaret River is one of Australia’s best-known regions for Cabernet Sauvignon, making it an excellent destination for wine lovers looking to combine wine, food and coastal scenery.

Can you drink red wine with barbecue food?

Absolutely. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure and dark-fruit character work particularly well with grilled meats, smoky flavours and rich barbecue sauces.

What Australian destinations are good for a wine road trip?

Margaret River, Mount Macedon, the King Valley and other regional wine destinations offer excellent combinations of wine, food and outdoor experiences.

What makes Cabernet Sauvignon good for winter?

Cabernet’s fuller body, ripe fruit flavours and structured tannins make it particularly satisfying alongside hearty winter dishes, grilled meats and rich cheeses.