Bacchus would approve a trip to Australia this July and August, what with the 2014 Coonawarra Cellar Dwellers Festival and Barossa Gourmet Weekend. Plus, you'll be escaping the sweltering Singapore heat as the country moves into its winter months.

For the entire month of July, sample prized red wines (otherwise not available for tasting) at various cellar doors across the Coonawarra region at the 2014 Coonawarra Cellar Dwellers Festival. Event highlights include cozy evening fireside tastings. degustation dinners and more at cellars like Bowen Estate and Hollick Wines. See the full schedule, or visit www.coonawarra.org for more details.  

There's also the annual Barossa Gourmet Weekend from August 15 to 17. Held in one of Aussie's most famous wine regions, this internationally recognized festival showcases world-famous wineries alongside artisanal food producers and leading restaurants. The theme for this year's festival is "Barossa...Be Consumed", and participants can look forward to over 35 events like sumptuous meals (paired with lots of vino, of course), vineyard tours and wine tasting sessions at numerous cellars across the region. Check out www.barossagourmet.com for more info. 

Coonawarra's a four and a half hour drive away from Melbourne (you can choose to drive along the Great Ocean Road for a more scenic route), while Barossa's located an hour's drive from Adelaide.