Australia and its vineyards from the eighteenth century await you...

Australia, the taste of Wine…

Quality Australian wine? Maybe you’re already smiling at the thought. But think again, as the land of kangaroos and koalas, of surf and barbecues on the beach, is one of the world’s largest exporters of wine. Although long associated with cheap, mass produced wine, Australia has in recent years become a known quantity, producing more and more unique and high quality wines.

The wave of European immigration and the entrepreneurial spirit of its producers have contributed to making Australia into one of the most important players in the global wine market in the past 15 years. In this gigantic country (14 times the size of France) a vast palette of wine types can be found.

Historically, the first Australian vineyards were established in New South Wales in the 1780s, followed by development in the states of Victoria and South Australia. These three regions now account for the majority of Australian production, but new players have emerged in recent decades, including Western Australia and Tasmania, which now offer top-class wines. In line with global trends, producers are currently exploring the cooler regions of this vast country, taking advantage of the various climates to produce unique and unusual wines.

There are 5 major wine regions, hosting a variety of types of grapes:

• South Australia: The area most renowned for wine production, its vineyards are world famous.

• Victoria: Sweet wines can be found here: Muscats, Muscadelle, and the famous Semillon. Victoria also produces red wines such as Pinot Noir, particularly in the Yarra Valley.

• New South Wales: Hunter Valley is also best-known for Semillon, but its Syrah and Chardonnay are also well known and appreciated across the globe.

• South Western: South of Perth you’ll find Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. In Coonawarra, winemakers have taken advantage of the very particular soil conditions – the limestone soil is red, and nicknamed “Terra Rossa” – to produce good sweet wines, for example, Riesling. The area surrounding the Margaret River is reputed for excellent white wines.

• Tasmania: This island is also home to many excellent vineyards and a wide variety of wines. In terms of white wine, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and some traces of Gewurztraminer are all grown here. When it comes to red wines,  Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon, Merlot,  and Shiraz are predominant. The Tamar Valley has long been a favourite destination for wine lovers.