Australia’s wine scene is as varied as the
country itself. Each region is unique and offers its own characteristic style. From
bold reds to crisp whites, here are five of the most popular wine regions:
1. Barossa Valley, South
Australia
The Barossa Valley is
arguably one of Australia’s most iconic wine regions. It’s most famous for its
rich, full-bodied Shiraz, for which it sets the benchmark worldwide. Old vines
and a warm climate allow grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, producing bold,
ripe wines with great flavour concentration, featuring notes of black fruits
and spice.
2. Margaret River, Western
Australia
Margaret River,
on Australia’s west coast, is home to some of the country’s finest wineries.
Thanks to cool ocean breezes and gravelly soils, the wines here are refined and
have superb ageing potential. Margaret River is known for producing elegant,
Bordeaux-like Cabernet Sauvignon and expressive Sauvignon Blanc blends
– but it’s perhaps best known for its Burgundy-like Chardonnay.
3. Yarra Valley, Victoria
Take a short drive from Melbourne and
you’ll find yourself in Yarra Valley,
one of Australia’s premier cool-climate wine regions. It’s particularly known
for producing fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that can rival those from
Burgundy. Expect delicate, aromatic red wines and fresh, refined white wines
with real finesse.
4. McLaren Vale, South
Australia
Just south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale
is home to some of the oldest vines in Australia. The region is best known for
its juicy Shiraz, but it also produces superb Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Its close proximity to the ocean and diverse array of soils result in
expressive wines with real depth.
5. Hunter Valley, New South
Wales
Hunter Valley
is Australia’s oldest wine region. It’s famed for its Sémillon – a dry
white wine that’s light and citrusy when young, but develops a lovely, complex
honeyed richness with age. The region also produces exquisite Shiraz
– medium-bodied, with luscious dark fruits, spice and pepper notes.
Read
our handy guide to learn more about South Australian wine regions.