Australia is the worlds fifth largest wine producer with over 2000 wineries.  Over 50% of Australian wine is exported rather than sold domestically.  Australia is made up of 7 states, the most popular wine producing states are South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia.  Wine regions are located within each state.  Shiraz is considered to be the top Australian grape varietal.

In order for an Australian wine to claim it is from a particular wine region, Australian law requires 85% of the grapes to be grown in that region.  Often times, when a particular wine does not meet this requirement, the wine will have the name of the state and not the name of the region.  Do not be turned off by this, these wines are typically a good value considering their cost.   Check out our review of the 2006 Gumdale for a wonderful example good value wine that is not specific to a wine region.  

South Australia is responsible for most of the country's wine as well as it's highest quality wine.  There are many different micro-climates within the state of South Australia and is therefore home to numerous wine regions.  The most notable are;

Barossa Valley produces phenomenal Shiraz as well as fine Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, and Riesling.

Clare Valley produces Riesling that is superb.  Also noteworthy are the Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

In Coonawarra, a layer of limestone beneath a layer of red clay makes up a soil that produces magnificent Cabernet Sauvignon.

McLaren Vale as a region an area that is very diverse in altitude.  As a result, when a grape varietal is matched properly with the micro-climate it grows best in, the result is outstanding wine.  Many varietals grow well in McLaren Vale, most notable are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and of course Shiraz.

New South Wales is home to Hunter Valley.  Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine region and produces outstanding Semillon, as well as Chardonnay.

Victoria is the home to Yarra Valley.  Yarra Valley produces fantastic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (the two grape varietals that make up sparkling wines), as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

Western Australia is home to the Margaret River wine region.  Margaret River is essentially a peninsula and therefore is greatly influenced by the ocean climate.  Top varietals are Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Australia is also known for its fortified wine.  Grapes are typically left on the vine longer, allowing the grape to develop more natural sugar.  By adding brandy to the fermented grape juice, the wine is fortified.  Fortified wine is usually left in barrels to mature for a very long time.  The most well known Australian fortified wine is Muscat.