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South Australia
Full-bodied with rich black fruit and spice, these iconic reds have set the benchmark for Shiraz worldwide.
This cool climate region produces wonderfully aromatic Rieslings with intense citrus and mineral freshness.
The famed red soils of Coonawarra are perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon, lending it distinctive mint and cassis notes.
Tip from the Tasting Room: RedHeads 1888 Barossa Valley Shiraz - The flagship, barrel-aged Shiraz from this leading, sustainable cellar in Australia's Barossa Valley.
New South Wales
Lean and citrusy in youth, these semillons develop honeyed notes with age – there’s nothing quite like them anywhere else.
A dry inland region, so winemakers rely on irrigation to grow grapes – producing reliably rich, concentrated wines. Riverina Shiraz is a great alternative to Barossa, without the hefty price tag.
A charming rural town, Tumbarumba is known for its cool-climate vineyards producing award-winning Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Tip from the Tasting Room: Yarrunga Field Special Reserve White - surely the definitive Aussie white, offering refreshing fruit, easy enjoyment and a great price.
Victoria
Victoria is perhaps Australia’s most diverse wine state, producing everything from world-class Pinot Noir in Yarra Valley to the fortified Muscats and Tokays from Rutherglen.
These legendary fortified wines made from the Muscat grape have been made in Australia since the 19th century and are among the world’s finest dessert wines.
The cool-climate Yarra Valley produces fine Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that can rival Burgundy.
Tip from the Tasting Room: McPherson Family Series Pickles Sauvignon Blanc - From the much-loved McPherson winery, this is a fresh Sauvignon with a juicy, tropical fruit twist.
Western Australia
Remote Western Australia has long been a haven for surfers, but in the last thirty years, it has emerged as the home of some of Australia’s finest wineries. Despite growing just 5% of the country’s grapes, the region is responsible for many its best wines.
Western Australia’s most famous wine region produces elegant, Bordeaux-like Cabernet Sauvignon and expressive Sauvignon Blanc blends. But it is best known for its superb Burgundy-like Chardonnay.
Like Margaret River, Swan Valley excels with a range of grape varieties. But Chenin Blanc is its calling card. Some would even say that Swan Valley produces the best Chenin Blanc in the world.
Tasmania
The little island of ‘Tassie,’ just south of the mainland, is one of the coolest growing regions in Australia. It is most famous for its elegant Pinot Noir, a famously fussy grape that thrives in Tasmania’s climate.
Here are two must try Tasmanian wine styles:
There are few places in the world that produce really great Pinot Noir (the great grape of Burgundy), and Tasmania is one of them. Expect light to medium-bodied wines, with wonderfully intense red fruit flavours and often a deft touch of oak.
The cool maritime climate of Tasmania enhances the aromatic qualities of the Riesling grape.
