Australia is known for producing quality red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

Australian Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its straightforward black cherry, blackcurrant, spices and cedar notes. It’s a full-bodied, dry wine with strong tannins and is mainly found in the Coonawarra and Margaret River regions.

Shiraz from Australia is similarly big and bold. It's full-bodied, offering straightforward tastes of black fruits with hints of black pepper and dark chocolate. The best ones are often from the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale.

Aside from Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, other notable red wines from Australia include Merlot, Cabernet Franc (often mixed with Cabernet Sauvignon), Pinot Noir and Grenache.

Popular Australian Whites

Australia is celebrated for its impressive variety of high-quality white wines. One of the most planted white grapes in Australia is Chardonnay.

Depending on how they’re aged – commonly in oak barrels – these wines can be fresh and sharp or take on a rich and smooth profile with hints of vanilla and baking spices. For top-notch Chardonnay, Margaret River and Adelaide Hills are the go-to regions.

Sauvignon Blanc from Australia is known for its lively and sharp taste, showcasing tropical fruits, citrus, gooseberry and herbal notes. While Margaret River and Adelaide Hills produce great Sauvignon Blanc, the Marlborough region in Western Australia is another region to explore for great tasting Sauvignon Blanc.

Riesling thrives in the cool climate regions of Australia and is known for its intense blossom aromas and flavours of citrus and stone fruits such as nectarine and apricot. For standout Riesling wines, Clare Valley and Eden Valley are the leading regions.

Australian wine

Quick start guide to Australian wine regions

Popular types of red wine

Cabernet Sauvignon: Grape Guide