The first vineyards in Australia were planted in the late 1700′s, and during the 1800′s the wine regions of Australia began to be established. However, it is only recently that the country has become recognized as a leader in the production of world-class wines. Currently the fourth largest exporter of wine in the world, Australia has defined and secured its niche in the global wine production market. The success enjoyed by the Australian wine producers can be contributed to a system which was put in place by law in 1993 known as the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Act. This act helped establish the wine regions of Australia and gave the regions the legitimacy they deserved.

There are approximately 62 designated wine regions and over 1000 wineries throughout Australia. These regions cover approximately 420,000 acres. Under the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Act, geographic indicators were created to regulate Australia’s wine production processes. There are approximately 103 geographic indicators, and these indicators are applicable to wine producing zones, regions and sub-regions. Not only are these geographic indicators important to wine production, but they also play an important role in the global and local marketing of Australian produced wines. Since land, soil and climate along with other factors play an integral role in determining the flavor and aroma of wine, this system that regulates wine production helps ensure the regional distinctiveness of the wines produced remains unadulterated and pure.

Australia is divided into wine zones, regions and sub-regions. A zone is simply an area of land, such as New South Wales. A region is defined as being distinct from surrounding regions, and a sub-region is defined as being distinct from the region in which it is located. The requirements that have to be met in order to be labeled as a wine region or sub-region includes having a specified number of independently owned vineyards on a specified number of acres with a specified amount of grapes produced annually. These requirements are part of the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Act.

The wine zones of Australia include: New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. There are several regions within each of these zones and include such regions as: Hunter Valley (New South Wales); Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, and Eden Valley (South Australia); Granite Belt (Queensland); Pipers River (Tasmania); Yarra Valley, Alpine Valleys, Grampians (Victoria); Swan Valley, Margaret River (Western Australia). An example of a sub-region within a region includes Upper Hunter and Lower Hunter within the Hunter Valley. Much of the wine produced comes from the South Australia regions. In general, more wine is produced in warmer climates, but premium wines are produced in cooler climates.

Many varieties of wines are produced in Australia, and the type of wine produced is specific to a region. For example, the Barossa Valley is well-known for its Shiraz, Merlot, Riesling and Semillon varieties. Hunter Valley is renowned for its Semillon, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Verdelho, while Yarra Valley produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet.

Australian wine has dominated the UK supermarket shelves and restaurant tables for at least twenty years. In fact Australia is now responsible for the most wines sales by volume to the UK than any other country in the world. However despite it being a big seller when it comes to the UK it is only in the top 10 when it comes to overall wine production statistics.

Initially Australia was known primarily for its Chardonnay. It was this oaky white wine which really bought it to the forefront of the British market. Because of the Australian climate the grapes tended to mature more than the same grapes would in Europe – producing a wine with a higher sugar and in some cases higher alcohol content than its European counterpart. The climate has also led to Australia being able to produce fewer weak wines and therefore the wine produced is more consistent than that produced in Europe which is more at the mercy of changeable weather. However as tastes change and time has moved on the wine industry has too and Australia now produces a wide range of wines.

There is a vast amount of wine produced in Australia and we are now going to take a whistlestop tour around some of the wine regions concentrating on those which produce red wine.

In New South Wales the best known region is Hunter Valley, here you will find some excellent Shiraz. Wines can be labelled as being form the upper or lower valley but both areas concentrate on Shiraz for their red wine.

Also in New South Wales is Mudgee and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. This area was previously responsible for some of the cheaper lower quality wines but this has changed over the last few years and there are some really good Shiraz wines now coming out of this region.

For great Pinot Noir wines head to Victoria, The Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra Valley are both producers of some fine varieties of this type of wine. In fact Victoria is singlehandedly responsible for a great deal of red wines that end up on tables across the UK with Goulburn Valley, Great Western, Rutherglen, King valley and Milawa all producing some fantastic wine.

South Australia is where many of the wines produced for mass consumption come from. Coonawarra is seen as one of the finest wine regions of the area producing rich Cabernet Sauvignon and fiery Shiraz. Also notable in this area is the wine region of Barossa Valley which is one of the oldest and best known places for viticulture in Australia. Shiraz is what the region made its name from so it is definitely worth checking it out!

For a great range of Australian red wines, or just to browse wine in general, it is a good idea to consult an independent online wine retailer. You can browse wines in your chosen price range, and you can research before you buy.