AUSTRALIAN WINE

Last of the Lands

Australia, named “Last of the Lands” by the Europeans (for being one the last continents to be explored), is the eighth-largest wine-producing country in the world (1,186,343 tonnes) and is also a vastly more diverse winemaking country than it’s given credit. With over 100 different grape varieties, and many types of soil, it’s the perfect climate to nurture a growing wine industry.

There are currently 1800 wineries in Australia (more than two times the amount there were in 1996). Wine is produced in every state, with more than 60 designated wine regions totaling approximately 160,000 hectares; however Australia’s wine regions are mainly in the southern, cooler parts of the country, with vineyards located in Southern Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland.
The major varieties are predominantly Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Semillon, Pinot noir, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc