Australia is renowned for producing great wine and also for drinking it! There are about 60 wine regions located across the country.
In Victoria you can easily visit The Yarra Valley which is Victoria's oldest wine region. It is one of Victoria's most visited wine areas, located less than an hour's drive east of Melbourne's CBD or south-east of the airport. The Yarra Valley is now recognised as one of Australia's foremost producers of Pinot Noir and is a leading maker of Chardonnay and excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz.
In Western Australia there are numerous wine regions. The Swan Valley is only 30 minutes north of the city of Perth and is easily reachable on a boat cruise along the Swan River. The best known wine region of Western Australia is without a doubt Margaret River. Margaret River is located approximately 3 hours drive south of Perth and has a reputation for being a premier holiday destination with exceptional accommodation choices, fine produce, restaurants and beaches. Margaret River produces some of the best white wines in Australia, with blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, and also some red blends, such as Cabernet Merlot. It is also known for producing great Verdelho's & Chenin Blancs.
The Barossa Valley Wine region of South Australia has a winemaking and grape growing heritage dating back to 1842, with a profound German influence, the Barossa Valley is probably Australia's most famous wine region. Driving through the Barossa you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Germany with towns like Hahndorf and restaurants resembling German Beer Houses. The climate of the Barossa is ideal for full bodied red wines and fortified wines.
Tasmania has over 60 vineyards and wineries, many of them small family run businesses. Generally speaking the cool climate results in wines of light to medium body. Tasmania now produces some of Australia's most outstanding cool climate wines and excellent sparkling wines.
The Hunter Valley region of New South Wales is probably the best know of their wine regions with wonderful choices of accommodation, tourist activities and great food making it an ideal holiday destination. The Hunter region comprises both the Upper & Lowers areas which are linked by the Hunter River. The main wine styles produced in this region are Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Verdelho.
Queensland was not known as a grape growing region until quite recently. It was thought to be too tropical to produce quality wine. That is until they starting growing in the Granite Belt. The Granite Belt is distinguished by its elevation, which makes it the coolest part of Queensland. This, and its relatively low rainfall, has made it attractive for Viticulture. This region now produces some excellent cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz & Chardonnay.