In Australia today, there are 62 distinct wine regions, each having its own variety of conditions, and each with its own wine history. Within each state, there are distinctive wine regions scattered around the area. To examine a few of these regions is to look at a cross section of the wine industry and production in the country.
In Australia today, there are 62 distinct wine regions, each having its own variety of conditions, and each with its own wine history. Within each state, there are distinctive wine regions scattered around the area. To examine a few of these regions is to look at a cross section of the wine industry and production in the country. New South Wales is home to 13 wine regions, the furthest north being the Hastings River region. This region was home to over 30 vineyards as early as the 1860’s, but production halted for 60 years in the early to mid part of the 20th century. In 1980, the Cassegrain family revitalized the wine industry in the Hastings River region. The climate is warm with high humidity and a good deal of rainfall. The rainfall is even a bit too excessive, as the best wines are made from dry seasons. Chardonnay, Merlot, Semillon, and Chambourcin are the main wines produced in this region. Queensland is comprised of only two wine regions; one of these regions is Granite Belt. The first vines were not planted here until 1965, so the history is a brief but powerful one. Most of the vineyards are owned by small families or individuals. The region has a high altitude with some vineyards planted over 1,000 meters above sea level. This table wine region has late summer rain which is ideal, as well as a cooler climate. Commonly grown wines of the Granite Belt include Verdelho, Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz. South Australia comprises a plethora of 17 wine regions. The viticulture history of Kangaroo Island dates back only to about the mid 1980’s. Just under 300 acres of vines have been planted by 20 different owners. Production is still in its early stages, but the possibilities for viticulture combined with tourism are high. Because of high humidity, vines are more subject to problems such as mildew. Birds are also a principle problem of Kangaroo Island viticulture. Wines of Kangaroo Island include the red wines Merlot and Shiraz. Victoria has 21 distinct regions for wine production in its area. One of these wine regions is King Valley. Elevations range from 155 meters to 800 meters with terrain ranging from flat to mountainous. As expected with these widely varying topography, rainfall, temperature, and soil type are also very different in King Valley. The main wines produced in the region are Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and sparkling wines. One can see just from these four states and four wine regions, that there is great variety in the types of wines produced across Australia. Chardonnay is a staple wine which is grown on a widespread basis here. The other wines, vary immensely from region to region however. The variety and adaptability of Australian viticulture make it a genuine player in global production.
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Ian Love is boss of Wine Australia, an online wine retailer of premium red and Australian white wine. He also runs a great Australian wine club.
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