Australian Wine Regions

Five of Australia's states have significant acreage devoted to wine growing. They are, roughly from west to east, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory (which, geographically, falls into southern New South Wales). Of these, Victoria and South Australia have the most growth, as the southeast of the continent has the best climate. This accounts for why Tasmania, located southeast of Australia, is also starting to produce really good wines.

Some of South Australia's finest wine is grown in the Barossa Valley, most notably Penfold's Grange, a proprietary blend of Syrah (Shiriaz to Australians) and Cabernet Sauvignon. South Australia's Clare Valley is also well known, especially for its Cabernet Sauvignons, Syrahs and Rieslings.

Victoria's seven wine regions are home to a wide variety of grapes. Goulburn Valley boasts the oldest and largest plantings of Marsanne grapes while Mornington Peninsula is best known for its Pinot Noirs.