Region Map Information Adelaide Hills - SA The Adelaide Hills region is rapidly growing in importance for the production of super-premium table and sparkling wine. Rainfall varies throughout the region, increasing at higher elevations, but is mainly dominant during winter and spring. The region produces a great variety of wine, with the main styles including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and sparkling wine. There are currently over 60 Adelaide Hills labels with new labels constantly emerging into this dynamic environment. For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com/southaustralia Barossa Valley - SA With a rich history dating back to 1842, the Barossa has become one of Australia's most famous wine regions. The climate is ideal for full bodied red wines, fortified wines and robust white wines. The two soil types are relatively low in fertility. The Barossa region produces a great variety of wine, with the main styles being Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon, Grenache and Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The Barossa is also home to some of the oldest productive Shiraz vines in the world. Shiraz has pride of place because this is the birthplace of one of the world's great wines - Penfold's Grange. For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com/southaustralia Bendigo - VIC The gold-bearing soils of the Bendigo region have proved to be ideally suited to viticulture; from the earliest days wine, not table, grapes have been planted, and to this day they are only minimally irrigated and ultimately handcrafted into premium wines. The wines of intense flavour, produced here by the confluence of superb climatic and geographic conditions, have made Bendigo's reputation abroad as much as its gold has. For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com/victoria Clare Valley - SA As Australian wine regions go, Clare Valley is small, accounting for around two point five per cent of the nation's crush. But its boutique wines are select and moreover, they're taking the world by storm. You'll find Clare Valley on wine lists in the world's five-star restaurants, as well as in the First Class compartments on Qantas aircraft. In 2004, a few lucky guests were even served a local drop by Jamie Oliver at Brad Pitt's birthday party. Clare Valley continues to be known as the home of Australian Riesling, having set the standard by which others measure their own excellence. But 2004 also saw a local Cabernet Sauvignon being voted the world's finest by a panel of London judges, while a string of Shiraz vintages garnered their usual crop of gold medals. For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com/southaustralia Coonawarra - SA Coonawarra has long been recognised as one of Australia's premium wine producing regions and takes its name from the Aboriginal word 'honeysuckle'. Vines were first planted in the Coonawarra region in 1890, and since then grape production in the area has evolved through three distinct historical periods. The region is only 60 kilometres (37 miles) inland, and is predominantly exposed to a maritime climate, with dry and moderately cool summers. The climate in the region causes wine production to be quite unique, as cloud cover generally moderates the ripening period temperatures. The main wine styles produced in Coonawarra include Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com/southaustralia Eden Valley - SA The Eden Valley is a region of rugged beauty, whilst part of the Barossa, it is a unique identified area in its own right. The cool climate provides ideal conditions for the production of high quality Riesling, Chardonnay and elegant red wine. The Eden Valley is located alongside the Barossa Valley and both saw their first vines planted in 1842. The Eden Valley's growing season temperatures are significantly lower than those of the Barossa, with the final stages of ripening and harvesting take place in much cooler conditions. Water availability is a limiting factor in the expansion of vineyards. The main wine styles produced include Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com/southaustralia France France has the world's largest wine production ahead of Italy and the second-largest total vineyard area behind Spain. Two concepts central to higher end French wines are the notion of "terroir", which links the style of the wines to the specific locations where the grapes are grown and the wine is made, and the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. Appellation rules closely define which grape varieties and winemaking practices are allowed in each of France's several hundred geographically defined appellations, which can cover entire regions, individual villages or even specific vineyards. France is the source of many grape varieties (such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah) that are now planted throughout the world. Frankland River No Image Available   Geelong - VIC Hand-crafted with passion and dedication, Geelong's elegant wines are the expression of a cool climate, rich soils and a unique history. In terms of ripening temperatures and sunshine hours, this open and strongly maritime-influenced region has a climate approximating that of Bordeaux and Burgundy. The long, cool and usually dry autumn means that Chardonnay and Pinot Noir achieve optimum ripeness almost every year. Yields are low to moderate, with both wind and lack of rainfall inhibiting vigour, particularly on the more exposed slopes and hardened soils. For more informatin visit: www.wineaustralia.com/victoria Goulburn Valley - VIC The Goulburn Valley has a rich viticulture history dating back to the 1860s, and wine is still produced today from those first vines . The region has a distinctly warm, inland valley floor climate with an abundance of water for irrigation. There are three main soil types, with the loose textured sandy, gravelly soils typically producing generous yields. The main wine styles produced include Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Marsanne and Shiraz. The subregion of Nagambie Lakes has been established around Tahbilk and Mitchelton. For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com/victoria Great Southern - WA The sheer size of the Great Southern wine region, with its five sub regions of Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker, Porongurup and Albany, is its greatest strength. The influences of the varying soil types and weather conditions across the region produce distinct sub-regional characteristics in many of the classic grape varieties, allowing the Great Southern to be become a region for all tastes. Over the last few years improvements in vineyard management and winemaking techniques combined with the aging of the vines has led to major improvements in the finished product. Shiraz and Riesling in particular have been standout varieties, and these are well worth watching out for. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon are also coming in for increasing critical acclaim. For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com/westernaustralia Huner Valley & McLaren Vale No Image Available   Hunter Valley - NSW Hunter Valley Wine Country of NSW is renouned within Australia and worldwide for its award winning wines, range of accommodation, fabulous gardens and hunter valley wineries. The Hunter region comprises the Upper and Lower areas of the Hunter Valley, which are linked by the Hunter River. Both areas face high temperatures over summer, with the majority of the rainfall occurring between January and April. The main wine styles produced include Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Verdelho. For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com/newsouthwales Italy Italy's glowing reputation with wine is due not only to the fact that it produces and exports more than any other country but that it offers the greatest variety of types, ranging through nearly every color, flavor and style imaginable. Italian producers have moved rapidly to the forefront of world enology, improving techniques to create wines of undeniable class in every region. They have taken the authentic treasures of their ancient land and enhanced them in modern wines whose aromas and flavors are not to be experienced anywhere else. Getting to know the unique wines of Italy is an endless adventure in taste. King Valley - VIC King Valley has extremely varied terrain and is one of the highest wine grape growing areas in Australia. It is fertile country, capable of producing high yields of good quality grapes across the full spectrum from Chardonnay to Cabernet Sauvignon. The geographic layout ranges from basically flat in the north to mountainous in the extreme south, which significantly changes the climate and suitable grape varieties grown across the region. Most vineyards have been established on relatively gentle slopes, typically north and north-east facing. The higher altitude climate is particularly ideal for the production of fine sparkling wine. The main wine styles produced also include Chardonnay, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon. For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com/victoria Langhorne Creek - SA Langhorne Creek has been a wine growing region since 1860 and in recent times has attrtacted a number of Australia's larger winemakers. Most rain falls during winter and spring, with established wineries using an irrigation system to divert the Bremer River and deliberately flood the land in late winter. The newer vineyards also use conventional drip irrigation. The main wine styles produced include Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, which are also commonly used as blends. Access to water, coupled with cooling breezes from Lake Alexandrina that reduce evening temperatures and provide mild even growing seasons, help make Langhorne Creek an ideal wine growing region. For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com/southaustralia Margaret River - WA Margaret River produces some of the best value-for-money white wines in Australia, with blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, while some red blends, such as Cabernet Merlot, have proved outstanding. Many other varieties flourish in the area, producing appealing wines such as Verdelho, Riesling and Chenin Blanc. The moderating influences of the nearby oceans and the marked Mediterranean climate in terms of rainfall ensure slow, even ripening for beautifully balanced fruit. The region is going from strength to strength, the wines produced in the region cover all the classic varietals and many new wineries are emerging. The very pleasant thing about a visit to the region is the scenery, the beauty of the area and the culinary delights. For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com/westernaustralia Marlborough - NZ Recognized internationally for its distinctive, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough is New Zealand's largest winemaking region, with about 65 wineries and 290 grape growers, and over 4,000 hectares planted in grapes, mainly Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. Marlborough is also establishing a strong reputation for its methode traditionelle wines. Located on New Zealand's east coast with mountains to the west, Marlborough is one of the country's sunniest and driest regions. The ability of Marlborough grapes to retain both fresh, vibrant fruit and crisp, herbaceous characters is due in part to a distinct variation in the region's day/night temperature. The marked contrast between the daytime temperatures and the cooler nights also helps to enhance the colour development in the skins of the Pinot Noir grapes. McLaren Vale - SA The perfect, frost-free Mediterranean climate and a sympathetic soil mix made it inevitable that a wine industry would flourish in the Southern Vales, within an hour's drive of Adelaide. Varying exposure and changes in altitude and soil types throughout the region ensure an inspiring mix of food, wine and lifestyle. McLaren Vale is widely recognised as one of Australia's greenest wine regions because of its ongoing water use efficiency strategies and commitment to environmental sustainability. With a mixture of wine brands of international significance, the Vale has a complete offering of premium red and white wines. For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com/southaustralia Mornington Peninsula - VIC Offering premium wines and regional cuisine only an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula also has a long-standing reputation as a seaside playground thanks to its endless ocean beaches, calm bays, natural beauty and world-class golf courses and tourist attractions. There is a huge choice of aquatic activities for visitors. Generally speaking, the landscape is open, with gently undulating hills, rolling green pastures and tranquil vineyards. While the vineyard holdings are usually small, significant tracts of land are being given over to viticulture For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com/victoria Peel - WA Peel lies between the Swan District and Perth Hills to the north and Geographe to the south. The first vines were planted in 1857. However it was not until the 1970s that more significant developments have taken place in what has been a rapidly expanding area for numerous lifestyle activities. The first commercial vineyard was established with a planting of Shiraz by Will Nairn at the Peel Estate in 1974. While most other varieties have also now been established, Shiraz remains the flagship variety for the region. For more information visit: www.wineaustralia/westernaustralia Pemberton - WA Pemberton's mild weather is not only excellent for grape growing, but provides the perfect setting for a relaxing nature-based getaway. Vines were first planted experimentally in 1977 by the Department of Agriculture. Gloucester Ridge was the first commercial vineyard in Pemberton, planted in 1985. Since then, Pemberton has continued to develop and grow and has become widely acclaimed for it's spectacular wines and beautiful scenery. With a range of boutique wineries, each winning medals and trophies in wine shows around Australia, Pemberton's reputation as a premium wine region is secure. Modern cellar door facilities provide exciting wines for tasting, enough for even the most discerning palate. The region also offers the grandeur of nature and a diverse range of arts and crafts, which adds enormously to the wine platform. For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com/westernaustralia Portugal Occupying a long narrow strip down the western seaboard of the Iberian Peninsula, the dominant factor on grape growing in Portugal is the Atlantic ocean. Grapes grown here are fairly difficult to ripen and light, high-acid wines like Vinho Verde are made. Further inland in the north, the climate is considerably warmer and sunnier, rainfall is lighter and the vineyards are more sheltered. This Northeastern quarter of the country is home to most of the great wine regions which grow the grapes not only for Port, but for an increasingly good range of red wines. Riverlands - SA The Riverland region surrounds the River Murray from Blanchetown, through Renmark to the Victorian border. Riverland winemakers are encouraging style development and making full flavoured, generous and approachable wines that are popular the world over. It is Australia's largest wine producing region, and its growers and wineries have embraced innovative techniques to create naturally fruit-driven wines. The main grape varieties grown in the Riverland are Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Promising varieties to look out for include Petit Verdot and Viognier The Riverland is renowned for its generous fruit driven wines with Chardonnay being particularly suited to the warm growing conditions of the Riverland. For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com/southaustralia South Eastern Australia 'South-Eastern Australia' denotes an enormous zone which includes Australia's three most important wine-producing states: South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria. Usually wine labelled as 'South-Eastern Australia' will be a blend made from grapes grown in vineyards located across more than one of these three states, usually (but not always) from one of the vast irrigated growing areas in Australia's interior. Wineries often source grapes from across a wide area to ensure that the resulting wine is not severely affected by local climatic variations from one vintage to the next. Hence, this label is most often found on good value, everyday wines, for which a consistent style and quality are of greater importance than regional or varietal characteristics. Spain Spain has a relatively large number of distinct wine-producing regions, more than half having the classification Denominación de Origen (DO) with the majority of the remainder classified as Vinos de la Tierra (VdlT). There are two regions nominated as Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) - Rioja and Priorato - the flagship regions of Spanish winemaking.[5] While most DOs make both red and white wine, some wine regions are more dominated by one style than the other. As the Spanish wine industry becomes more modern, there has been a larger presence of international grape varieties appearing in both blends and varietal forms-most notably Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot and Sauvignon blanc. Other Spanish grape varieties that have significant plantings include Cariñena, Godello, Graciano, Mencia, Loureira, and Treixadura.[ Swan Valley - WA The Swan Valley is Western Australia's oldest wine-growing region and many of its vineyards are still owned by descendants of the European emigrants who settled here in two waves, in the 1920's and after World War Two. In recent years, a blending of traditional techniques and modern know-how has seen a honing down of varietal style and an added finesse to valley wines, which are building a reputation for quality both in Australia and overseas. For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com/westernaustralia Tasmania Tasmania is one of Australia's cool climate wine producing zones, well known for producing award-winning premium sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. A boutique industry that produces less than 1% of Australia's overall wine production but accounts for more than 6% of Australia's overall premium wine sales, it is growing in size and reputation. For more information visit: www.wineaustralia.com/tasmania Western Australia Australia's largest State spans the western third of the continent, although the winemaking regions are almost entirely concentrated in the south-western portion of the State. These regions include the Swan District near the State capital Perth and, further south, the regions of Peel, Geographe, Blackwood Valley, Pemberton, Manjimup, Great Southern and Margaret River. Some wine makers source grapes form a variety of the Western Australian regions. Yarra Valley - VIC The Yarra Valley was Victoria's first wine growing district and has a history stretching back 170 years. Vines were first planted in 1838 and viticulture spread rapidly through the 1860s and 1870s. However, increased demand for fortified wine saw Yarra Valley wine production cease in 1921. Replanting began in the late 1960s and by the early 1990s the area under vine passed the high point of the 19th century. The Yarra Valley is now recognised as one of Australia's foremost cool climate regions, capable of making classic styles from a wide range of varieties. It is impossible to favour a single variety as the star performer because the Yarra Valley offers sparkling wine (including those made in partnership with French Champagne houses), fine Chardonnay, complex Pinot Noir, silky Shiraz and world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. For more information visit: www.winecow.com.au/victoria