As the world's largest island continent, Australia offers an amazing range of soils and climates, all producing an incredible diversity of wines. The country boasts about 60 different wine regions, with the major wine-producing states including New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.


New South Wales

New South Wales was the first Australian state to be colonized by Europeans, and as such is the country's oldest winegrowing area. The Hunter Valley is one of the state's best wine zones, with Semillion being produced here to the very highest standards. In addition, most wineries here produce their version of a Chardonnay.


Victoria

Located on the southeast quadrant of the mainland, Victoria offers a cooler climate than other wine regions. As a result, it is producing exceptional Chardonnays and truly elegant Pinot Noirs. The Yarra Valley in Victoria is recognized as one of the finest producers of these two wines, as well as excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz vintages.


South Australia

At the center of the continent and of the country's wine production is South Australia. It boasts some of the oldest vines in the world, found in the famed Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills. The Barossa Valley offers many of the best Riesling and Shiraz wines available, while the Adelaide Hills region is winning accolades for its Sauvignon Blanc. The distinctive reds of the Coonawarra region, including Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, are rooted literally in its unique terra rossa soil.


Western Australia

Spanning nearly a third of the continent, Western Australia is known for its vibrant Sauvignon Blancs, straightforward Zinfandels, and superb Cabernet Sauvignons. The Margaret River is the focal point of wine production in this region, and is also a tourist destination along the lines of California's Napa Valley. The Leeuwin Estate of the Margaret River region is generally regarded as producing one of the greatest and most zoftig examples of Chardonnay in Australia.