Click-on a wine region of Australia ......

Australia is a relative newcomer to growing wine, however, it has gained a worldwide reputation as being the New World champion over the past decade or so. Australia, in terms of wine,'New World' , is unlike it's 'Old World' counter-parts, wines are not named after regions, like Champagne. Any wine grape can be grown anywhere. The wines therefore are labeled with the name of the actual grape used. Certain regions are known to grow certain grapes well, however, and those are interesting to watch as wine making becomes more firmly rooted on this continent.

Over 95% of all Australian wines are grown in the 'South-Eastern' Australia. While there are over 800 wineries, sadly only four companies account for 80% of the wine produced here.

Barossa Valley
Located just north of Adelaide in the south-east region of Australia, this is one of the older areas for growing wine. North Adelaide was planted in 1837. The climate here is hot and dry, and produces great, traditional reds. Intriguingly, the valley was originally known as Barrossa with two Rs, but clerical errors led to the loss of one of the letters in the name.

This valley's wineries are known for their Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Clare Valley
Located just north of the Barossa Valley, the Clare Valley is the northernmost vine area in the South Australian appellation. It is hotter and drier than most other vineyards in Australia, and the low irrigation used creates very strongly flavored wines.

The Clare Valley makes good Riesling as well as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Coonawarra
Loated on the west coast of the southeastern leg of Australia, Coonawarra is the most southerly vine area in thse South Australian appellation. This region creates delicious wines with its limestone subsoil and low heat.

Coonawarra is most well known for its Cabernet Sauvignon.

Hunter Valley
This region is on the eastern coast of Australia, near Sydney. Vines were first planted here in teh 1820s. It was originally known for very strong flavored Shiraz, but recently newer wines such as Rosemount's Reserve Chardonnay have brought new attention to this region.

The Hunter Valley is known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Margaret River
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. As a tourism destination there is so much to see.

The landscape in Margaret River changes markedly kilometre to kilometre. Whether it be characterised by small creeks and sweeping valleys, or by thick native bush.

For successful vineyard planting, there must be an element of protection from the sometimes harsh sea winds The soil extremely permeable when moist, but will readily shed this moisture from the sloping valleys. As overall water capacities are low, there is a general need for irrigation among the vines.

The ocean strongly defines the climate in Margaret River. It has a mean annual range of only 7.6C, and has a defining Mediterranean climate. Only 200mm of the annual 1160mm of rain falls between October and April. For grape growers this means hopefully a dry ripening and harvesting season.

Margaret River is known for its Sauvignon Blanc. It also creates Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

McLaren Vale
This region is barely south of Adelaide, and encompasses an area that has a variety of soil types. This allows a variety of grapes to grow, and for each grape to take on a range of flavors. It can produce full reds, fresh whites, and even dessert wines.

The McLaren Vale is known for its Sauvignon Blanc. It also creates Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.