Australia is a major wine-producing country in terms of both quality and scale. It produced 10.6 million hectolitres of wine in 2020, with a roughly 60:40 split between red and white grape varieties. Many of its brands are well-known on a global scale. The most popular Australian wine is Penfolds Grange Bin 95, a Shiraz with a hint of Cabernet Sauvignon.
In 2015, Australia had just over 135,000 hectares (334,000 acres) of vineyards. 30% of this was planted in Shiraz, 18% in Cabernet Sauvignon, and 16% in Chardonnay. Merlot accounted for 6%, with Sauvignon Blanc accounting for 5%.
Australia has created an extensive appellation system. There were 65 designated wine regions as of 2018. The country also has had a significant impact on the globalization of wine. Many of its brands have a strong international presence, as do its well-trained and qualified wine professionals, who have spread their knowledge throughout the world.
Popular Wine Regions and Grape Varieties in Australia
Wine is produced in all six states of Australia. The vast majority, however, is produced in the southeast, specifically in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, generating roughly half of the country’s annual output.
Western Australia accounts for only about 2% of total national output. However, the best wineries are well-known in international markets. Margaret River’s Bordeaux red blends are the state’s flagship wines.
South Australia
South Australia is one of Australia’s six states, located in the vast island continent’s central south. It is the heart of the Australian wine industry, accounting for roughly half of the total output each year. Here, the famous Barossa Valley, Eden Valley, Clare Valley, and McLaren Vale vineyards are to be found.
The wine portfolio of South Australia is heavily focused on powerful red wines, the majority of which are made from the region’s signature grape variety, Shiraz. Cabernet Sauvignon is another variety that thrives here, with the best examples coming from the Limestone Coast in the state’s far south-eastern corner (particularly in Coonawarra, Padthaway, and Robe).
Grenache has also proven to be well-suited to the South Australian climate and winemaking style, especially when combined with Shiraz and Mourvèdre (also known as Mataro in Australia) to form the classic Australian GSM blend.
In South Australia, white wine plays a supporting role. A notable exception is a world-class Riesling produced in the Clare Valley in recent decades. Almost inevitably, Chardonnay is grown extensively here, and higher-quality wines are produced in cooler regions such as the Adelaide Hills and the best sites along the Limestone Coast. Semillon, Roussanne, Viognier, and Verdelho are among the less common white wine varieties.
