Australia’s winemaking history

Since 1788 when the first vine was brought to Australia by Captain Arthur Phillip and the First Fleet and then planted in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens until now, Australia had had over 200 years of viticulture and winemaking. With very rich wine, vine, and family history, Australia offers distinguished sites, the wealth of some of the oldest vines on the planet, and multi-generational families whose long-standing dedication provides inspiration, leadership, and custodial care of Australia’s most precious vines and wines.

Australia burst into the export markets in the 1980s and since then has offered the world vibrant, fruit-forward wines of exceptional value: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Semillon, Pinot noir, Riesling, and Sauvignon blanc, … Australia has more than 2,000 wineries in 60 different wine regions and becomes one of the largest producers and exporters of wine in the world, shipping approximately 800 million out of 1.2 to 1.3 billion liters produced annually. The wine industry is a significant contributor to the Australian economy through production, employment, export, and tourism.

Shiraz – The Icon of Australia

Shiraz is the most widely cultivated grape variety in Australia wine country. Shiraz, commonly known as Syrah in old wine countries, is a dark-skinned grape variety originated from the Rhône wine region and grown throughout the world. However, there is another story, telling that Syrah/Shiraz grape variety originates from the city of Shiraz in Persia. Despite different ideas about the origin of Shiraz, today it has adapted to the local Australian climate and soil conditions and also differs from the European Syrah selections.

Australia’s Wine Region

The largest growing areas in Australia are in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia (South East), and Western Australia (South West), as the climate here is not as hot and dry as in the rest of Australia. The undoubtedly best-known growing areas are without a doubt the Margaret River Wine Region, the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Claire Valleys, and the Swan Valley near Perth.

Western Australia- Margaret River and Great Southern

Western Australia is the largest state in the country. However, territories covered with vineyards are only allocated in the southwest part of the state. The most famous wine area in the region is the Margaret River, which is located in the cooler part of Western Australia near the southwest coast. In the northern and eastern parts of the region, the climate is far too hot and dry to support winemaking. In contrast to the majority of the region, the climate in the southwest corner is cool and temperate due to the nearby ocean and coastal breezes, making it near perfect for viticulture.

Because of the cool sea wind, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon express elegance and freshness here. The Sémillons, Sauvignons, and Chardonnays also impress with their crisp fruit and classic varietal aromas. Local climate also supports the cultivation of Pinot Noir and Riesling. Swan Valley, which is located 25 minutes from Perth invites you to explore its local heritage on a wine tour, enjoy family time, and indulge in a rich fusion of award-winning wines, speciality liqueurs, and delicious treats, including olives, cheeses, jams, nuts, and chocolate.

South Australia – Unique Wine Experiences

South Australia, one of the most popular Australian wine regions, is responsible for almost half of the country’s wine production every year. A number of Australia’s most well-known and world-renowned wines are produced here from vines that are 70, 100, or even 150 years old and were still planted by British and German immigrants. Adelaide, the wine capital of Australia, offers around 200 open cellar doors, which makes it the perfect place to explore and learn more about Australian wines.

In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre are also planted and produce a wine called GSM: the first letters of the varieties. The Eden Valley (500 – 600 meters) located northeast of it is one of the best Riesling growing areas in Australia. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are also cultivated there.

Victoria – Small, Fine and Above All Diverse

Victoria is situated in the southwest of Australia wine country and is the country’s smallest mainland state. The main growing areas of the Victoria wine region are north of Melbourne and mainly in the western part of the state. The area includes the wine-growing regions of Grampians (Great Western), Henty, and the Pyrenees. Melbourne peninsula and Yarra Vally are one of the most attractive wine tourism destinations with high-quality hospitality services. The spectrum of wines ranges from Chardonnays and Pinots based on the Burgundian style to well-structured Shiraz. A specialty is fortified sweet wine in Rutherglen, which often mature in old wooden barrels for decades.

The Western Victoria region is primarily known for very good sparkling wines, which are produced here not only from the varieties commonly used in Europe such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but also from Shiraz. The result is deep red sparkling wines with an intensely spicy aroma that seduces the senses. But very appealing still wines are also made, such as Shiraz, which is reminiscent of the Syrah from the northern Rhône, intensely fragrant Cabernet Sauvignon, and elegant, fresh white wines from Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.

New South Wales

In New South Wales, around 34,000 hectares are planted with vines, which are spread across 25 different sub-regions. The best known are the Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Murray Darling, Orange, Hilltop, and Canberra. In terms of area, the Hunter Valley and Riverina are the largest areas. In New South Wales, there are plenty of attractions and amazing sites including beaches, national parks, historic towns, wine regions, and the unique Australian Outback. New South Wales is Australia’s most geographically diverse state. The natural attractions are perfect for weekend getaways and longer road trips to the various points of interest and sites in the state.

New South Wales captivates visitors with its subtropical forests, breath-taking beaches, and impressive mountains.

THINK OF WINE, CHOOSE PREMIUM. WINE NOT?

“Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of intelligent effort.”  – John Ruskin. Yes, Quality, it’s our most important product. That’s also the reason why we named our brand as “Premium Australian Wine”. We always strive every day, searching, discovering, creating premium bottles of wine, giving customers extremely valuable experiences. What we want to bring to you, is not just bottles on your table, but the satisfaction, joy and happiness, because we know the most precious thing we have – you and us – is today, is this moment. Cheer!