Did you know that there are more than 2,000 wineries in Australia that contribute over $45 billion to the national economy?
Those wineries are spread across 65 Australian wine regions with distinct flavours and specialities.
If you're a fan of Australian wine, as many worldwide are, you may be interested in learning a little more about some of the best wine regions in Australia.
If so, keep reading as we take a look at some of these famous winemaking regions.
Margaret River
Margaret River is the most famous wine region in Western Australia.
Located about three hours south of Perth, it boasts more than 200 Australian wineries that account for nearly a quarter of Australia's fine wines. It's no surprise that the region produces such stunning wines; it was identified as having almost ideal conditions for vine growing by two well-respected viticulturists in the 50s and 60s, and their predictions have been proven correct.
Dr. Tom Cullity established the Vasse Felix winery in 1967, and the rest is history. However, the original Margaret River vineyard is still one of the most popular Australian vineyards to visit.
Margaret River is best known for its Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley is the oldest of all the Australian wine regions.
The region was first established in the middle of the 19th century when James Busby brought thousands of vine clippings to Australia from Europe, just over three hours from Sydney. Despite being the oldest wine region in Australia, it's still considered a new world wine region compared to the ancient world wine regions of the Middle East and Europe.
Hunter Valley is best known for its Sémillon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay.
Swan Valley
Swan Valley is another Western Australian wine region located just half an hour from Perth, so it is an easy trip if you're visiting the city. There are plenty of wine tours and wine cruises available.
Swan Valley boasts a much longer tradition than Margaret River, with vineyards dating back to the first half of the 19th century. Thanks to its Mediterranean-style climate and fertile soil, almost all of Western Australia's wine came from this region for many years.
Swan Valley is best known for Chenin Blanc, Verdelho, Grenache, and fortified wines.
Barossa Valley
Australia may be a new world region, but Barossa Valley in South Australia is home to some of the oldest continually producing vines globally, with some that are more than a century old.
An hour's drive to the north from Adelaide, Barossa Valley's earliest vineyards date back to the middle of the 19th century. The Seppeltsfield winery in Barossa Valley has wines spanning 144 consecutive vintages.
The region produces excellent Chardonnay but is best known for its full-bodied Shiraz. In fact, the Barossa Valley Shiraz is considered one of the best wines in Australia.
Adelaide Hills
Less than an hour's drive from Barossa Valley is the Adelaide Hills region. It has an elevated setting and cooler climate that sets the region apart from other wine regions in the area and makes it particularly suited for white wines.
Fruit-forward Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay are famous wines from this region.
McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale is where South Australian winemaking first began, with more than 150 years of history.
Just 45 minutes south of Adelaide, it's a great spot for wine tours. But, if you're looking for something a little different, the d'Arenburg winery has excellent wine and boasts a stunning five-storey building designed to resemble an unfinished Rubik's Cube.
McLaren Vale is best known for Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.
Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley is the oldest wine-growing region in Victoria, with vineyards dating back to the middle of the 19th century. Today it boasts more than 200 wineries.
Set just to the east of Melbourne, it has a cooler climate than most other wine regions in Australia. This gives it ideal conditions for wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Despite its long traditions, it is home to many innovative winemakers known for their modern production practices.
Mornington Peninsula
About an hour's drive south of Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula is a beautiful area of rolling hills that produces fantastic wine. The maritime climate provides perfect growing conditions for growing cool-climate varieties. There are also some stunning restaurants in the region, so it's worth visiting if you love both food and wine.
The region is known for its Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.
Orange
The Orange wine region is just over three hours to the west of Sydney. The volcanic soil combined with a cool climate has helped it become one of the most respected New South Wales regions.
The region has a wide range of elevation, which significantly affects the climate. You get Australian wineries in close proximity to the area that offer very different styles.
The region is particularly known for its Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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