Wine Regions
Australia’s viticulture began with the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. Since then, wine making has expanded with more than 100 different grape varieties across 65 designated wine regions.
Yarra Valley, Victoria
Victoria’s wine industry can be traced to a vineyard at Yering Station in 1938. Today, the Yarra Valley boasts 300 vineyards and 160 wineries, with the region’s coolers climate lending itself to the production of sparkling Chardonnay, aromatic Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinot Noir. Wine makers in this region are also known for their revolutionary production practices, while maintaining a respect for the land crafting emerging varieties.
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Established in the mid-19th century by the father of Australian wine James Busby, who brought 20,000 vine cuttings to Australia from Europe, the Hunter Valley is best known for its full-flavoured Chardonnay, earthy Shiraz and Semillon, which develops rich complexities with age.
The Barossa Valley, South Australia
Steeped in history, the Barossa Valley was shaped by German settlers is 1842 and is home to some of the oldest vines in the world, many of which are over a century old. In fact, the Langmeil Freedom vineyard was established in 1843 and is still abundant today. Located approximately an hour’s drive north of Adelaide, the Barossa is renowned for its full-bodied Shiraz as well as Chardonnay, Eden Valley Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon. With more than 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors, there are plenty of varieties to sample.
Margaret River, Western Australia
Geographically isolated, Margaret River is located in the Southwest corner of Western Australia. In only 50 years, the region has built a reputation as one of the foremost provinces for fine wine with approximately 215 boutique wine produces, accounting for 20 per cent of Australia’s premium wines. Margaret River is said share a similar climate to that of Burgundy, France and is best known for Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
Coonawarra, South Australia
Coonawarra, which is the Aboriginal word for Honeysuckle, is a South Australian wine region located on the Limestone Coast bordering Victoria. Synonymous for its rust coloured “terra rossa” soil, Coonawarra is best known for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, but the maritime conditions are also suited to Shiraz, which was once the most dominant vine variety in the area.
Australian Blending Rules
Vintage
A vintage is the year in which the grapes were harvested. In the case of fruit harvested after September 1 in a calendar year and on or before December 31, the following calendar year is the effective vintage date.
Variety
For the purpose of determining the proportion of the varieties, the quantity of products used for possible sweetening and cultures of micro-organisms, not exceeding a total of 50m/l (5%), is excluded.
Geographical Indication
A Geographical Indication (GI) is a word or expression used in the description and presentation of a wine to indicate the country, region or locality in which it originated or to suggest that a particular quality, reputation or characteristic of the wine is attributable to the wine having originated in the country, region or locality indicated by the word or expression.
Australia’s GI’s are published in the Register of Protected Geographical Indications and Other Terms.
Below is a table that provides a summary of the blending rules. Vintages, varieties and geographical indications can only be claimed on labels which meet the definition of wine. “Wine products” cannot make any vintage, or geographical indication claims, variety claims are however permitted. Please refer to the regulations for the specific rules. Any claim must be listed in descending order of its proportion in the wine.
Australian Wine Labelling
Wine labels are governed by the Wine Australia Act 2013 and accompanying Regulations, the Food Standards Code, the National Measurement Act, and the Competition on and Consumer Act 2010.
It is vitally important that labelling guidelines are adhered to. Not all winemaking techniques used in Australia are accepted internationally and wine labelled in accordance with Australian law doesn’t necessarily comply with labelling laws in export markets.
The Winemakers’ Federation (WFA) recommends that all Australian winemakers include a voluntary pregnancy warning on labels of wine sold in Australia. This initiative is not mandatory but is highly recommended. If any claims are made or implied on wine labels, records, commercial documents or in advertisements with regard to vintage, variety or Geographical Indication, the blending regulations apply.