The first vineyard was established in Australia in 1791. 30 years later, Australian wine was already winning medals. The already considerable production of wine increased and was further refined with the help of massive immigration from continental Europe following the Second World War. Since then, Australian wine has become some of the best in the world, at one time surpassing even French wine.

There are over 8,500 Australian wines and more than 1900 wineries. Some of the most popular grape varieties grown in Australia are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Frontignac, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Mataro, Muscat, Gordo Blanco, Palamino, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Shiraz, Sultana, Traminer and Trebbiano.

Of the total wine regions in Australia, 9 are in Western Australia, 1 in Northern Territory, 2 in Queensland, 13 in New South Wales, 16 in South Australia and 17 in Victoria. In addition there are Tasmania and Canberra.

Among the best Australian wine producers are Chandon, Chateau Hornsby, Coldstream Hills, De Bortoli, Devil’s Lair , Diamond Valley, Edwards & Chaffey, Leo Buring, Lindemans, Orlando (Jacob’s Creek), Penfolds, Rosemount Estate, Seppelt, St Hubert’s, Tollana, West Cape, Wynns Coonawarra Estate, Yerringberg