What follows is the latest update to the FAQ. All comments and additions welcomed.
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3s. Australia? [last updated 8/07] Most Australian wine regions are located within relatively short distances from major cities. The drawback to the intrepid wine enthusiast seeking to experience Australia in one visit is that the major cities are spread long distances from each other - Sydney to Melbourne is nearly 800km (by air); Melbourne to Adelaide is nearly the same - and from Adelaide to Perth (WA) is a whopping 2,700km. Notwithstanding the distances involved, Australia is a fascinating country to visit. All the major cities are coastal; the Australian way of life centres around the outdoors; European immigrants brought their cuisine and winemaking skills; more recently new arrivals from Asia have introduced their own special taste treats. The major wine producing areas of Australia are New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. The best known grapes of Australia are Shiraz (Syrah) and Chardonnay, but many other quality wines are made there from Semillon, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.NEW SOUTH WALES If one arrives in Sydney, then the Hunter Valley is the nearest wine region (100 miles drive to the north-west).
Hunter Valley The Hunter Valley in New South Wales is recognised as the birthplace of Australia's wine industry. It is a somewhat large, sprawling area, but many of the region's best wines are found in the Lower Hunter region,particularly around the town of Pokolbin which is two hours' drive out of Sydney. Day trips can be easily arranged from within the city, with a number of tour groups providing transport to the Hunter and around the wineries. The best time to visit is March and April when producers and the community join in celebrating the ritual of harvest wine and entertainment. The Hunter's best known grape is Semillon which is made in a variety of styles around the region, but fine Shiraz, Verdelho, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are fairly easy to come by as well. Most cellar doors and wineries don't usually charge tasting fees; some will have nominal fees during the peak tourist season in summer and appointments are rarely needed to sample wines.
Wineries:
McWilliams' Mount Pleasant - Probably the best Hunter Semillon Tyrrell's - Another classic producer of Semillon De Bortoli - Good wines all around from their vineyards around the country. The 'Noble One' dessert Semillon is a must. Brokenwood - Good Semillon, Pinot Noir, and excellent Shiraz. Audrey Wilkinson - Great view with good whites and dessert/fortified wines. Tempus Two - Excellent Shiraz and Botrytis Semillon Tower Estate Peterson Champagne House - Good sparkling wines, excellent sparkling Shiraz.
VICTORIA Melbourne is the state capital of Victoria, and is the gateway to Mornington (a compact region, very close to the city); the Yarra Valley is to the city's north-east and Rutherglen, about four hours away, is a haven for lovers of robust reds (especially the region's Durif). However, the real treasures of Rutherglen are the wonderful muscats and "tokays", some of the great fortified wines in the world.
Mornington A little to the south of Melbourne, one can enjoy beach activities with cellar door exploration - an idyllic rural setting against the backdrop of Port Phillip Bay. Spring, summer or autumn are all great times to visit.
Wineries:
Stonier Wines - Pinot Noir Paringa Estate - Fine Shiraz and Chardonnay
Yarra Valley and Heathcote Yarra Valley lies an hour's drive outside Melbourne, and in addition to some truly breathtaking scenery, boasts some excellent Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines that flourish in the (relatively) cool climate. The Heathcote region is a couple of hours north of Melbourne, and is known for its intense, spicy Shiraz. Some observers say that the Heathcote is the very best place in Australia for full-blooded red wine. Tours can be taken from the city into the Yarra, but the Heathcote is less of a tourist attraction and would require one to drive.
Wineries:
Best's Wines - Great Western Shiraz stands out here. De Bortoli - See comments in Hunter section. Domaine Chandon & Green Point - Excellent sparkling wines Yarra Yering - Eclectic and brilliant wines from Dr. Bailey Carrodus. Yering Station - Originally planted in 1883; Pinot Noir; Shiraz/Viognier. Heathcote Winery - Excellent Shiraz & Shiraz/Viognier blends Hanging Rock Winery - Quality Shiraz from around the region.
Rutherglen One does not visit Rutherglen - one makes a pilgrimage. Few wine regions in Australia are as steeped in history - whether it be gold or bushrangers or the Murray River bordering the area to the north. The summer heat is extreme, while the nights are often cold. The best time to visit is in winter (imagine a roaring fire at the stately "House St Mount Prior" while relaxing after a tough day's tasting!!). Rutherglen is famous for its fortifieds - magical Muscats (petit grains rouge) and tremendous Tokay (Muscadelle) - blended via the solera system, and aged in the heat of the Victorian summer.
Wineries:
All Saints Estate Bullers Campbells Chambers Morris Stanton Killeen.
TASMANIA This island state seldom raises a blip on the wine radar - but it is home to some wonderful examples of cool climate wines; Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir - and in the humble opinion of the writer, Australia's best traditional method bubbly is made by Jansz Tasmania Vineyard. Tasmania is a wine lover's and foodie's paradise. Many species of fish, and shellfish (abalone, scallops, oysters, mussels and crayfish) and farmed Atlantic Salmon are readily available - or the intrepid angler, seeking the solace of a spot of fly fishing will find rivers bountiful in trout. The island produces wonderful cheeses, milk and cream and also has fine meats including farmed venison and game - all available to those who wish to escape the mainland.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA Today, South Australia is the state that dominates Australian wine Production, producing about half of Australia's wine. The first vineyards were established in the 1830's, 40's and 50's in areas and by names that are still famous: Penfold, Jacobs Creek and Seppelt are the basis of Aussie folklore. The Barossa Valley became the main region in the 19th century and became complemented later by Coonawarra, Clare, and McLaren Vale.
Barossa Valley & Eden Valley James Halliday writes that "the Barossa Valley is, and always will be, the womb of the Australian wine industry". It is a warm region which produces many of Australia's best known premium reds, with names like d'Arenberg "Dead Arm", Rockford "Basket Press", Grant Burge "Mesach" and Jim Barry "Armagh". In the case of Henschke, "iconic" is very much the vineyard and "Hill of Grace" and "Mt Edelstone" are legendary worldwide.
Wineries:
Penfolds - Famous producer of wines sourced from all over, their "Grange" is arguably Australia's most famous wine Peter Lehmann - Quality producer of many different wines Henschke - Top-notch producer of Barossa Shiraz, most famous for "Hill of Grace" and "Mt Edelstone" vineyards Rockford - Worth a visit Langmeil - Worth a visit Charles Melton - High quality producer Torbreck - High quality producer of distinctive Barossa wines
McLaren Vale To the south east of Adelaide is McLaren Vale - a traditional area but undergoing more and more expansion and becoming known for rich reds due to the renaissance of shiraz and grenache. Andrew Garrett, Chapel Hill, Clarendon Hills ("discovered" by Robert Parker), d'Arenberg, Fox Creek, Geoff Merrill, Hardys Reynella, Haselgrove, Maglieri, Richard Hamilton, Pirramimma, Rosemount (headquartered in the Hunter Valley but obtaining their rich reds from McLaren Vale), Seaview, Tatachilla, and Wirra Wirra are well known. One of the writer's favourites is Joe & Dina Grilli's Primo Estate; their Moda Amarone-styled red is a standout.
Coonawarra Coonawarra is an isolated region that will require a long drive, either from Adelaide or from Melbourne, via one of Australia's great drives along the coast road, in places reminiscent of Big Sur. Perhaps the best time to visit is the annual Cabernet Celebration weekend in October. It is known for reds and cabernet sauvignon in particular
Wineries worth a visit are:
Balnaves Hollick Katnook Estate Zema Leconfield Wines.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA Fly into Perth and grab a rental vehicle and head down the coast to Margaret River, certainly Australia's most remote wine making region and also the newest. Apart from the wonderful natural beauty, forest, rugged coastline and beaches, there are winery restaurants, together with art and craft galleries. Make the Margaret River Visitors Centre your first stop
Margaret River In a little over 25 years, Margaret River has established itself as producing (arguably) Australia's best Cabernet Sauvignon. The writer also considers Leeuwin Estate's "Art Series" Chardonnay as one of the best.
Worth a visit:
Vasse Felix Voyager Estate Moss Wood Cape Mentelle.
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Mark Lipton