Western Australia
Margaret River
Climate Mild, maritime
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
- Semillon–Sauvignon Blanc
Surrounded on three sides by the Indian and Southern oceans, Margaret River's mild, even climate gives elegant, structured Cabernet and some of Australia's most celebrated Chardonnay.
Western Australia
Geographe
Climate Warm, maritime
- Chardonnay
- Shiraz
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Just north of Margaret River, Geographe runs from the coast into the hills, with sea breezes tempering warm days for bright Chardonnay and medium-bodied reds.
Western Australia
Pemberton
Climate Cool, wetter
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Sauvignon Blanc
Among the tall karri forests of WA's south-west, Pemberton's cooler, wetter climate suits fine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Western Australia
Great Southern
Climate Cool, maritime
- Riesling
- Shiraz
- Cabernet Sauvignon
A large region on WA's south coast with five subregions, from Frankland River to Albany. Known for taut, citrusy Riesling and peppery, cool-climate Shiraz.
Western Australia
Swan District
Climate Hot, dry
- Chenin Blanc
- Verdelho
- Fortified
Western Australia's oldest wine region, including the Swan Valley on Perth's doorstep. Hot summers suit generous whites like Chenin Blanc and Verdelho, and rich fortified wines.
South Australia
Clare Valley
Climate Warm days, cool nights
- Riesling
- Shiraz
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Clare's warm days and cold nights give bone-dry, lime-scented Riesling that ages beautifully, along with firm, savoury Shiraz and Cabernet.
South Australia
Barossa Valley
Climate Warm, dry
- Shiraz
- Grenache
- Mataro (Mourvèdre)
Home to some of the world's oldest Shiraz vines, the Barossa makes rich, generous reds full of dark fruit and spice, and old-vine Grenache and Mataro.
South Australia
Eden Valley
Climate Cool, elevated
Higher and cooler than its Barossa neighbour, Eden Valley is famous for fine, floral Riesling and elegant, perfumed Shiraz.
South Australia
Adelaide Hills
Climate Cool, elevated
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
In the Mount Lofty Ranges above Adelaide, altitude keeps things cool: crisp Sauvignon Blanc, fine Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling.
South Australia
McLaren Vale
Climate Mediterranean, maritime
- Shiraz
- Grenache
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Between the Mount Lofty Ranges and the sea, McLaren Vale's Mediterranean climate gives ripe, generous Shiraz with a savoury edge, and celebrated old-vine Grenache.
South Australia
Langhorne Creek
Climate Moderate, lake breezes
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Shiraz
- Malbec
Cooled by breezes off Lake Alexandrina, Langhorne Creek makes soft, generous reds, and its grapes find their way into many well-known blends.
South Australia
Riverland
Climate Hot, inland
- Shiraz
- Chardonnay
- Alternative varieties
Irrigated by the Murray River, the Riverland is one of Australia's biggest producing regions, and a growing home for Mediterranean and alternative varieties.
South Australia
Coonawarra
Climate Cool, maritime
A narrow strip of red terra rossa soil over limestone gives Coonawarra its famous Cabernet Sauvignon: blackcurrant, mint and fine, firm tannins.
Victoria
Grampians
Climate Cool, continental
Around Great Western, the Grampians has a long history of sparkling wine, including sparkling Shiraz, and makes peppery, medium-bodied still Shiraz.
Victoria
Heathcote
Climate Warm, continental
Deep red Cambrian soils, formed more than 500 million years ago, give Heathcote's Shiraz its depth, structure and dark, plummy fruit.
Victoria
Goulburn Valley
Climate Warm
- Shiraz
- Marsanne
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Along the Goulburn River, including the Nagambie Lakes subregion, known for structured Shiraz and long-lived Marsanne.
Victoria
Macedon Ranges
Climate Very cool, elevated
- Sparkling
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
One of mainland Australia's coolest wine regions, just north-west of Melbourne. Ideal for fine sparkling, taut Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Victoria
Geelong
Climate Cool, maritime
- Pinot Noir
- Chardonnay
- Shiraz
Around Port Phillip and the Bellarine Peninsula, Geelong's cool, windy climate makes intense Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and spicy Shiraz.
Victoria
Yarra Valley
Climate Cool
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Sparkling
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Victoria's first wine region, an hour from Melbourne. Elegant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, fine sparkling, and medium-bodied Cabernet and Shiraz.
Victoria
Mornington Peninsula
Climate Cool, maritime
- Pinot Noir
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Gris
Surrounded by sea on three sides, the Peninsula's cool maritime climate is made for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and textural Pinot Gris.
Victoria
Gippsland
Climate Cool, maritime
A large, sparsely planted region east of Melbourne, with small producers making characterful Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Victoria
King Valley
Climate Cool, alpine foothills
- Prosecco
- Pinot Grigio
- Sangiovese
- Nebbiolo
Settled by Italian families, the King Valley is the home of Australian Prosecco and a hub for Italian varieties like Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.
Victoria
Beechworth
Climate Cool to moderate, elevated
A small, high region in north-east Victoria with a big reputation for powerful, complex Chardonnay and Shiraz.
Victoria
Rutherglen
Climate Hot, continental
- Fortified Muscat and Topaque
- Durif
- Shiraz
Famous for its world-class fortified Muscat and Topaque, aged for decades, and big, inky reds from Durif and Shiraz.
New South Wales & ACT
Riverina
Climate Hot, inland
- Botrytis Semillon
- Shiraz
- Chardonnay
Around Griffith, irrigated vineyards make a large share of Australia's everyday wine, and the region is famous for luscious botrytis Semillon dessert wine.
New South Wales & ACT
Tumbarumba
Climate Cool, high altitude
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Sparkling
In the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, Tumbarumba's high, cool vineyards give fine Chardonnay and base wine for top sparkling.
New South Wales & ACT
Canberra District
Climate Cool, continental
- Shiraz (often with Viognier)
- Riesling
Spanning the ACT and southern NSW, the Canberra District is known for fragrant Shiraz, often co-fermented with a little Viognier, and fine Riesling.
New South Wales & ACT
Hilltops
Climate Continental, elevated
Around Young, Hilltops' elevated vineyards and warm days give deeply coloured, full-flavoured Shiraz and Cabernet.
New South Wales & ACT
Orange
Climate Cool, high altitude
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Noir
- Shiraz
Defined by altitude, with vineyards above 600 metres on the slopes of Mount Canobolas. Crisp whites, Pinot Noir and cool-climate Shiraz.
New South Wales & ACT
Mudgee
Climate Warm, continental
- Shiraz
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
On the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range, Mudgee makes generous, full-bodied reds and rich Chardonnay.
New South Wales & ACT
Hunter Valley
Climate Warm, humid
One of Australia's oldest wine regions. Hunter Semillon is picked early, light in alcohol and ages for decades; Hunter Shiraz is medium-bodied and earthy.
Queensland
Granite Belt
Climate Cool, high altitude
- Shiraz
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Alternative varieties
Queensland's high-country wine region, with vineyards at altitude on granite soils, and a reputation for alternative 'Strange Bird' varieties.
Tasmania
Tasmania
Climate Cool, maritime
- Sparkling
- Pinot Noir
- Chardonnay
- Riesling
Australia's coolest wine state, from the Tamar Valley in the north to the Coal River and Huon valleys in the south. World-class sparkling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling.
Western Australia
Perth Hills
Climate Warm, elevated
- Shiraz
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
In the Darling Range east of Perth, where altitude takes the edge off the heat. Small producers make Shiraz, Cabernet and Chardonnay.
Western Australia
Peel
Climate Warm, Mediterranean
A small region south of Perth around Mandurah and the Peel Inlet, with warm weather suited to Shiraz and Chenin Blanc.
Western Australia
Blackwood Valley
Climate Warm, continental
- Shiraz
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
Inland from Margaret River around Bridgetown and Boyup Brook, with warm days and cool nights for Shiraz, Cabernet and Chardonnay.
Western Australia
Manjimup
Climate Cool, inland
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Merlot
Among the karri and jarrah forests of the south-west, Manjimup's cool climate suits Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot.
South Australia
Southern Flinders Ranges
Climate Warm, elevated
North of the Clare Valley in the foothills of the Flinders Ranges, making full-flavoured Shiraz and Cabernet.
South Australia
Adelaide Plains
Climate Hot, dry
- Shiraz
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
On the flat, warm plains north of Adelaide, making ripe, generous reds and whites.
South Australia
Kangaroo Island
Climate Cool, maritime
- Shiraz
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
Surrounded by the Southern Ocean, the island's maritime climate gives fresh, elegant wines from a small number of producers.
South Australia
Southern Fleurieu
Climate Cool, maritime
- Shiraz
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Noir
South of McLaren Vale, cooled by breezes from two coastlines, making fresh whites and elegant Shiraz.
South Australia
Currency Creek
Climate Moderate, maritime
- Shiraz
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sauvignon Blanc
Near Goolwa and the mouth of the Murray, with sea and lake breezes moderating the warmth.
South Australia
Padthaway
Climate Moderate
On the Limestone Coast, long a source of quality Chardonnay and Shiraz for both blends and estate wines.
South Australia
Mount Benson
Climate Cool, maritime
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Shiraz
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Close to the Southern Ocean near Kingston SE, with cool sea breezes for crisp whites and medium-bodied reds.
South Australia
Robe
Climate Cool, maritime
- Chardonnay
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Shiraz
A small coastal region around the fishing town of Robe, with a cool, maritime climate.
South Australia
Wrattonbully
Climate Moderate
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Shiraz
- Merlot
Just north of Coonawarra, with similar terra rossa soils over limestone, known for Cabernet and Shiraz.
South Australia
Mount Gambier
Climate Cool
- Pinot Noir
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
One of South Australia's coolest regions, near the Victorian border, suited to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Queensland
South Burnett
Climate Warm, subtropical
Queensland's other wine region, around Kingaroy, with warm summers and a mix of reds and whites.
New South Wales & ACT
New England Australia
Climate Cool, high altitude
On the Northern Tablelands, where high vineyards give cool-climate whites and reds.
New South Wales & ACT
Hastings River
Climate Warm, humid
- Chambourcin
- Chardonnay
- Semillon
On the subtropical mid-north coast around Port Macquarie, where humidity favours hardy varieties like Chambourcin.
New South Wales & ACT
Cowra
Climate Warm, continental
Best known for generous, fruit-forward Chardonnay from warm, sunny vineyards.
New South Wales & ACT
Southern Highlands
Climate Cool, elevated
- Pinot Noir
- Chardonnay
- Riesling
In the elevated country south-west of Sydney, cool and relatively wet, suited to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and aromatic whites.
New South Wales & ACT
Shoalhaven Coast
Climate Warm, humid
- Chambourcin
- Chardonnay
- Verdelho
On the NSW South Coast around Nowra and Berry, with warm, humid summers and a mix of varieties including Chambourcin.
New South Wales & ACT
Gundagai
Climate Warm, continental
Between the Riverina and the high country, making full-bodied Shiraz and Cabernet.
New South Wales & ACT
Perricoota
Climate Hot, inland
- Shiraz
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
On the NSW side of the Murray River near Moama, a warm region making generous reds and whites.
Victoria
Murray Darling
Climate Hot, inland
- Chardonnay
- Shiraz
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Straddling the Victoria–NSW border around Mildura, one of Australia's biggest producing regions, irrigated by the Murray.
Victoria
Swan Hill
Climate Hot, inland
Along the Murray around Swan Hill, straddling Victoria and NSW, with warm, irrigated vineyards.
Victoria
Glenrowan
Climate Hot, continental
Next to Rutherglen in north-east Victoria, known for robust reds and fortified wines.
Victoria
Alpine Valleys
Climate Cool to moderate, valleys
- Italian and alternative varieties
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Gris
Valleys at the foot of the Victorian Alps around Myrtleford and Bright, known for Italian and alternative varieties.
Victoria
Strathbogie Ranges
Climate Cool, elevated
Granite hills between Nagambie and the high country, cool and elevated, making Riesling, Shiraz and sparkling base.
Victoria
Upper Goulburn
Climate Cool, elevated
- Chardonnay
- Riesling
- Pinot Noir
Around Mansfield and Lake Eildon in the foothills of the Alps, making cool-climate whites and reds.
Victoria
Bendigo
Climate Warm, continental
Historic gold-rush country, where warm days make rich Shiraz and Cabernet.
Victoria
Pyrenees
Climate Warm, continental
Around Avoca and Moonambel in western Victoria, known for robust Shiraz and Cabernet.
Victoria
Sunbury
Climate Cool, windy
Just north-west of Melbourne, cool and windy, known for elegant Shiraz and Chardonnay.
Victoria
Henty
Climate Very cool, maritime
- Riesling
- Pinot Noir
- Sparkling
In Victoria's far south-west, one of mainland Australia's coolest wine regions, known for fine Riesling, Pinot Noir and sparkling.