Hi I'm Darby Higgs, and I just love finding, tasting and discussing new and different wine varieties. I like shiraz, but there's lots more to life. See more about me here

Yes, Australia makes great Shiraz, but there's lots more to enjoy. Over 140 grape varieties are used to make wine in Australia, but most people can only name about a dozen...And that's probably all they are game to try.

What are they missing out on?

Wine is a special product in that every wine is different. The more you focus on the diversity, and the more you seek it out the more you will enjoy wine.

You don't need to be a wine bore who drinks the same variety day after day, year after year.

Sure, the classic varieties can be good, but there's a whole world of enjoyment if you dare to be different.

Australia's Varietal wine scene

Of the 2500-plus wineries in Australia about half use at least one 'alternative variety.' On this website you will find out

• what these varieties are
• who is making them
• where to get them
• how best to enjoy them
• where to find more information about these varietals

Vinodiversity is the only website solely about Australian wines made from alternative grape varieties. There are over a hundred of these described on this site.

In its short history of just over 200 years the Australian wine industry has undergone a bewildering number of changes. There have been booms and busts, pestilence, taxes and economic crises. It's always been changing, but never so rapidly as it is today.

The industry is getting much bigger, but a new wave of innovation is happening; more and more wines are being made with different varieties.

The classical (read French) varieties still dominate. You know the names - Chardonnay, Cabernet, Pinot noir. Even our own Shiraz is really the French Syrah. But there are about a hundred newcomers bursting onto the scene.

The largest group of new varieties are from Italy, but there are interesting varieties now growing from lesser known French wine areas, from other European wine regions, and even a few varieties from Australia.

Nearly half of Australian wineries are making wine from new varieties, and the proportion is increasing. Some of these innovators are using brand new varieties, some are reviving old vines, others are importing varieties from other regions, but they are all innovators.

What is Vinodiversity?

Vinodiversity is a web site, a philosophy and even a path to enlightenment.

Once you have the spirit of Vinodiversity you need never drink boring wine again. Every new Australian wine you try will add to your knowledge and enjoyment. You will be open to new experiences and you will realise that wine is an enjoyable learning experience as well as a treat for your senses. You will be better able to share your experiences with others.

By discovering these wines now you will amaze your friends as well as getting some bargain wine. You can find out what to look for in a new variety.

• Who are the producers of these new varietals?
• Which Australian wine regions are taking off?
• Where can you find these wines?
• How do you get more information about a rare variety?
• What does all this information on the label mean?

Stay ahead of the crowd. Let Vinodiversity.com be your guide to Australian wine from unusual varieties.

Check out the sections on the navigation bar at the left or at the bottom of this page.

Perhaps you should check out the list of varieties described on this site...

...or maybe see which wineries are leading the innovators in your favourite wine region

Wine is best enjoyed when you share it. Share your knowledge about Australian varietal wines.

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