Australian wine regions and alternative grape varieties

Australian vineyards are established in a wide range of climates, reflecting the diverse environments of this vast continent. This climatic diversity is reflected in the large number of grape varieties grown and the large range of wine styles produced.

There are around 2500 wineries in Australia, ranging in size from huge to very small. They are are scattered across the country with major clusters in well known regions and isolated vineyards and small groups of wineries in most parts of Australia except the tropical north and the arid interior. Applying a European stle template over such a heterogeneous pattern of distribution is difficult.

The process of setting up legal definitions of Australian wine regions, known as Geographic Indications is nearly complete. But this is just the first step in developing an industry and an informaed buying public based around the production, marketing, and appreciation of wines with regional characteristics.

By accident or design wine varieties tend to get clustered into particular regions. In the newer regions there seems to be more experimentation as the entrepreneurs and pioneers try to match terroir with appropriate varieties. Much of this process is still in the experimental phase. In regions with established reputations this tends not happen. Coonawarra, for example, is almost completely devoted to classic varieties. When you are on such a good thing why change?

The happy hunting grounds for Vinodiversity are in the newer regions, those where no vines were grown until relatively recently, or where there has been an influx of new growers and makers. Here grape growers and winemakers are striving to make their mark.

The new entrants need to be doing something to distinguish themselves from the pack. They cannot compete on price with the big companies so they need to find another selling point. Some are turning to new grape varieties and the results of their adventures are waiting in bottles for us to share. Vinodiversity provides an alternative guide to the major Australian wine regions. These guides concentrate on the wines made from the lesser known varieties. We hope this guide will enhance your wine touring, and improve your appreciation of what the wide range of terroirs in Australia can offer.

It is time for you to join in and share the adventure. Start by exploring a few of the wine regions mentioned at right. You will be guided to those innovative wineries who are using alternative varieties of wine grapes

See this list of books for touring Australian wine regions from Amazon