GUIDEBOOK TO THE WINE REGIONS
Featured Regions
Mornington
Peninsula
YARRA
VALLEY
GEELONG
HENTY
The Rest of the Guidebook
Derwent River
Situated around Hobart, the Derwent Valley stretches north west from the capital, following the river. It is similar in climate and topography to the Coal River Valley, which lies just over the hills of the Meehan Ranges to the east.
Coal River
Stretching north and slightly east of Hobart is the Coal River Valley. Centred around the picturesque township of Richmond, the Coal River Valley is home to some of Tasmania's most prestigious wineries.
East Coast
As the name suggests, the East Coast region runs along the east coast of Tasmania, from St Helens in the north, down to Port Arthur in the south, and to the east of Sorell.
Tamar Valley
From the city of Launceston in Tasmania's north, the Tamar River winds it way to the coast, eventually spilling into the Bass Strait. The river neatly bisects the Tamar Valley wine region which is planted all the way along, from Launceston to the coast.
Langhorne Creek
Inland from the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula, and only 70kms from Adelaide, you’ll find the Langhorne Creek wine region. It sits between the Adelaide Hills to the west, and Lake Alexandrina to the east – a large body of water that has a major influence on the climatic conditions of the region.
Clare Valley
Like so many wine regions in South Australia, the Clare Valley is one of the oldest in the country. It sits nestled in the northern end of the Mount Lofty Ranges, about 120 kms due north of Adelaide. Interestingly, the Clare Valley sits by itself, unconnected to any other GI Zones or regions.
Northern Rhône
The Northern Rhône is the home of Syrah (known as Shiraz here in Australia) and can produce complex, elegant wines that are capable of aging for decades in the cellar. These examples tend to be spicier and more savoury than most Australian Shiraz
Provence
Provence is a region with a rich winemaking history dating back over 2600 years. The region is most known for its pale-pink rose wines which are exported all over the world.
Auvergne
Wines from Auvergne are rare and very difficult to find in Australia but the reds can make a great alternative to Beaujolais and the whites would be up the alley of any Chardonnay lover. This beautiful region is on the rise with many younger.
Corsica
The “French” island of Corsica is unique in many ways. Aside from its terroir and climate, it also happens to be closer to Italy, which is why the varieties planted here are often of Italian descent - Nielluccio (Sangiovese) and Vermentinu (Vermentino).
Champagne
Champagne is a region that needs no introduction. It is the gold-standard of sparkling wine in the world. Champagne is what one drinks in both success and defeat. Many people don’t realise how broad the wines from Champagne.
Alsace
Alsace is the home of Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer, in both dry and sweet styles as well as making some exceptional dry Rieslings. The German influence in Alsace is evident in the varieties planted, the steepness of vineyard plantings and the architecture of the region.
VALLE D’AOSTA
Valle d’Aosta is Italy’s smallest and least populated region tucked away in the Alps on the border with France. Its obscure indigenous varietals alongside some French varietals, interesting terroir and the fact that the region has avoided the hype that many of its neighbours have enjoyed make this a fantastic region for wine nerds to explore and find some hidden gems.
ABRUZZO
Abruzzo is a region with a long history of winemaking dating as far back to the sixth century BC to the Etruscans and has had many ups and downs in its viticultural history. Today Abruzzo can produce some reliable and easy drinking white and red wines but also some complex and ageworthy examples at the top end.
UMBRIA
Often called the “green heart” of Italy, Umbria is a landlocked region producing deeplytraditional reds and compelling white wines, especially from Orvieto.
TUSCANY
Tuscany needs no introduction. It is home to some of Italy’s most iconic wines — from the historic Sangiovese-based Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino to the modern Super Tuscans. Elegant, ageworthy reds define the region.
TRENTINO-SUD TIROL
A German-speaking enclave in northern Italy, this alpine region produces crisp whites,precise reds, and excellent sparkling wines. Its clean, mountain-influenced style makes it one of the most consistent regions for fresh, food-friendly wines.
SICILY
One of Italy’s most dynamic wine regions, Sicily has transformed its image in recent decades from bulk production to a hotbed of quality, particularly on Etna and in the west. Diverse soils, grapes and microclimates make it an exciting region for exploration.