Australia

The rugged Outback. Wild crocodiles and kangaroos. The Great Barrier Reef. While these may be the first images that come to mind when you think of the “Land Down Under,” Australia is also enjoying an international reputation for world-class wines. In fact, Australia is among the Top 10 wine producing nations today.

Most of Australia’s wine is produced in the southern part of the country, where river valleys are bathed in sun and cooled by ocean breezes; however, a range of climates and soil types supports grape and wine production in 60 regions throughout the country.

Shiraz is Australia’s most prominent grape, followed by Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The country’s wine culture inspires festivals in major wine regions and draws multitudes of wine-loving tourists from around the world.