Australia
Though not meant as a term of endearment, the 1964 book The Lucky Country gave Australians a phrase to describe their beloved homeland and it was adopted with patriotic fervour. Those in the school of thought that luck is a by-product of hard work will get on well with Australia's wine community. Vineyards in all six states and a dedication to the highest levels of scientific research and development make Australia's contribution to wine as important as it is prodigious.
With 160,000 hectares under vine Australia has several regions that warrant the attention of thirsty consumers. New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia all boast significant wine-growing areas while Tasmania and Western Australia have been quietly developing a style all of their own. While most famous for Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay the grapes that Australia does not produce are easier to remember than those it does, and there is an Australian wine for every palate, and every wallet.
