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Approximately 800 million of the 1.2 to 1.3 billion litres of wine produced each year are exported to foreign markets, making the Australian wine industry one of the biggest exporters of wine in the world. Through production, jobs, exports, and tourism, the wine business makes a substantial contribution to the Australian economy.
With more than 60 designated wine regions covering roughly 160,000 hectares, wine is produced in every state in Australia. However, the majority of the country's wine regions are in the cooler, southern regions, with vineyards found in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, and Queensland.
Each of these states' wine regions, which include soil types, topography, and climatic variations, generate a variety of wine styles and varieties that capitalise on the unique terroir. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Semillon, Pinot noir, Riesling, and Sauvignon blanc are the most common types. Check out some interesting and popular wine brands when touring australia.
Penfolds
Without Penfolds, it wouldn't be a list of the top Australian wine brands. Since 1844, the most recognisable red wine producer in the country has been producing amazing liquor, and the Barossa Valley icon has only become better over the years. Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold were the first to create premium Australian wines. Although it produces a range of wines, such as Chardonnay and Riesling, it is most recognised for its Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and red blends. You can get them in India for 6,000 - 15,000 INR excluding taxes.
Jacob’s Creek
One of Australia's top international wine brands, Jacob's Creek has received numerous accolades throughout its 45-year history. The winery in the Barossa Valley is Australia's most well-known wine region. This wine uses grapes from various wine-growing locations in southeast Australia to produce sophisticated, modern wines with excellent varietal expression. It costs around 2,000-2,500 INR. A real symbol of New World wines, Jacob's Creek has been a part of Pernod Ricard since 1989.
St Hugo
When the vineyard started bottling wine in 1983, it chose to follow the European custom of naming wineries after saints, which is how it got its unusual saint —named for wine pioneer Hugo Gramp. Known for its St Hugo Single Vineyard wines that have won awards, the label has recently partnered with Australia's F1 legend Daniel Ricciardo. Fans soon realised that the DR3 range is genuinely the result of excellent viticulture, even though the collection may have begun as a chance for celebrity endorsements. You can get a bottle at 3,000 - 10,000 INR depending on the bottle availability.
Vasse Felix
Vasse Felix was founded in 1967 by wine pioneer Dr Tom Cullity in Margaret River, now one of the world's most renowned wine districts. The vineyard is well-known for its red and white wines, but Cabernet Sauvignon is perhaps its best-selling product. You can get it in India for 4,000 INR. Its taste is characterised by raspberries, vanilla beans, and wine tannins, while its scent is characterised by ripe berries, black fruits, and floral notes.
Grant Burge
Since its founding in 1988, Grant Burge Wines, situated in the heart of the famed Barossa Valley, has produced sophisticated, award-winning wines. In addition to producing a wide range of white wines, such as chardonnays and pintos, its winemakers also produce outstanding red wines, such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Grenache, and well-known red blends. You can get all under 5,000 INR.
Yalumba
The origin of Yalumba was thousands of miles distant. This is because Samuel Smith, a British beer maker who had immigrated to Australia from Wareham, Dorset, England, founded this winery in the Barossa Valley in 1847. Unsurprisingly, the label has survived because Yalumba, Australia's oldest family-run winery, is home to an amazing variety of vineyards and grape varietals. The Caley Cabernet Shiraz 2016, which won Cabernet Shiraz of the Year and received 99 points in the 2022 Halliday Wine Companion awards, is the true jewel for those new to Yalumba. It costs around 1,500 - 3,000 INR.
Wynns Coonawarra Estate
The history of Coonawarra Estate started in 1891 when winemaker John Riddoch, born in Scotland, developed grapes in the Coonawarra region. The winery has established a reputation for producing complex, highly prized wines over the past century. The Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon is among its best-selling varieties. Premium wines can cost upto or more than 10,000 INR. It is renowned for its taste in wood, chocolate, raspberries, and black currants.
Brokenwood Wines
Brokenwood Wines was one of the Hunter Valley's most well-known vineyards when it first debuted in 1970. That dedication to quality still exists today. Although the winery produces various wines, its reds—Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz—draw visitors. In India, you can easily get these at 30,000 INR. Its red berry, wine tannins, and mildly acidic flavour characteristics make its Pinot Noir well recognised.
Henschke Wines
The sixth generation of the Henschke family to run this winery founded by winemaker Johann Henschke. The well-known Australian brand Henschke Wines has been manufacturing wine for over 150 years. As producers of red, dessert, and white wines, the brand is mostly focused on the latter these days. Grenache, Cabernet, and a Shiraz blend are the mainstays of its offering costing 7,000 - 15,000 INR.
