Australia's wine roadmap is vast, with regions dotted across the southern half of a continent taking in a wondrous range of scenery, grape varieties and climatic conditions. The more than 50 vineyard regions cover seven of the country's eight states and territories, and run from sun-kissed Western Australia to rugged Queensland.
There are world-famous wine-producing regions such Margaret River in Western Australia, the Barossa Valley in South Australia, Victoria's Yarra Valley and the Hunter as well as exciting emerging districts like Beechworth (Victoria), Orange (New South Wales) and the Granite Belt (Queensland). Most Australian wineries have cellar doors offering tastings; some free, some for a small fee that's refundable after a purchase. It's during these tastings that people also discover a variety of characters; from science boffins to salt-of-the-earth farmers.
While Australia remains best known for its shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, some new varieties such as sangiovese, tempranillo and vermentino are making an impact. So if you're planning a tour of the country, where should the starting point be? A good place is Margaret River where wineries such as Cullen, Vasse Felix, Cape Mentelle and Leeuwin Estate produce world-class cabernets and dry white wines made from blending s?millon and sauvignon blanc. Stay at Cape Lodge or Windmills Break and make sure to enjoy a meal at the Must winebar.
After a side-trip to small wineries of the Great Southern region, cross the Nullarbor Plain to the state of South Australia - home to many of the greatest names in Australian wine - including Henschke, Yalumba and Penfolds. There are several well-known wine districts within a couple of hours of the state capital of Adelaide, including the Clare Valley, the neighbouring Barossa and Eden Valleys, the Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale - all with their distinctive character.
The Barossa has German heritage and produces dark, inky and powerful wines made from shiraz and grenache. Stay at the ultra-luxe The Louise resort, dine at the Appellation restaurant and sample wines from John Duval, Elderton, Glaetzer and Kalleske as well as big names such as Penfolds, Peter Lehmann and Jacob's Creek.
In McLaren Vale, to the south of Adelaide, Coriole, d'Arenberg, Chapel Hill and Wirra Wirra are among the stars, while Fino at Willunga is a great restaurant.