Fact one, wines have been around for more than 6,000 years, but Australia hadn’t produced a few of its own until a couple of centuries back. Ever since, these wines have taken the world by storm, flooring some of the highest rated wineries that had been around for way longer. But what made Australian wines so popular so early? What are the unique things that have helped Australia’s wine industry grow from just a few small plantings to a fully-flourished industry known for its quality and innovative wine styles? Let’s get a bit deep into the Australian wine facts that you may not know just yet.
- Australia’s first grape vines were planted in 1788 at Sydney’s Farm Cove. These vines were brought by Captain Philip in one of the ships of the First Fleet.
- The Australian continent is blessed with some of the oldest soils on Earth and most varying climatic conditions. Together, they have beautifully supported more than 100 varied grape varieties planted across 65 wine regions around the country.
- Though Shiraz (Syrah) wine grape has its origins in France, it is Australia which is known for having the oldest Shiraz vines on the planet. Planted in the mid-1800s, these vines continue to produce the finest of wine grapes till date. Just imagine, how much pampered those 200-year old vines would be!
- Langmeil Freedom vineyard, founded in 1843 in the Barossa Valley wine region, is the oldest vineyard in Australia.
- About 60 percent of Australia’s wine production, which comes to around 2 million wine bottles, is exported every day from Australia to 111 international markets. This also leads to another fact, stating that people all around the world consume 30 million glasses, and more, of Aussie wines every day.
- Surprisingly, 25 Australian vineyard areas are colder than France’s Bordeaux. The highest and the coolest vineyards in the country are located in the Granite Belt region in Queensland.
- Shiraz and Chardonnay grapes are grown in all of the 65 wine regions of Australia.
- Penfolds 2004 Kalimna Block 42 Cabernet Sauvignon is the most expensive bottle of Australian wine, which sold for a whopping $168,000 in 2012.
Which Australian wine fact surprised you the most? Tell us about it by leaving a reply below.
