Overview of Australian Wine Industry:
Australia was first settled by Europeans in 1770 with the first grapevine being introduced in 1788 at Sydney Cove. The 1788 plantings were the start of a wine industry that would ultimately see Australia produce and export 800 million litres annually. There are 2300 wineries in Australia with a total of vineyard area of 172,676 Hectares.
History:
Commercial Vineyards were established in most states in the 1850’s with the first Export of Wine from Australia being in 1854 to England (6,291 litres). In 1875 a major shake up of the European wine industry occurred with two thirds of Europes vineyards being destroyed by Phylloxera. Although Phylloxera did have an impact on Australia, South Australia and hence the Barossa was not affected by this disease. As a result Barossa now retains some of the worlds oldest vineyard and produces a significant amount of Australias total wine output.
The Barossa:
The first township in the Barossa was established in 1842 with vines being planted shortly after. The Barossa is now home to some 150 wineries varying in size from Boutique wineries to the larger well known names such as Penfolds and Wolf Blass. Barossa specialises in red wines, Shiraz in particular with International recognition as a producer of unique rich and full flavoured wines. Other popular red varietals include, Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Although we are well known for our reds don’t forget our whites! Popular white varietals include Chardonnay and Riesling.