Western Australia
Australia
Connect with Western Australia:
Western Australia is the country’s largest state, occupying just under one-third of Australia’s total landmass (an area of 965,000 square miles). There are nine wine regions in Western Australia, concentrated in the southwest of the state, which produce nearly one quarter of Australia’s fine wines. Warm to hot temperatures with cooling bay winds from the west allow the vines to cool in the evening for even ripening. The range of soil types includes limestone and limestone-based sands.
Region
13,225 hectares of growing area
9 appellations
People
500 grape growers
400 wine producers
300+ wineries
Production
45 million liters crushed
Impact
$684 million AUD in wine value (2010)
Primary Grape Varietals
Riesling
Chardonnay
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Shiraz
Malbec
Merlot
Chenin Blanc
Verdelho
Unique Fact
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Vines were first planted in 1829, less than 20 kilometers east of Perth in the Swan District. Today, Western Australian wine regions are popular tourism destinations because of the great synergy with West Australian lifestyle and premium food and wine. Western Australia is responsible for producing less than 5% of the total wine crush in Australia but accounts for approximately 20% of the ultra premium segment of the market. Wine is the largest value-adding horticulture industry in Western Australia.
