Australian Wine

The Australian wine industry is a major contributor to Australia's economy, exporting over 400,000,000 liters a year.

Fast Facts

1. Australia has nearly 2000 wineries
2. 130 different types of grapes used by Australian winemakers
3. Fourth largest exporter in world
4. Most Famous: Penfolds Grange

Characteristics or History

• 1788: The first wine-making from the grape vines was attempted and failed.
• 1820s: The first wines were made and sold to consumers.
• 1822: The first wines were exported by Gregory Blaxland, who also was the first to win an overseas award.
• 1882: Australian wine won a first class, gold medal at the Bordeaux International Exhibition
• 1889: Australian wine won a first class, gold medal at the Paris International Exhibition
• The industry struggled until the 1970s due to the phylloxera epidemic, which was due to small insects that infest grape vines, causing them to wilt and die.

Categories