Wherever people go to settle new outposts and to start new lives, it seems they take grapes with them. The Romans started vineyards whenever they conquered a new land, the Spanish planted grapes when they colonized California, and the British did the same when they moved into Australia.

Australia was originally a Dutch colony called New Holland. Since the two countries were so often at war during the 18th century, Australia eventually fell to the British who established a penal colony there at Fort Jackson on Botany Bay. Needing to become self-sufficient, the convict colonists brought grapes with them, along with the other staples they would need to plant and cultivate vegetables and fruit to feed themselves.

Origins

The year 1788 is given as the year winemaking arrived in Australia, making it one of the oldest wine producing regions outside of Europe. The original vineyards, planted in what is now the Sydney Botanic Garden, failed because of poor soil. Better ground was found west of Sydney along the Parramatta River and to the north in the Hunter Valley. In 1800, the British shipped over two French prisoners of war who claimed to be winemakers who advised Australian authorities how to produce better vintages. The problems of soil and plant disease had plagued efforts to expand winemaking beyond the vineyards maintained by the island governors and others.

Modern Developments

A free planter, Gregory Blaxland, has the distinction of producing the first Australian wine for export in 1822, about 26 gallons sent to London. He also helped to modernize the country's wine industry and won an award for his efforts in 1828. The traditional Australian wine grape is the Shiraz and the country is known for its alcohol-rich red wines. The Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation is responsible for promoting the industry, and it has done a good job with Australian wines being some of the most trendy these days.

Today vineyards can be found in all the regions of the country, but the southern states of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia generally are regarded as the country's premier wine region.

Wine lovers do not have to rely on exports, however. There are a number of commercially available wine tours of the Australian wine country and outback. These tours take visitors on four-wheel-drive excursions to farms and to visit wineries. As with any good vacation, these tours combine wine with sight seeing.

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