The Wine industry

In just 200 years, Australia's wine industry has grown from a few small plantings to an industry renowned throughout the world for quality, innovation and depth. Indeed, Australia is always part of the top ten wine producing countries in the world. So if you go to Australia, I have only one thing to tell you : go visit some vines and drink well !

( ! Attention ! Alcohol is to be dunk moderately and can't be consumed by young people under 18 in Australia) 

Origins of the Wine industry :
Wine was imported to Australia by the settlers. As Australia had no native grape varieties suitable for wine-making, grapes were imported from Europe and much of the wine produced was shipped back to the United Kingdom.
Encouraged by early successes, settlers gradually established vineyards on the island, between 1820 and 1840.

The discovery of gold in eastern Australia in 1852 initially meant a temporary loss of labour from vineyards. However, as the population was increasing, vineyards begun to expand their operations to supply the diggers' demands.
The Land Selection Acts passed in the colonies between 1860 and 1872 led to a rapid expansion of vineyards as land was unlocked for development; between 1851 and 1871 the area under vines increased from 2,510 hectares to 6,880 hectares and export of Australian wines to England increased dramatically.

The coming of the Federation in 1901 removed trade barriers between the states and expanded the market for wines.
In 1925, the British government allowed preferential duty for Empire wines, meaning that Australia could now economically export fortified wines; this stimulated even more the industry.

During World War Two, exports to Britain almost ceased due to a lack of shipping space. But the end of the Second World War saw an influx of European immigrants into Australia, bringing new skills in wine production.

From the mid-1970s to today, Australia's love affair with wine has continued to grow. The industry is stronger than ever, employing thousands of people. It has now become a lifestyle; there are even some wine festivals.        

               

Australia is such a large country that almost every climate and soil type can be found. This means that they are able to produce most of the major wine types, from red wines to white wines, fortified wines, sweet wines and sparkling wines.