<p>Hot climate/Elevation 75-250m The Hunter Valley is the most important quality wine-producing region in New South Wales. Although it can be hot, the cloud and rainfall patterns modify the microclimate remarkably. The area is maritime influenced with afternoon sea breezes funnelling up through the Hunter River/Goulburn River Gap. Rainfall is very erratic and can arrive at the most inopportune time. Soils are generally rich volcanic and alluvial soils. The best vineyard sites appear to be located within sight of the imposing Brokenback Range, where they are exposed to cool sea breezes. Further inland is hotter and drier. Hunter Valley Shiraz and Semillons can be exceptional. Some producers have success with Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Andrew Caillard MW, Langton's</p>

<p><b>The Grampians</b></p> Located in western Central Victoria, the Grampians was settled during the gold rush of the 1850’s. Indeed the vivid history of the gold rush is inextricably intertwined with the history of viticulture in the region. Seppelt at Great Western, one of the region’s iconic wineries was built at the end of the gold rush when scores of out-of-work prospectors excavated its extensive drives and cellars. The "drives" completed in 1932, stretch for three kilometres and provide perfect conditions for the maturation of sparkling wine, for which the region is well-known. The climate of the Grampians is Mediterranean and essentially cool with vineyards situated at elevations ranging from 240 to 350m. The region experiences long sunshine hours and low rainfall necessitating supplementary irrigation. Soils in the region range from weathered volcanic soils to sandy and red c

<p><b>The Grampians</b></p> Located in western Central Victoria, the Grampians was settled during the gold rush of the 1850’s. Indeed the vivid history of the gold rush is inextricably intertwined with the history of viticulture in the region. Seppelt at Great Western, one of the region’s iconic wineries was built at the end of the gold rush when scores of out-of-work prospectors excavated its extensive drives and cellars. The "drives" completed in 1932, stretch for three kilometres and provide perfect conditions for the maturation of sparkling wine, for which the region is well-known. The climate of the Grampians is Mediterranean and essentially cool with vineyards situated at elevations ranging from 240 to 350m. The region experiences long sunshine hours and low rainfall necessitating supplementary irrigation. Soils in the region range from weathered volcanic soils to sandy and red c

Cool maritime climate/Elevation 10-100m Geelong is located about 80km southwest of Melbourne and was established in 1842. By the late 1870s phylloxera was discovered. The area was re-established in the late 1960s. It is Bannockburn Vineyards, however, that put this region on the quality map in the mid-1980s. The region is very cool and the chill factor over winter is bone crunching. In spring, blustery cool winds are quite prevalent and can affect flowering and fruit set. Soils are diverse: mostly volcanic over limestone with some lesser quality black soils. Rainfall is moderate and even throughout the calendar year. Geelong is a disparate wine region with too few stand-out wines to define its style. The best wines seem to be made from Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Chardonnay. Andrew Caillard MW, Langton's