Cool Climate/Elevation 500-650m The Macedon region, an hour’s drive north east of Melbourne, is regarded as one of the coolest mainland wine regions – so cool that viticulture was considered a risky venture. By the early 1980s a number of enthusiasts had already debunked the theory and planted vineyards – mostly to the early ripening varieties Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Mount Macedon is 1000 metres high. Most of the vineyards are elevated to around 500 to 650 metres with frost risks fairly high in early spring and late autumn. Rainfall is around 890mm. Ripening is the major issue. Some early plantings of Cabernet have been grafted over to Pinot Noir. The region has become noted for its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and sparkling wines. Andrew Caillard MW, Langton's

<p>The reds are tannic and structured. The village-level wines have aroma of almond and strawberry, while the premier crus tend to have more floral bouquets (violet). Notes of chestnuts and prunes develop with age.</p>

<p>Cool climate/Elevation 300-800m The Hilltops and Canberra District wine regions in the south of New South Wales are located on the flanks of Great Dividing Range. Wine growing is a relatively recent phenomenon, the first vineyards planted in the late 1960s. Although described as a cool-climate area, summers are often hot with prolonged sunshine hours. The Hilltops region is located on south-western slopes. Mc William&rsquo;s Barwang vineyard is an exemplary site. The Canberra district located on elevated tablelands (about 500m) is much drier during the growing season requiring irrigation. Spring frosts can be a problem, although most vineyards have been rigorously sited. Soils are granitic to sedimentary. Clonakilla Shiraz-Viognier epitomizes the sheer potential of this district. Andrew Caillard MW, Langton's</p>

Cool climate/Elevation 450m The Eden Valley, a sub region of the Barossa, is situated in the Barossa Range to the east overlooking the Barossa Valley. Because the topography is so varied and the climate neatly balanced, it produces a range of excellent wines. The soils in the Eden Valley are derived from schistic and sedimentary rock. They are mostly red clay soils and sandy silty loams interspersed with schistic gravels. This region is widely known for its Riesling as the high altitude and cool climate of the region produces wines with great complexity and capacity for long-term cellaring. The Eden Valley is also emerging as an important area for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Water availability is a limiting factor in the spread of vineyards. Andrew Caillard MW, Langton's