Australian Wine Regions -- An Introduction and Overview

Australia's appellation system divides the country into nine Geographical Indications ("GI's"). These are technically divided into zones, which are further divided into regions, which occasionally break down into smaller sub-regions. As a practical matter, maps and reference guides often use the terms zone and region interchangeably. We, however, will try to remain nerdly and more precise.
The nine GI's are essentially the seven states of Australia plus a few, and are specifically (1) South Eastern Australia, (2) South Australia, (3) New South Wales, (4) Western Australia, (5) Queensland, (6) Victoria, (7) Tasmania, (8) Northern Territory, and (9) Australian Capital Territory.
1. The South Eastern Australia wine region is referred to as a super zone and is comprised of all of New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania as well as parts of South Australia and Queensland. How is this useful, you wonder. Well, if, for example, a Shiraz label has South Eastern Australia on it, you will now be a smarty pants and know that the wine is a blend of Shiraz from any two or more of the aforementioned zones.
2. The South Australia wine region is divided into the seven zones (and some better know regions within the zones) of Barossa (Barossa Valley and Eden Valley), Far North (Southern Flinders Ranges), Fleurieu (Kangaroo Island, Langhorne Creek, and McLaren Vale), Limestone Coast (Coonawarra, Padthaway, and Wrattonbully), Lower Murray (Riverland), Mt. Lofty Ranges (Adelaide Hills, Adelaide Plains, and Clare Valley), and The Peninsulas.
3. The New South Wales wine region is divided into the eight zones (and regions within) of Big Rivers (Murray Darling, Riverina, and Swan Hill), Central Ranges (Mudgee and Orange), Hunter Valley, Northern Rivers, Northern Slopes, South Coast, Southern New South Wales (Tumbarumba - couldn't resist noting that region), and Western Plains. A number of varietals are planted throughout NSW including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Semillon. In addition to several popular bulk wine producers, one of the most fabulous producers exporting to the U.S. from NSW is Brokenwood, which has its winery and main vineyards in Hunter Valley, but also sources grapes from cooler nearby Victoria. Wine production in NSW is both old and new. For example, vines were planted in Hunter Valley in the early 1800's and in Mudgee in the 1850's, while Riverina saw its first vines around 1913 and Tumbarumba not until 1982.
4. The Western Australia wine region contains the five zones (and regions within) of Central Western Australia, Eastern Plains-Inland and North of Western Australia, Greater Perth (Peel, Perth Hills, and Swan District), South West Australia (Geographe, Great Southern, Manjimup, Margaret River, and Pemberton), and West Australian South East Coastal.
5. The Queensland wine region does indeed have winemaking occurring in the two zones of Granite Belt and South Burnett.
6. The Victoria wine region is divided into the six zones (and regions within) of Central Victoria (Bendigo, Goulburn Valley, Heathcote, Strathbogie Ranges, and Upper Goulburn), Gippsland, North East Victoria (Rutherglen), North West Victoria (Murray Darling and Swan Hill), Port Phillip (Geelong, Macedon Ranges, Mornington Peninsula, Sunbury, and Yarra Valley), and Western Victoria (Grampians, Henty, and Pyrenees). Phylloxera decimated Victorian vineyards in the late 1870's. Most of the current rootstock derives from the U.S. There are many superior producers throughout the GI, most of whom re-established starting in the 1950's. Victoria has a number of terrific calling cards. Rutherglen produces wonderful fortified muscats and tokays. (Chambers, Campbells, Buller, Stanton & Killeen) Port Phillip's generally cooler climate is home to some lovely single varietal Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet blends as well as Pinot Noir. (Yarra Yering, Mount Mary, Yering Station, Craiglee) Central and Western Victoria are known for cool climate Shiraz, Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines including Chardonnay/Pinot blends as well as sparkling Shiraz. (Tahbilk, Dalwhinnie, Fowles, Taltarni, Jasper Hill, Mt. Langi Ghiran).
7. The Tasmania wine region
8. Northern Territory
9.Australian Capital Territory