Welcome to Australia, home of some of the best wines in the world, the oldest plantings of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre, and to some of the world’s biggest misconceptions. As the Australian’s market share falls for the first time in almost a decade, the Australians came to town hoping to prop up their wines by letting everyone know: “we are more than those drink now critter wines we have become known for.” That Australia is about regionality and not just a general country designation; you should be able to say I like Margaret River Cabs and not just Australian Cabs. And finally, Australia wanted to inform us that they are vacating the “low end” part of the market, “the Chileans and Argentineans are doing a better job down there anyway.”

But enough of the baffle-gab, what did the wines have to offer and are they worth the money? I sat down during a “Masterclass” where 20 wines were poured and discussed, with another handful served with food later on … the following evening I found myself at the Consumer Show where I tried a few more worthy wines... (Read more)

 To read about more interesting adventures thru the world of wine check out the On the Road With the Grape Guy blog.