Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley will always be a special place to me: I was born and raised in Newcastle, my wife and I were married at Pepper's Creek, my family still live there, and it produces some incredible wine. Hunter Semillon is a unique and incredible variety, one of the longest living white wines in the world. Hunter Shiraz is traditionally earthy and modern expressions are elegant and medium bodied. While Pinot Noir is all but impossible to produce in warm climates, Tyrrell's and Mount Pleasant produce examples in good years that can be phenomenal.
Canberra Region
I was initially disappointed that I discovered wine AFTER moving from the Hunter Valley. My wife and I went on a wine tour and weren't bowled over by some of the places we visited. Some of the best places unfortunately do not not (yet) have cellar doors, but that doesn't mean they don't produce some great wines.
Victoria
My initial interests in Victoria were exclusively Pinot Noir. I haven't been a great fan of the 'big, bold Aussie Shiraz'. I much prefer the delicacy of the lighter examples. I have recently been exploring European varietals perfectly suited to the Rutherglen/King Valley areas. Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Arneis et al are all well worth exploring from these producers.
South Australia
My tastes have evolved to include a number of styles from South Australia, mainly Riesling and Shiraz, and some Cabernet Sauvignon and blends.
Western Australia
