Although Australian have been known to be large beer drinkers, we are also lovers of fine wine. There are approximately 10,000 different varieties of Australian wines, as well as alcoholic lemonade made from Australian lemon crops, and a beverage made from rhubarb. You can also purchase imported wines, beers or spirits, however when you are there it is highly recommended that you purchase an Australian brand. There are also many non alcoholic drinks for those that prefer to take the healthy route or are nominated as the designated driver.

White Wine: This was the first wine introduced to Australians in the 1960’s. Prior to white wine, Australian tended to fancy the sweeter tasting wines, such as a Moselle type of wine. Later they became fond of the drier styles like Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Red Wine: Australia’s benchmark red is Grange Hermitage, the creation of the late vintner Max Schubert in the 1950s.He preferred wines that required at least a decades cellaring. In contrast, Wolf Blass, a winemaker o the current style, championed the drink now approach with quickly maturing wines. Winemakers frequently blend wines from different districts and states. Lighter reds which may be served chilled have recently been introduced.

Beer: Australian beer is vat fermented real ale or lager, consumed chilled. At full strength is has an alcohol content of around 4.8 percent, while light beers have less then 3 percent. Some of the more popular lagers and stouts of today are James Boag and Cascade from Tasmania,Castlemain XXXX from Queensland, Fosters and Victoria Bitter (VB) from Victoria, Tooheys red and blue labels from New South Wales and Coopers Sparkling Ale (known locally as lunatic soup) from South Australia.

Spirits: Dark and white rums are produced from Queensland sugar cane plantations. Some the the more notable labels include Bundaberg and Beenleigh. Domestic brandies are produced from some of Australia’s finest grape vintage. Popular brandy labels include St. Agnes and Hardy’s.

The one thing to remember is that it is okay to enjoy yourself but you must not drive after drinking EVER! Please designate someone as the driver for the evening or hire a car service. It’s the only way to keep a happy and fun evening safe as well.

Those who want to become experts in the field of wine tasting join wine tasting tours.

Elite hight society members were the only ones able to go on wine tasting tours many years ago. Nowadays you can join these once elite groups. So whether you’re just interested in knowing the different kinds of wines or you’re a born wine lover, you can join the wine tasting tours for as long as you like.

Since you’re new in the wine tasting tours, you should be equipped for the assorted activities. There are two types of tour available. The experienced or so called “experts” are the ones who usually organize the first tour, the second is one you would usually arrange yourself.

It is highly recommended that first-timers should join wine tasting tours organized by professionals. Choosing this option will ensure you have something planned for each day. Make a note of the activities you get involved in so when its time to go on your own you have a plan on what to do during your tour.

There is lots of information on wine tasting tours on the Internet so that would be a good place to start. If the tour is not in your area then you need to consider planning your trip. Inform the organizers about your whereabouts and where you plan to meet with them.Make arrangement to meet the tour company at a place that is convenient. They will not wait for you if you are not at the meeting point on time so ensure you set off giving yourself plenty of time to get there. The vineyard you will be visiting are spread all over so the tour will only last normally for one day. The tour will usually start early in the morning since most of the time will be consumed in driving from one vineyard to another.

A tiny glass, usually between 4 – 6 ounces is given as a sampler. Taking 1 oz of wine is already enough to taste the wine and if you taste all the wines in the different vineyards you visit, it will surely add up. If you are driving make sure you don’t drink too much, in fact the best way would be to not drive at all if you are testing so many wines.

There are plenty of organized trips available with private tour companies, using these companies even though more expensive than going on your own can be less stressful. The tour company will make all the arrangement and any other tasks needed to make your day memorable.