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| One of the most
culturally diverse nations on Earth, Australia is
well-known for its wide-open spaces, minerals, Aboriginal art and
history. What is not so well-known is that it has been a leading
agricultural producer since the days of colonisation. More recently its reputation for exporting wine has grown considerably. The sixth largest country in the world with a land area of 7,659,861 square kilometres and a population of just 20 million people, it’s also the driest. With desert covering 40% of the country it has a population density of only 2 people per square kilometre. Settled in the 1850s, Margaret River was one of several rural communities that developed in the countryside south of Perth, Western Australia. It remained a predominantly timber and farming area until 1965 when Dr John Gladstone recognised the potential in Margaret River for wine production. He compiled a comprehensive report entitled "The Climate & Soils of Southern WA in relation to Vine Growing". His recommendations resulted in the establishment of Vasse Felix, Margaret River’s first commercial vineyard and winery, by Dr Thomas Cullity in 1967, laying the foundations for Margaret River’s wine industry. The Margaret River wine region is approximately 290km southwest of Perth. The region is bounded by ocean on three sides and enjoys a strong maritime-influenced climate. Winters are wetter, with 80% of the region’s annual rainfall falling between May and September. The summers are mild and dry. From humble beginnings in the 1970s, the region now boasts some of the finest premium wines in Australia and has forged a formidable reputation among international critics. In his highly regarded 2005 Wine Companion, Australian wine critic and author James Halliday lists no fewer than 31 Margaret River wines among his 'Best of the Best' section, and 15 Margaret River wineries in his 'Best Wineries of the Regions' section (restricted to 5 Star wineries). Individual wineries have made huge advances in the short time the region has been recognised for producing premium wines. Although Western Australia produces less than 4% of the national grape crush, it produces more than 20% of the nation's premium wines. |
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