Australia's vineyards are about as far south of the equator as the U.S. and France's are north of it, meaning good grape-growing climate and terrain.
The Australians make wine from the classic varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon and Sauvignon blanc from Bordeaux, Pinot noir and Chardonnay from Burgundy, Riesling and Gewurztraminer from Germany and Syrah from the Rhone valley (Shiraz Down Under).
A fair amount of the best wineries are a day's drive or less from the ...