🏷️ Geographical indication (Australia)

Geographical indication (Australia) is Australia's system of wine zones, regions and sub-regions that shows on the label where the grapes come from. GI (Geographical Indication) in Australia is the system that shows where the grapes for a wine really come from. It divides the country into wine zones, regions and subregions. The list of areas is kept in an official register, and oversight is tied to the organisation Wine Australia.

It is simple in layout. The largest level is the zone, for example South Eastern Australia. Inside zones there are regions such as Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley or Margaret River. Inside regions there may be subregions. If a place is named on the label, at least 85% of the grapes must come from it. The same rule applies to a grape variety or a vintage.

GI belongs to wine classifications. In meaning it is closest to the American AVA system but unlike European appellations: it sets no varieties and no ageing rules. It only guarantees the place of origin. That is why Australian producers often make wine from several regions and name several places on the label.