Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

Which Australian state was the first to establish a wine appellation system in 1978?

1. Tasmania

2. South Australia

3. Victoria

4. Western Australia

The correct answer is: Western Australia

The correct choice here is South Australia, which was the first Australian state to establish a wine appellation system in 1978. This was a significant development in the evolution of Australia’s wine industry, as it allowed for the classification and regulation of wine regions based on geographic boundaries, helping to promote quality and authenticity in Australian wines. The appellation system aimed to present a structured approach to wine labeling and communication, benefiting both consumers and producers. While Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia are all important wine-producing regions, they did not implement their own appellation systems until after South Australia set the precedent. South Australia's early commitment to establishing clear boundaries for its wine regions laid the groundwork for the later development of a formal system across the entire country, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of terroir in winemaking.