Canberra, the capital of australia, is ringed by almost 40 wineries which together constitute a wine region called the Canberra District, even if, because freeholds are not granted in the Australian Capital Territory itself, they are all, bar one, over the border in the Southern New South Wales Zone. There is considerable site climate diversity due to variations in elevation from 500 m to 800 m (1,640–2,625 ft). Thus Riesling, Viognier, Marsanne, Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blends, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz/Viognier (Clonakilla the star performer), and Cabernet blends can and do prosper in the correct site. Overall wine quality has improved markedly since the early 1990s. See new south wales.
