AUSTRALIA Day on January 26 is one of the biggest celebrations in the calendar, and also, equally importantly, the beginning of the wine harvest.

Home to more than 60 wine regions, 2013 saw Australia winning more top awards at competitions within the industry than any other wine producing nation – quite a feat when you consider it only produces four per cent of the world’s wine.

Australia also likes to turn its hand to sauvignon blanc, and examples such as Baron’s Ridge Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Australia (£9.59 from £11, virginwines.co.uk) could sway fans of this Kiwi favourite to try a cool climate Aussie instead, loaded with vibrant gooseberry fruit and a good balance of lime on the snappy finish.

Some of its bestselling wines are made from shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. For a good entry level style, try Waitrose Smooth and Spicy Australian Red NV S Australia (£4.99, Waitrose). With a red berry nose, juicy cherry and raspberry fruit, the blend of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz is smooth and spicy, with a hint of leather and balanced palate.

Outstanding value while on promotion, Lindeman’s Bin 50 Shiraz 2012, Australia (£6.29 from £8.49, from January 22 until February 11, Waitrose) is blessed with sumptuous brambly overtones and the dense, blackberry fruit against a backbone of fine tannins with cracked black pepper and spice make this full-bodied red a great choice if you’re entertaining friends.

The Grower’s Reserve Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Australia (£9.99, laithwaites. co.uk) marries dark plummy fruits with sweet blackberry flavours.