The wildfires that have kept Australia in the headlines seem to be subsiding, although not altogether yet. Much concern has been raised among American wine lovers as reports of the fires destroying vineyards and wineries have reached the U.S. Here in California, especially, the ordeal that the Aussies are enduring has reminded us of similar scenes from our own wine country in recent years.

All of this prompts me to encourage you to explore Australian wine, if it is not already a part of your repertoire. Shipments of the country’s premium wines to the U.S. are at a 10-year high, according to Aaron Ridgway of Wine Australia. There is a lot to choose from – and a larger share of it is of high quality. Gone are the days when Australian wine meant only Shiraz or something with a critter on the label! Wine is an important export for Australia, so one of the easiest ways to assist them in this moment of national crisis is to seek out and enjoy some of what is coming our way from “down under.” Here are brief snapshots of two regions to get you started:

Yarra Valley

Located east of the city of Melbourne in the southeastern corner of the country, the Yarra Valley is among Australia’s coolest wine growing regions. Wine has been made here since the middle of the 19th century. Truly elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are their main product, in a style that favors complexity and finesse over raw power. Even the Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon from this region may surprise you with their lighter style and balance.

Fowles Wine ‘Farm to Table’ Victoria Pinot Noir 2018

$17 MSRP – Easy drinking entry point to this region with plenty of red fruit and cherry flavors. 13.5% ABV

Innocent Bystander Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2018

$20 MSRP – A little more complexity featuring more spice and acidity with a longer finish. 13% ABV

Giant Steps ‘Wombat Creek Vineyard’ Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2018

$50 MSPR – This single vineyard designate exemplifies Giant Steps’ entire range of sophisticated and elegant Pinot and Chard. The use of whole clusters in the making of this wine only adds to its complexity. 13.5% ABV

Margaret River

Located on the extreme southwestern tip of the continent, this wine region is surrounded by water – the Indian Ocean to the north and west and the Southern Ocean to the south. Because of this maritime climate it is known as one of the world’s most consistent climates for grapes. Producing only about 2% of the country’s wine, the region is renowned for world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, often blended with small amounts of other Bordeaux varieties. The region’s emphasis is on quality and full-bodied, age-worthy wines.

Voyager Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

$65 MSRP – Highly rated, from a long-established producer, this is a lighter expression of the region (medium bodied) in a blend that includes Merlot and Petit Verdot. 14% ABV

Vasse Felix Tom Cullity 2015

$165 MSRP – From a vineyard located near the ocean, this Cabernet was afforded a long hang time that has preserved a vibrant fruit profile above solid tannins. The blend includes Malbec and Petit Verdot. Among the country’s best. 14% ABV