As an Aussie living in the U.S., there’s nothing quite like opening a bottle of wine from back home. Whether you’re craving a crisp Clare Valley Riesling, a bold Barossa Shiraz, or a wild Margaret River Pet Nat, tracking down proper Australian wine in the U.S. can feel like a full-time job. But the good news is: it’s getting easier.
So whether you’re looking for a casual bottle for dinner, a gift for a mate, or a regular delivery of the best Australia has to offer, here’s your go-to guide for buying Australian wine in America—without the guesswork.
Why It’s Been So Hard to Find Good Aussie Wine Here
Let’s be honest. Most wine stores in the U.S. still think Australian wine begins and ends with mass-market yellow labels and 15% Shiraz. But that’s only one tiny corner of the scene.
Australia’s wine industry is full of cool-climate regions, minimal intervention winemakers, world-class natural producers, and bottles that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best from Europe and the U.S.
The problem? Importation & distribution. Most boutique Aussie producers don’t export heavily, and if they do, they often land in just a handful of cities. So if you’re outside New York, LA, or San Francisco… you might be out of luck. Or at least, you were.
Where to Buy Australian Wine in the U.S.
Here are some of the easiest (and tastiest) ways to get your hands on a bottle of home-grown magic:
Wine Stores with Great Aussie Sections
- K&L Wines (California) – Huge selection and often features limited Australian drops.
- Astor Wines (New York) – Reliable go-to for natural and classic Australian bottles.
- Flatiron Wines (NY & SF) – Solid Australian section and knowledgeable staff.
- Somm Cellars (NYC) – Stocks cult Aussie names like Ochota Barrels and Lucy M.
Tip: Call ahead or shop online—search by region (e.g. “Adelaide Hills”) or producer if you’re feeling specific.
Join an Australian Wine Club
Yes, there’s now a dedicated Australian wine club in the U.S.—and it’s pretty awesome if I do say so myself…
How to Drink Australian Wine Club ships curated boxes of premium, small-batch Australian wines every quarter. It’s run by two Master Sommeliers (Jane Lopes & Jon Ross) who’ve worked at Michelin-starred restaurants and written the actual book on Australian wine—and me!
You get:
- 6 bottles every 3 months
- Tasting notes, pairing tips, and stories from the winemakers
- Shipping across the United States
Use code AMERICAJOSH10 for 10% off your first shipment
Ask Local Importers and Specialty Stores
If you’re in a wine-loving city, there may be an importer or boutique shop that brings in Aussie wines directly. Look for companies like Jane & Jon's Legend Australian Wine Imports who focus on high-quality Australian wines, exclusively.
Don’t be afraid to ask your local wine shop: “Do you have anything from the Yarra Valley?” or “Do you stock any wines from Tasmania?” – You might be surprised by what they can order in.
Duty Free (and What You Can Bring Back)
If you’re visiting Australia and plan to bring back a few bottles, check current U.S. Customs limits. Generally, you’re allowed to bring in 1 liter of alcohol duty-free, but you can bring more with a small fee (and as long as it’s for personal use).
Just make sure to pack it properly in your checked baggage and declare it at the border if customs is available at the airport.
Is it hard to find Australian wine in the US?
Buying Australian wine in the U.S. isn’t as easy as we’d like… but it’s never been more possible.
Between specialist wine shops, importers, and clubs like How to Drink Australian, you can now access bottles that feel like home—whether you’re in Brooklyn or Boise.
So the next time you’re hosting dinner, looking for a taste of the Yarra, or trying to convert your American friends to the gospel of Grenache, know that the good stuff is out there.
You just need to know where to look.
