Sam Wylie-Harris raises a glass of sunshine to Australia Day (January 26) and recommends some rated reds

If you're entertaining thoughts of a warming red to blow away those January blues, Australia Day on January 26 is a great excuse to join in the celebrations without having to leave the country.

A hot-spot for rich reds that can be soft and lush, fruity and tasty, or so silky and spicy that you're clamouring for more, the breadth and beauty of Australia's diverse wine regions will have you knocking on its cellar doors to learn more about its new releases and exciting styles.

What may come as a bit of a surprise is that, following reports that consumers are drinking less but better, the 'premiumisation' trend looks set to continue for Australian wine through 2017.

"The trend towards premium wine is my prediction, but not just for 2017, as this is a gradual, ongoing movement," says Laura Jewel MW, Wine Australia head of market EMEA.

"All three potential trends - alternative varieties, sparkling red and the move to premium - demonstrate it's a very exciting time for Australia."

To mark the beginning of their wine harvest and to imagine you're touring its verdant vineyards, here are some sunny reds that have already arrived on our shores...

Hollick Sparkling Merlot 2014, Coonawarrra, Australia (£20.95, frontierfinewines.co.uk)

An assertive style of sparkling wine that's made from merlot, Australia's winemakers have a talent for sparkling reds and this speciality is easy to get used to. Seriously fruity with blackcurrant, black cherry and plum spice, the freshly picked aromas and ripe fruits are refreshingly different and delicious.

BentWing Reserve GSM 2015, South Australia (£11.99, www.virginwines.co.uk)

A trio of grenache, shiraz and mouvedre (GSM), this Cote du Rhone blend speaks with an Aussie accent and is one of the region's classic styles. A smooth ride all the way, it offers generous black fruits, pretty blackberry scents and pleasing spice, with depth and freshness on the finish.

Ring Bolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Margaret River, Australia (£9, Tesco)

Cabernet sauvignon is the stand-out variety in this top region and the wine maker has melded dried herbs and spices with cocoa aromas that lead to blackberries on the palate and the earthy, savoury nuances are quite Bordeaux like.

Copper Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Langhorne Creek, Australia (£9, Marks & Spencer)

Solid and rich, this cab sav has concentrated blackcurrant aromas with notes of liquorice and a touch of blueberry. Smooth and full-bodied with an easy drinking roundness, it finishes softly and offers baskets of just crushed blackberries to keep you coming back for more.

Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2015, Padthaway, Australia (£10.99, Waitrose)

A highlight of this wine are the hints of mocha and smoke that lightly dust the raspberry and mulberry flavours. Rich and intense with a spicy character, there's a strong cocoa element to this vibrant red.

Coriole Sangiovese Shiraz 2013, McLaren Vale, Australia (£12.30, www.tanners-wines.co.uk)

McLaren Vale is a powerhouse for reds, especially shiraz, and, most recently, Italian and other Mediterranean varieties are emerging. This modern blend of cherry scented sangiovese fruit and soft shiraz tempers the cherry and plum flavours and laces the wine with an attractive spicy richness. A winning combo from one of the first producers to single out Italian varieties.

Jim Barry Wines, The Barry Brothers Red 2014, Clare Valley, Australia (£16.50, Oddbins)

An excellent example of a shiraz/cabernet sauvignon blend from this legendary producer, it shows power, but is polished with gorgeous violet aromas, a forest floor of blackberry fruits and notes of vanilla, liquorice and blueberries adding complexity to 'a contemporary expression of this traditional Australian style'.