The first vineyards were established in South Australia in the 1830s. Enjoying a wide range of climates including the cool temperatures of the Adelaide Hills, the moderate coastal climate of McLaren Vale and the hot weather of the Barossa Valley, South Australia is arguably Australia's most important wine producing state.
Located approximately 75 kilometres north east of Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is one of Australia's best known regions with a rich winemaking history dating back to 1847. The moderately continental climate provides the ideal conditions for a wide number of grape varieties, producing full-bodied reds, robust whites and excellent fortified wines.
The region's small tract of terra rossa soil was first planted to vines in 1890. The Coonawarra district has evolved from producing predominantly fortified wines to table wine. Located only 60 kilometres inland, a predominantly maritime climate prevails, with the dry and moderately cool summers ripening most grape varieties to perfection. Extensive cloud cover moderates temperatures during the most important ripening period. The idyllic conditions are however occasionally subject to severe spring frosts. Situated on a soft limestone ridge, the Coonawarra's famous terra rossa soil is vivid red in colour, split into friable subplastic clay or a shallow friable loam. Of the two other soils present in the region, the groundwater or black rendzina soil lying to the west of the limestone ridge does not favour the production of quality red wine fruit due to its poor drainage. The brown rendzina or 'transitional' soil, as it is called in the region, is similar to terra rossa in all respects and favours red grapes.
The Clare Valley's winemaking history dates back to 1852 and the area's stone buildings and wineries add to its striking and varied beauty. The Clare Valley is a high quality producer of long-lived, intensely flavoured and strongly structured reds, such as Penfolds St. Henri, and intensely floral Rieslings such as those from Leo Buring. The Company's Clare Estate vineyard was purchased in 1978 and progressively planted over the next 20 years. It includes a portion that is certified as organically managed.
This is a region of rapidly growing importance for the production of super premium still and sparkling wines. The altitude is the key to the climate, with Mount Lofty and the Piccadilly Valley being much cooler than the city of Adelaide, only 25 minutes drive away. The region produces a number of red and white wine grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
McLaren Vale is one of the most richly varied and highly developed areas in Australia, producing intensely flavoured and coloured red wines and similarly powerful white wines. The varieties in this region include Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Grenache, with the latter thriving in the heat.
The Eden Valley is justly famous for its Riesling but also produces renowned Chardonnays and Shiraz. Growing season temperatures are considerably lower than those of the Barossa Valley, and the final stages of ripening and harvesting take place in much cooler conditions. On the typically exposed hillsides, the wind also has an effect in restricting both growth and yield.
East of McLaren Vale, the warm climate and red/brown sandy loam soils of Langhorne Creek create an ideal location for the production of full flavoured red wines. The chief red varietals of Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are all planted here. Many vineyards also benefit from the cool breezes of the nearby Lake Alexandrina.
The Padthaway district is situated 85 kilometres north of Coonawarra (and nearly 310 kilometres south east of Adelaide). The region is at an elevation of only 32 metres above sea level and covers relatively flat terrain. Today a great range of red and white varieties are grown in the area.
