Wine Regions
Discover the hidden gems of Adelaide
South Australia is home to some of the best wine regions in the world.
Join us on a private tour and experience the very best of the Barossa, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills with Premium Wine Tours.
Scott is passionate about the regions and keen to share their secrets with you.
Barossa Valley
Situated just over one hour north-east of Adelaide, the Barossa is acknowledged as one of the world’s leading wine regions. It is known for its big, bold reds, in particular Shiraz and is home to some of the oldest vineyards in the world. The Barossa also boasts over 100 year old plantings of traditional varieties such as Grenache, Mataro and Cabernet Sauvignon, and showcases great varieties such as Riesling, Semillon, Chardonnay and Tempranillo.
The Barossa Valley offers more than 80 cellar doors and 150 wineries and is one of the only areas in Australia to have neighbouring warm and cool climate growing conditions.
With such a diversity of growing conditions and soil types, the vineyards have been tended by hand for many generations, and here you are bound to find a wine you love.
McLaren Vale
Situated 40 minutes south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale has earned its reputation for highly acclaimed wines. It offers an idyllic Mediterranean-style climate, close proximity to stunning beaches and a wealth of food and wine experiences.
McLaren Vale is home to more than 70 cellar doors including some of the premium winemakers in Australia. Many of the cellar doors are family operated with the winemaker often acting as the host.
McLaren Vale wines are distinguished by their ripeness and elegance. The region prospers from sea breezes, which create consistent growing conditions for producing premium wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Grenache and Chardonnay. Other varietals include Tempranillo, Viognier, Marsanne, Rousanne and Sangiovese.
Shiraz is by far the most important variety for the region, accounting for about 50% of the total crush. It is not surprising that the region is best known for it’s Shiraz. The moderate climate and diverse terroir means no two Shiraz are alike.
Adelaide Hills
Situated 30 minutes from the Adelaide CBD, the Adelaide Hills stretches from the Barossa Valley in the north, to Kuitpo Forest in the south. It is one of the largest geographical wine regions in Australia, and amongst the most diverse in terms of climate, soil and topography.
Renowned as one of Australia’s finest cool climate regions, the Hills are home to more than 50 cellar doors spread throughout the region. Nestled within the Mt Lofty Ranges, the high altitude and mediterranean climate is famous for producing first class Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Riesling and Chardonnay.
The folds and undulations of the Adelaide Hills create a wide range of mesoclimates. Taking advantage of these climatic differences, the vineyards tend to be small in area and often steep. Hand pruning and picking is often a necessity as well as a choice.
In the coolest areas, the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties produce exemplary sparkling and table wines. Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris are produced as the temperature rises, while many unique vineyard sites, combined with careful management techniques, allow the successful ripening and flavour profile development of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Merlot.
