South Australia

The South Australian wine industry began in 1838 and is responsible for more than half the production of all Australian wine. South Australia has a vast diversity in geography and climate which allows the state to be able to produce a range of grape varieties; from the cool climate Riesling variety in the Clare Valley wine region to the big, full bodied Shiraz wines of the Barossa Valley. Some of Australia’s best-known wines like Penfolds Grange, Jacob’s Creek, Yalumba and Henschke are produced there, as well as many of Australia’s mass-produced box wines.

Following the spread of Adelaide, where the first vineyards were planted, vines were pulled up and replanted in new vineyards further from the city. In 1843, a case of wine made from these vineyards was sent to Queen Victoria, being the first Australian wine to reach the Queen. Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold established his medical practice at “The Grange” in Magill in 1844, planting the vine cuttings from southern France that he had brought with him when emigrating to Australia. His vineyard would eventually become known as just ‘Penfolds’, one of the most famous in Australia.

The climate of the state varies greatly, with the more interior regions being intensely hot, and growing cooler closer to the coastal regions. Across the region there is low annual rainfall which necessitates irrigation to counter droughts.

Vines are grown at altitudes from the low valley regions of the Barossa up to 600 metres high. The soil types are also varied and include the famous terrarosa (red earth) of the Coonawarra region with limestone and sand covering many other areas apart from the clay-based soils of the Barossa Valley.

The Barossa Valley wine region is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious premium wine-producing regions, known for its Shiraz production. The area’s climate is very hot and dry (for a wine-producing area). Most of the area’s white wine plantings (Chardonnay, Riesling and Semillon) are located on the higher altitude hill sides around the valley where they can be cooled by the ocean breeze. In recent times the area has found some success with planting Rhône varietals including Grenache and Mourvèdre. Due to the hot climate, the grapes can become overripe, which requires the winemakers to limit the maceration time to prevent the wines from being overly tannic.

The Clare Valley is a hot and dry climate, though many of the vineyards in this area are not irrigated. This helps to reduce crop yields and to concentrate the flavours in the grape. The region is known for its ability to produce Chardonnays, Semillons, and Rieslings that range from full body and luscious to light and delicate.

The McLaren Vale wine region is located south of Adelaide and extends to the south of Morphett Vale. With the area’s annual 56 centimetres of rain, and diversity of soil types including sand, clay and limestone, this area produces a wide range of wines with Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Semillon and Sauvignon blanc being the most widely planted.