South Australia is the most internationally recognized region in Australian wine making and is home to many famous wineries.  Set against a refreshing natural backdrop, the region of South Australia offers great experiences and wines.  Barossa is thought by some to be the wine capital of Australia.  A hot growing region, it is home to some of Australia’s big red wines, including of course Shiraz. 

Other notable regions include Clare Valley, Eden Valley, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale,  and Coonawarra – an area known for its unique blend of cool climate and terra rossa soil responsible for the obvious class of it’s wines.  Southern Australia boasts one of the most distinctive growing regions anywhere in the southern hemisphere.  Almost every major variety performs well here.

McLaren Vale:  Reds dominate in this region with some great wine being made from old-growth Grenache, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.  As far as whiltes go, the region also produces some outstanding quality Viognier.

Clare Valley:  Known for producing the region’s best Rieslings, while at the same time crafting some outstanding Cabernet and Shiraz.

Eden Valley:  Shiraz is this region’s leading grape, but Rieslings here are also quite consistent.  Quality   Chardonnay and Merlot are also being produced here.

Adelaide Hills:  Nearly half of the grapes planted in this region are reds, with Pinot Noir being the most prominent.  Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon also prove successful here.  In addition, a relatively cool climate allows for successful Chardonnays, Rieslings and even some sparklers.

Coonawarra:  In Coonawarra, where the terra rossa soil and cool ocean breezes make for ideal growing conditions, 60% of the vines planted are Cabernet Sauvignon.  The remainder of the vines planted are primarily Shiraz, Merlot, and Chardonnay.  

Wineries in this region: