South Australia is the home of the Australian wine industry, producing 50 per cent of Australian’s wine. There are 13 wine regions and over 270 cellar doors - the majority of them no more than a 90 minute drive from Adelaide.
And thanks to a warm, Mediterranean climate, the amount of produce grown in South Australia reads like a gourmet shopping list. From grapes, olives, strawberries, almonds and cheese to tuna, lobster, oysters, prawns, abalone and venison there is little surprise that the new style of Australian cuisine began in South Australia.
The Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Clare Valley, Fleurieu Peninsula (McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek) and Limestone Coast (Coonawarra) wine regions offer the complete food and wine experience - cellar door outlets, heritage bed and breakfast accommodation, and fine restaurants showcasing the region’s best produce. Each region produces specific varieties of wine, depending on its terrain and climate.
Adelaide & Adelaide Plains:
The best place for the urban wine adventurer to start is the National Wine Centre of Australia, located in the heart of Adelaide. The centre offers a range of wine tastings from all over Australia, information and advice for those about to embark upon a tour of any of South Australia's wine regions.
An absolute must when visiting Adelaide is a tour of the historic Magill Estate, the birthplace of the legendary Penfolds Wines. Immaculately restored to its original glory, the grounds and old underground cellars are highlights of the winery's fascinating tours.
And just 35 kilometres north of the city is the prime horticultural region of the Adelaide Plains, settled decades ago by Mediterranean and Asian immigrants who continue to cultivate the land following long-held traditions. It's a landscape occupied by rows of vines, greenhouses, commercially grown flowers, herbs and vegetables: and 95 per cent of the bounty is sold through the Adelaide Central Market.
The Adelaide Plains are increasingly renowned for producing high quality wines. The best place to try the wines of the Adelaide Plains is Joseph and Dina Grilli's Primo Estate cellar door near Virginia, where you'll sample renowned varietal wines, olive oils and aged vinegars.
The most common grape varieties grown on the Adelaide Plains are Shiraz, Colombard (reportedly the best in Australia), Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon. Italian red varieties include Barbera (found in Chianti), Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.
Adelaide Hills:
The Adelaide Hills is not only one of South Australia's best wine treasures, but one of Australia's.
More than 60 wineries in the Adelaide Hills are continuing a tradition that started back in 1845, when a hock from Echunga became Australia's first wine export (it was sent to Queen Victoria but no-one's sure if she was brave enough to taste it).
Today, some of Australia's most elegant cool climate sparkling and still wines are produced here, from grape varieties including: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for sparkling and table wines in the coolest areas; Riesling, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot in the slightly warmer areas; and Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz in the lower altitudes.
Twenty-five cellar doors offer wine tastings and sales, including premier labels: Hahndorf Hill Winery, Longview Vineyard, Chain of Ponds, Shaw & Smith and Petaluma's.
Barossa & Eden Valley:
The Barossa, just an hour's drive from Adelaide is known throughout the world as one of Australia's leading wine regions, boasting more than 60 wineries, ranging from quaint boutique cellar doors, to large international companies.
Established in 1842 by immigrants from England, Germany and Silesia (now part of Poland), the region's rich heritage is reflected in architecture, food and music - and internationally renowned wines. Around 500 grape growing families, many sixth generation, today continue to supply nearly 60,000 tonnes of grapes to about 50 winemakers - including household names like Seppelt, Penfolds and Lehmann.
For a truly classic Barossa wine experience, head to Peter Lehmann wines with its platters of produce on the banks of the Para River, and Yalumba with its sweeping lawns and impressive stone winery and clock tower. Head to the Rockford Wines for rustic charms and relaxed informality of Charles Melton, where you can see exactly how the wine is made and meet the people involved.
Make sure you visit Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre - a perfect example of how the Barossa balances the old with the new. There's a thoroughly modern tasting room, restaurant and gallery designed with the latest environmentally sustainable technology, built on the banks of the historic Jacob's Creek.
Don't miss Wolf Blass's sleek A-grade super winery and stunning visitor centre. The new tasting complex can offer wine lovers a wine appreciation experience at every level. On a much smaller and perhaps more traditional scale, classic and contemporary are being combined at many other cellar doors - Two Hands, Murray Street Vineyards and Kabminye Wines, are three well worth seeking out. They offer local produce as well as seriously good wines, all with a personal touch and smart design.
The main red varieties grown in the Barossa are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, while the key white grape varieties are Riesling, Semillon and Chardonnay. Shiraz has pride of place because this is the birthplace of one of the world's great wines - Penfolds Grange.
Clare Valley:
The Clare Valley is considered one of the most picturesque wine regions in South Australia, and with ample vineyards and cosy cellar doors, it's easy to see why.
Less than two hours from Adelaide, the region boasts more than 40 cellar doors, most within 20 kilometres of the main town of Clare. Several are accessible from the Riesling Trail, a 25km walking and cycling track linking Clare and Auburn. The old railway line winds through some of South Australia's most stunning wine country and natural bushland.
While the Clare Valley is known globally for its Rieslings, the quality of both the red and white grapes now grown in the region is a tribute to the age-old winemaking traditions adopted and perfected in this small pocket of temperate mid-north South Australia.
In addition to the Riesling other varieties grown in the Clare Valley include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillion and Chardonnay. Smaller plantings include Grenache, Malbec and Sangiovese.
Visit Quelltaler Estate, home to the award winning Annie’s Lane range of wines, comprising of Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon, Cabernet Merlot and Shiraz. Located at the southern entrance to the Clare Valley, the winery has a wine museum and extensive picnic areas to explore.
If you want to explore the South Australia wine region further, please visit www.southaustralia.com/WineRegions