South Australia is the historic heart of Australian wine, home to some of the most famous regions, best-known wineries and oldest vines in the country. In every South Australian wine region, you’ll find unique wines and tourism experiences – from lush hillside retreats and dramatic coastlines, to friendly country towns and delicious local produce.
Whether you’re planning a trip or you’re just keen to learn more, here’s a guide to exploring South Australia’s wine regions.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S MOST POPULAR WINE REGIONS
Adelaide Hills
Just 20 minutes east of Adelaide, the picturesque Adelaide Hills wine region stands out for its cool climate, undulating terrain, and hillside vineyards and orchards. It’s also home to historic European-influenced towns, including Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest German settlement. In this lush and leafy retreat, discover cool-climate classics like Sauvignon Blanc and sparkling styles, and unique wines made with alternative varieties.
Barossa Valley
Less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is one of the world’s great wine regions, famous for its historic vineyards and full-flavoured Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. There are more than 150 wineries dotted among the scenic rolling hills and valleys, and the region’s European heritage means there are bakeries, smokehouses and award-winning restaurants to discover.
Clare Valley
Drive an hour north of the Barossa Valley, and you’ll find yourself in the Clare Valley wine region – a hidden gem famous for its world-class Riesling plus top-quality Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Rolling green hills, gum trees and stone-cottage cellar doors make a picture-perfect backdrop for sampling world-class wines, eating local produce and hiking scenic trails.
Coonawarra
This small wine region, revered by grape growers for its rich terra rossa soil, is known the world over for its outstanding, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon, along with premium Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay and Riesling. The drive to Coonawarra from Adelaide is longer – about four hours – but you’ll be rewarded with a relaxed country experience, fascinating wine history and welcoming cellar doors, all within an easy drive from each other.
McLaren Vale
Tucked between white-sand beaches and mountain ranges, and just 45 minutes’ drive south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale is a dynamic region of rolling hills, charming villages, great food and exciting wines. This was South Australia’s first wine region, established in 1838, and today it’s home to one of the most progressive and environmentally sustainable wine communities in the country. Expect bold red wines in a diverse range of styles.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S LESSER-KNOWN WINE REGIONS
Beyond the best-known wine hotspots, there are lesser-known regions just waiting to be discovered. Escape the crowds, delve into remarkable wine history and enjoy some of South Australia’s best wines.
Eden Valley
Right next to the famous Barossa Valley, but sitting at a higher altitude, the Eden Valley wine region is a cool-climate haven of premium wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s home to ancient eucalyptus trees and rolling hills, small country towns and welcoming cellar doors.
Riverland
This vast, sun-drenched region is a place to slow down, swim in the meandering river and indulge in local produce and bold wines. The Riverland produces a huge volume of Aussie wine, but these days there’s also a growing community of boundary-pushing makers crafting organic and edgy wines from alternative varieties.
Langhorne Creek
In a peaceful pocket of the Fleurieu Peninsula, less than an hour’s drive south-east of Adelaide, Langhorne Creek is a picturesque region of neat vineyards, old river red gums and a friendly country town. It’s also home to some of Australia’s very best red wines, and produces almost as much wine each year as the Barossa.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S EMERGING WINE REGIONS
Get a glimpse of the exciting future of South Australian wine by exploring up-and-coming wine regions – from the stunning beaches of Robe and Southern Fleurieu, to the award-winning wines of Mount Benson and Wrattonbully, to the pristine wilderness of Kangaroo Island. These regions offer some of South Australia’s best tourism experiences.
Kangaroo Island: Come for the spectacular nature and abundant wildlife; fall in love with the vibrant, intensely flavoured wines.
Mount Benson: Gaze over the rugged landscape and sandy coastline as you sample acclaimed wines crafted by trailblazing winemakers.
Mount Gambier: Soak up the dramatic beauty of Australia’s newest wine region, where lush coastal countryside is punctuated by sinkholes and lake-filled craters.
Robe: Indulge in fresh seafood, vibrant white wines and elegant reds against a backdrop of aquamarine waters and white-sand beaches.
Southern Fleurieu: At the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula, discover national parks, beaches, top restaurants and boutique wineries crafting premium wines.
Wrattonbully: Just north of Coonawarra, explore epic limestone caves in an exciting young wine region with all the makings of one that’s world-class.
Want to learn more about Australian wine?
Download ‘Foundations of Australian wine’ to learn about Australia’s top wine regions and wine styles, along with the climate, soils and history that make Australia so unique.
