The Padthaway wine region on the Limestone Coast is a down-to-earth place where the wines reach great heights.
Just over three hours’ drive from Adelaide, Padthaway was first a grape-growing region and rows of premium vineyards line the highway that runs through it. Today it’s also home to a small and close-knit community of winemakers punching above their weight.
Chardonnay is the star, but creative winemakers produce everything from sparkling wine to Pinot Gris to Shiraz. Diverse wines that don’t hold back in flavour and intensity.
Read on for more about Padthaway.
Climate and Altitude
Padthaway is a low-altitude region with a moderate Mediterranean climate that benefits from cooling ocean breezes.
The Environment
Padthaway is on the Limestone Coast in South Australia, just over three hours from Adelaide and less than 100 kilometres from the coastline.
Climate
There’s plenty of sunshine, with ocean breezes helping to moderate temperatures. Winter and spring are chilly with spring frosts sometimes a challenge in the vineyards.
Soil
The Padthaway wine region’s terra rossa soil with layers of limestone gives its grapes a distinctive flavour.
Top Varieties Grown
CHARDONNAY
This is the region’s signature wine, distinctive with its flavours of grapefruit, melon and fig. Most styles are made for early drinking.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Cabernet is made as a single-varietal wine or blended with Merlot. It’s an approachable style that’s ready to drink when young but can be aged for many years.
SHIRAZ
Slow ripening conditions in the Padthaway wine region are perfect for crafting delicious and approachable wines with flavours of ripe berries and pepper.
