McLaren Vale

John Reynell first planted vines in this green valley near Adelaide in 1838. With the sea and Mount Lofty Ranges nearby, the resulting climate here makes the McLaren Vale fine wines amongst the best in Australia and indeed the world. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, which seem to profit the most from the silt and rich alluvial soils, are the most frequently grown here. The biggest names include the Kay Brothers, Hardy’s and D’Arenberg wineries.

McLaren Vale has a history of winemaking and is home to many vines over a hundred years old. These produce complex, deep-coloured and fruity Shiraz wines, often with blends of Grenache, and spicy, ripe Cabernet Sauvignons. Despite being such a small region, McLaren Vale has huge variations in microclimates which lead to many differences in taste and, with higher than usual alcohol content, the McLaren Vale fine wines have an outstanding reputation.