Said to be the birthplace for South Australian wines, McLaren Vale is one of the oldest established wine regions in the country. Almost a 45-minutes drive away from the SA’s capital city Adelaide, the region is bordered by a vast sea and majestic mountains. Flaunting a rich heritage of over 180 years, it offers you a range of tempting restaurants, more than 80 cellar doors, amazing architecture and great producers of food and drinks of course! From cheeses and chocolates to a variety of spirits, the region is full of unbelievable surprises, especially for a wine lover.
The History
Ironically, winemaking in the region was introduced in the 1830s by two Englishmen from a vine-free country, Devon. They established two farms on adjoining pieces of land that are till now known for producing award-winning wines. In 1839, James Reynell, another Devon farmer established the first commercial vineyard in McLaren Vale. He was later joined by Thomas Hardy, who turned out to become a prominent figure in the industry.
As the wine business in the region boomed with increasing demand for fortified wines, it attracted Italian immigrants as well. The region that was earlier known for producing exceptional Rhone Valley red varieties especially Shiraz and Grenache, later also established a reputation food-friendly wines.
The Terroir
Situated at proximity to both the mountains and sea, McLaren Vale experiences varied climatic conditions. While the fresh breezes from the sea provide moderate temperatures in some areas, the cool winds from the mountains help add a structure and acidity to the wine. During the summer and autumn, the climate is dry thus, preventing diseases.
The land is covered with rich brown/red sandy soil. In some areas, one can also find the famous terra rossa soil. (A unique soil type commonly found in the Coonawarra region.)
Must-try Wines
The rich and complex Shiraz along with full-bodied Cab Sav and0 exceptional Grenache (Typical Rhone Valley red varieties) continue to dominate the scene, speaking of the region’s rich heritage. McLaren Vale is also known for setting new standards. Housing about 200 wineries, including premium boutique producers, the region has gained popularity for its outstanding GSM blends and white wines like Chardonnay and Sauv Blanc.
