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A Guide to South Australia’s 18 Wine Regions

When it comes to top-tier Australian wine look no further than South Australia. The Festival State is widely regarded as the Aussie wine hotspot and is home to some of the world’s most revered vineyards. 

Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley are three of the most well-known regions in SA, but there are several smaller, less explored areas, such as Currency Creek and Padthaway, where you’ll find delicious drops of the good stuff. 

South Australia’s wine industry can be broken down into 18 different regions, and to help you understand a little about each, here’s our guide to the state’s wine regions.

Barossa Valley

Arguably the most famous wine region in Australia, explore over 80 cellar doors from top-shelf, award-winning wineries. Know for producing iconic red wine variants—from deep, rich Cabernet Sauvignon to full-bodied Shiraz—thanks to its Mediterranean climate, the Barossa has some of the oldest vineyards in the world. 

TLR recommends: It’s hard to go past Seppeltsfield Wines or Penfolds, but if it’s something unique you’re after, grab a few bottles at Two Hands Wines

McLaren Vale

Less than an hour from the Adelaide CBD, here you’ll discover dozens of wineries in a picturesque setting. Claiming to have some of the state’s oldest vines, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are in high demand, but you’ll also find some top grenache offerings.

TLR recommends: The iconic d’Arenberg Cube is first on most visitor’s checklist of McLaren Vale wineries, but don’t sleep on Alpha Box & Dice and Down the Rabbit Hole

Adelaide Hills

Home to one of the largest geographical wine regions in Australia, the Adelaide Hills is the closest wine region to the CBD, making it perfect for those with just a day to spare. The cooler climate and sloped vineyards mean Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the wines of choice, with the Adelaide Hills the leader in ‘New Wave Chardonnay’, a fruity, stylish drop that ages well. 

TLR recommends: Although it has been around for just under 30 years, Bird in Hand has quickly become a favourite amongst the locals. Try the Chardonnay, or for those who like a red, see if there are any bottles of the 2013 MAC Shiraz on hand. Stunning! 

Clare Valley 

Clare Valley is much more of a boutique wine region, with just around 35 cellar doors spread out across the picturesque area. While world-class reds and less drunk variants like Mourvedre, Tempranillo and Malbec are the norm, Riesling is the reason people visit the Clare Valley. The topography of the area produces grapes with a rich, full flavour that can age for decades. 

TLR Recommends: Jim Barry Wines. This family-run cellar door has been churning out award-winning wines for over 60 years. 

Riverland

Shiraz, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the name of the game in the Riverland. The largest producer of wines in Australia, the River Murray winds its way through the region, with a mix of well-known wineries and boutique cellar doors found throughout. Spend the morning fishing or jet skiing before indulging in an afternoon of wine tasting. 

TLR recommends: Established in 1901, Angove Organic Family Winemakers is one of the country’s leading organic wine creators who also make the famous St Agnes Brandy

Coonawarra

If red wine tickles your tastebuds then make the half-day drive out to Coonawarra. Part of SA’s Limestone Coast, the red soil, known as Terra Rossa, helps produce elegant red Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz wines

TLR recommends: Spend the weekend at Bellwether. Both glamping and camping options are available, with several wine-tasting experiences on offer. 

Eden Valley

Rocky hills and outcrops surrounded by native gum trees are what visitors encounter when exploring Eden Valley. Just a short drive from the Barossa Valley, this is another region where world-class Riesling wines can be found.  

TLR recommends: Henschke is a well-known name in the wine industry in Australia. They’ve been producing the good stuff for over 150 years, with their Eden Valley winery a must for anyone passing through.

Langhorne Creek

The people of Langhorne Creek are all about the simple things in life—food, wine and good vibes. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are the hero wines of the region, with a lot of new grape variants originating from the Mediterranean. 

TLR recommends: There are only a handful of cellar doors in Langhorne Creek, with our pick of the bunch being Kimbolton Wines

Kangaroo Island

No visit to South Australia for first-timers is complete without a trip to Kangaroo Island. A stunning expanse just off the coast of mainland SA, the island is renowned for its wildlife, striking scenery, National Parks, penguin colonies and wineries. 

The cooler Mediterranean temperatures of Kangaroo Island are ripe for a range of Cabernet blends, while Shiraz and Chardonnay are also top of the list of variants produced on the island. 

TLR recommends: Perched on a clifftop and providing stunning views of the north coast, sip on a nice drop of red while enjoying gourmet pizzas at Dudley Wines. Those wanting a pallet cleanser should check out Kangaroo Island Brewery

Mt Benson

One of the Limestone Coast’s newest wine areas is a delightful coastal region near Robe where you’ll find top-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. There’s a real community feel amongst the winegrowers, with each of the cellar doors offering something different. 

TLR recommends: Cape Jaffa Wines was the first winery established in Mt Benson and is a fully certified biodynamic vineyard, meaning all the grapes are grown without using chemicals or manmade products. 

Southern Flinders Rangers

Most people associate the Flinders Rangers with mountains and hiking, but there’s also a healthy viticulture scene producing some fantastic vino varietals. Both red and white wines are in abundance from the collection of family-owned wineries dotted around the hills. Spend a day hiking some of SA’s most spectacular scenery before ending your day at a cellar door with a Shiraz

TLR recommends: ‘Pioneering wines of excellence’ is the motto of Flinders Run, and having tasted their internationally acclaimed wines, it’s hard to disagree. 

Southern Fleurieu

The tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula is home to majestic National Parks, beautiful sandy beaches and a host of wineries positioned amongst the rolling hills and coastal breaks. The cooler climate means Chardonnay and Reisling are all the rage amongst growers. 

TLR recommends: Allusion Farmstay and Vineyard allows you to stay in a variety of accommodations while enjoying everything the 32-acre property has to offer, including a host of farm animals and Allusion’s Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon blends.

Padthaway

Although grapes have been grown in Padthaway for 60 years, the region often gets overlooked due to its proximity to Coonawarra. Many wines are produced in Padthaway, with several cellar doors beginning to attract wine enthusiasts from across the country keen on sampling polished red and white wines. 

TLR recommends: Padthaway is known for its rich soil—Terra Rossa over limestone, resulting in delicious, fruity red wines. Our pick to taste what the region has to offer is Famer’s Leap

Robe

Robe is another emerging wine region on the Limestone Coast producing hero whites that pair scrumptiously with Robe’s famous lobster. Many of the cellar doors offer picturesque views of the coast and fertile surroundings. 

TLR recommends: Woodsoak Wines is housed in the historic Evans Cottage in the heart of Robe. There’s a real family vibe about this joint, with a cosy indoor wine cellar and an outdoor cocktail caravan. 

Mt Gambier

A holiday destination famous for its Blue Lake, Mt Gambier has recently become just as well known for its wine. While many of the vineyards supply the big-name brands, there are several smaller wineries where you can sip on red varieties like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot

TLR recommends: Enjoy Mt Gambier’s world-famous Pinot Noir at Herbert Vineyard where you’ll learn how to best drink this tasty creation. 

Adelaide Plains

Take a 30-minute drive north of the Adelaide CBD and you’ll encounter a collection of small wineries founded by South Australia’s Italian community in the 1950s. Hot dry summers and cool winters mean the soil around the Adelaide Plains is ideal for both red and white wines.

TLR recommends: Virgara Wines—blending Italian tradition with Australia’s environment to produce richly flavoured wines. We recommend a bottle of the Shiraz Five Brothers

Currency Creek

Currency Creek makes for a great day trip from Adelaide. Outdoor lovers will be thrilled with the amount of trails and hikes in the area, while those looking for a relaxing day can enjoy a picnic on the beach. There are also a lot of fantastic pubs and wineries in the area where you can eat good food and drink quality wines in welcoming settings. 

TLR recommends: Launched in 2022, Home of Plenty is your new favourite boutique winery. Inspired by the coast, enjoy red and white wines while snacking on a menu featuring seasonal produce. 

Wrattonbully

One of SA’s best-kept secrets, Wrattonbully produces premium drops with an emphasis on reds, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot the most common varieties. There’s a mix of big-time players and smaller boutique wineries scattered throughout Wrattonbully, and with the world Heritage Listed Naracoote Caves nearby, you can combine sightseeing with boozing when visiting this underappreciated region. 

TLR recommends: Run by sisters Jane Richards and Claire Davies alongside award-winning winemaker Peter Douglas, Eight at the Gate has a cosy cellar door where you can taste the winery’s top drops.


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