South Australia is home to 18 wine regions and has officially been named a Great Wine Capital of the World – grab a glass and join the celebrations.
You can’t get far without encountering one of our world-famous wine regions. Adelaide is the wine capital of Australia - and one of the nine Great Wine Capitals of the World, along side Bordeaux in France, Napa Valley in the US and Bilbao Rioja in Spain. The network of global wine capitals share a common asset: their internationally renowned wine regions. Pour yourself a glass and check out our guide to South Australia’s top wine regions.
1. Barossa
Explore over 80 cellar doors in the Barossa, along with five-star retreats, opulent self-contained accommodation and sumptuous food. Red wine aficionados will be in heaven; enjoy a glass by the fire in winter or outdoors in the leafy shade during summer, spring and autumn. Due to its Mediterranean climate (warm summers and mild winters), the Barossa’s Cabernets and Shiraz’ are unbeatable.
2. McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale is a favourite South Australian wine region with more than 70 cellar doors to explore. As one of the most accessible wine regions in South Australia, McLaren Vale is just a short 40 minute drive from the Adelaide CBD and close to stunning coastal vistas for the Fleurieu Peninsula. Here you will find world-class Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay as well as lesser-produced varieties such as Tempranillo, Marsanne, Rousanne and Sangiovese.
3. Clare Valley
The Clare Valley is a scenic, 90 minute drive from Adelaide, boasting over 40 cellar doors. Known as the heart of Australian Riesling, Clare is known for its exceptional whites. Relax and unwind as you meander through charming villages and wineries, glass in-hand. A fantastic way to experience the Clare Valley is on the Riesling and Rattler Trail, an easy cycle path that winds 35 kilometres through the countryside.
4. Coonawarra
Welcome to South Australia’s red centre, Coonawarra. The ultimate destination for lovers of bold red wine, this picturesque part of South Australia is world-famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon and its Shiraz isn’t far behind. More than 24 cellar doors pack the relatively small Limestone Coast region, only 20 kilometres in length and two kilometres in diameter including Penley Estate, Brand’s Laira, Wynns Coonawarra Estate and Katnook Estate.
5. Adelaide Hills
The Adelaide Hills is one of Australia's best cool-climate wine regions. You'll find more than 60 wineries here, just minutes from the city. Get off the beaten track and treat yourself to a unique Adelaide Hills drop. Settle-in for a long lunch that could easily turn into a weekend away.
6. Riverland
With vines stretching from the sprawling banks of the Murray River to the edges of the outback, the Riverland is the largest grape growing region in South Australia. Fed by the Murray River, the Riverland produces some 460,000 tonnes of grapes and more than 85 varietals, making it an integral part of the Australian wine industry. Here, you'll find more than 12 cellar doors including Banrock Station, Angove Family Winemakers, 919 Wines, Whistling Kite and Salena Estate.
7. Langhorne Creek
Home to the oldest recorded Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the world and fifth-generation winemaking families, the fertile flood plains of Langhorne Creek produce some of South Australia's most premium wine grapes. Nestled between the Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale only an hour from Adelaide, here you can sip wine floating above the vineyards in an architecturally-designed shipping container at Kimbolton Wines, tucked in a renovated stable dating back to 1866 at Bremerton Wines or drink in 160 years of history at Bleasdale.
8. Eden Valley
Flanked by the Barossa and Adelaide Hills, Eden Valley is a boutique wine region where hillsides are contoured with vineyards and a handful of cellar doors sit nestled in the valleys. A picturesque hour's drive from Adelaide, the fertile high country is responsible for producing premium cool climate wines which are best tasted straight from a cellar door. Pull up a seat at Fernfield, Brockenchack, Flaxman or Henschke wines and taste the region's signature varieties, Riesling and Shiraz.
There’s so much more
Still thirsty? It’s always wine time in South Australia! Drink on with our guide to the best hidden cellar doors, where to rosé all day, discover family-friendly wineries in South Australia or find wine events near you this weekend.
