OUR HOME IN MCLAREN VALE
"The region is so effortless in the fun-loving lifestyle it exudes, that I always feel a little guilty visiting the area for 'work'.” Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW and wine writer The Wine Advocate
Less than an hour from the South Australian capital Adelaide, McLaren Vale is within easy reach for visitors, only 40 kilometres south of the city. Built around the coast of the Great Australian Bight, the region has a Mediterranean feel, reflecting the seaside location and the early settlers who first came here, many of whom were Italian and German.
Known for a relaxed pace and a mecca for great food and wine, McLaren Vale is a very diverse region boasting a unique mix of sub-regions that display different characteristics reflected in the wines that are produced. Over time, different regions have been identified as better-suited for different varietals, depending on their geology, soils, elevation, rainfall and distance from the sea. With over 7463 hectares of the region covered in vineyards, it is the skill of passionate winemakers who are drawn to McLaren Vale to create the award winning wines that the region is known for.
While 51% of McLaren Vale vines are Shiraz, the region is also home to many other varieties such as Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet. McLaren Vale also embraces lesser known varieties such as Grenache, Mouvèdre (Mataro), Fiano and Vermentino.
The region generally commences harvest in late January/early February, right through until April, working across the different varieties and sub-regions.