McLaren Vale Wine Region

Distance from Adelaide: 35km
Nearest town: McLaren Vale
Location: 35°14’S, 138°33’E
Annual rainfall: 660 mm
Mean January temp: 21.7°C
Sunshine hours per day: 8.6
The number of wineries: approx. 50
The number of cellar doors: approx. 40

Location information:
Lying on the south coast of Adelaide and nestled between the Gulf of St Vincent and the South Mount Lofty Ranges

Just 40 minutes south from Adelaide, lies the town of McLaren Vale and the McLaren Vale Wine Region.

The McLaren Vale Wine Region’s heady mix of gentle sea breezes with ancient soils not only distinguishes the food and wine culture for which the region is world famous – it seduces all who visit and taste its riches.

This is the land where wine’s alluring qualities make perfect sense, where the aromas from the glass in your hand perfectly offset the strident flavours of the region’s olives, almonds, seafood, meats and cheeses on your plate. Where the smiles of the producers offering their wares are as wide and accommodating as the sweeping vistas of gently rolling pastures and beautifully manicured vineyards

In the McLaren Vale Wine Region, the produce, the land and people exist in harmony. It has been this way since the original Kaurna people enjoyed this unspoilt habitat in ancient times; since French sea explorer Nicholas Baudin named the peninsula in 1802 after his eminent countryman Charles Pierre Claret, Comte de Fleurieu; since hardy British settlers first planted vines in 1838; since Italian migrants arrived in the 1940’s to work and nurture the land; since a new breed of winemaker and farmer revived the region’s fame in the 1980’s.

McLaren Vale Sea & Vines Festival
Each year in June the McLaren Vale Sea & vines Festival presents a combination of the best seafood from the Gulf of St. Vincent and beyond paired with a variety of McLaren Vale's best reds and whites.

McLaren Vale wineries join forces with local McLaren Vale and Adelaide restaurateurs to create an atmosphere of superb indulgence with sensational seafood, fantastic wines and musical acts including jazz, blues and rock. A selection of traditional Australian European and Asian seafood dishes are available to tantalise the tastebuds.

June is one of the best times to visit McLaren Vale with warming winter reds and the freshest seafood on show.

Location: McLaren Vale wineries
Event address: PO Box 169 McLaren Vale SA 5171
Contact: Jennifer Nicholl
Phone: (08) 8323 8999
Fax: (08) 8323 9332
E-Mail: info@mclarenvalewinemakers.com

Main grape varieties grown in the McLaren Vale wine region are: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc
New varieties to watch for: Viognier, Merlot, Sangiovese, Marsanne, Tempranillo
Harvest period: Late February to late April

Region history
There are many natural features and attractions in this area, but the wine industry has been its primary focus for many years. The area was amongst the first to be used for vineyards in South Australia after European settlement. It is this particular feature combined with its rich, fertile, agricultural land which has played a significant role in the historical development of the area.

John Reynell is credited as being the first to establish a vineyard in the southern areas of Adelaide. He commenced vine planting in 1838 at “Reynella”. the success of his venture prompted experimentation by other pioneers in the surrounding areas. A period of rapid vineyard growth occurred from 1845 in the McLaren Vale area when some prominent Adelaide practitioners, including Dr Rawson Penfold, established vineyards on the premise the wine produced was needed for medical purposes of their patients.

In 1850, George Manning established about 12 ha of vineyards and constructed a winery at Hope Farm. His livelihood was principally gained through wheat farming, but he developed into a successful amateur vigneron. The vineyard was eventually sold and changed its name to the Seaview winery, however the name is still synonymous with the area as Manning Park winery.

The extent of vineyards continued to grow in the area. In 1861, Dr Alexander C Kelly who was promoting the medicinal value of wines formed the Tintara Vineyard Company on 280 ha of land at what is now McLaren Vale. Although he became a proficient wine maker, the company faltered during poor times and in 1876 the vineyard was sold to Thomas Hardy. This was a significant step forward for this great wine maker who had assessed the export market for Adelaide’s wines in the early 1860’s and had been slowly increasing production from vineyards along the River Torrens. Thomas Hardy’s wine industry empire was clearly established when within the first year of purchasing the Tintara vineyards he was able to make sufficient sales of its product to repay the full purchase price of the vineyard.

The McLaren Vale town as known today originally consisted of two hamlets, Bellevue and Gloucester. It would appear that the area generally became known as McLaren Vale following the visit to the area in 1837 by David McLaren, the Colonial Manager of the South Australian Company, although this is disputed by some historians. some suggest it was related to the work in the area by the surveyor, John McLaren, at the same time.

Gloucester was south of the Tintara Winery, while Bellevue was established around the site of “The Barn” which still exists on Main Road in McLaren Vale. Bellevue was founded by Richard Bell, and included the Clifton Hotel, a flour mill and the Bellevue Primary School which was established by Reverend Prior. Bellevue flourished for a time. However the closing of the flour mill and primary school, and the delicencing of the hotel let to a decline in the hamlet. In 1882, Thomas Hardy who was prospering from his newly established wine empire decided to purchase these substantial buildings. He converted the flour mill into a winery, used the school as a residence for his employees and the Barn as stables for his work horses, and re-established the Clifton Hotel as a wine and refreshment inn. He changed its name to the Hotel Bellevue and regained a licence after some renovations. The hotel was later named the Hotel McLaren amid some opposition from the local community. It was not until the early 1920’s that the town of McLaren Vale became the commonly accepted name for the community.

In 1879, Fredrick Wilkinson purchased the 65ha Ryecroft estate. He began planting vines and with assistance from James Ingoldby and T C Walker generated an extremely profitable wine exporting business from the local product. In 1887 John G Kelly, the son of Dr A C Kelly, together with H M Varley and A B Black bought 165 ha of land in McLaren Vale and within two years had 125ha under vine crop on the Tatachilla property. The grapes were sold to Hardy’s winery until 1903, when Tatachilla established its own winery. In 1890, Herbert and Fredrick Kay purchased the 133ha Amery property. This property had been used for farming by its original owner Richard Aldersey, but was soon converted into vineyards by the Kay brothers. They had observed the profits being made from the vineyards in the area and decided to experiment with new technologies in wine making being developed by John G Kelly. this proved to be very successful for the Amery Vineyards. The 130ha Horndale Winery and Distillery was being established by the Horn brothers at about the same time.

In 1892 Alexander C Johnston began planting vines on the 98ha Pirrmimma property. Like many of the others who established vineyards, he initially maintained mixed farm. After developing the “Johnston Prolific” strain of almond, which became the commonly used variety in Adelaide, he gradually used more and more of the land as vineyards. It is understood that some of the original vines still exist on the property today.

The Wirra Wirra Winery was also being established at the same time. Wirra Wirra was established among the almond and fruit orchards, vineyards and surrounding grazing land. It was located at the settlement of Bethany about 3.5 kilometres south west of McLaren Vale and was owned by the solicitor, Thomas Wrigley, but was established with the assistance of Bob Wrigley (tom’s brother) and Alexander Johnston. the property of about 98ha fell into disuse after the death of Bob and Thomas, but has been re-opened and restored by Gregg and Roger Trott. Other wineries were also being established at this time. The Wattles Winery was built in the centre of McLaren Vale in 1896 by Cyril Pridmore. It was purchased around 1910 by Penfolds Wines, and then in the mid 1960’s by the Southern Vales Co-operative Winery. It is now the home of the Tatachilla Winery.

The d’Arenberg Winery was established by the Milton family in the 1890’s and purchased by Francis E Osborn in 1912. He later married Helen d’Arenberg ,a distant relation of the Belgium d’Arenberg family who constructed the famous Palais d’Arenberg. While grapes had been sold from the property to other wine makers in the area, such as Tatachilla and Hardy’s, in 1928 Osborn had completed his own winery and was selling his own product.

By the 1900’s the McLaren Vale area had already been established as a significant wine producing area in the International arena. After World War II, another period of growth occurred in the southern districts wine industry, particularly in the McLaren Vale and Willunga areas.

Today there are approximately 50 wineries in the region and approximately 270 independent grape growers. The area is characterized by the diversity of varieties grown. All the major wine varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Grenache, Chardonnay, Semillon, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc are suitable for the region while many minor varieties are also grown. A diversity of wine styles are produced from these varieties with a common characteristic of ripeness and generosity of flavour being evident. It is the wine industry that has given McLaren Vale its international acclaim.

Geography of the McLaren Vale region:
McLaren Vale is situated on the southern fringe of Adelaide. The main concentration of vineyards is found in the McLaren Vale- McLaren Flat and Willunga areas. The first vines in the region were planted within a few years of the proclamation of South Australia in 1836. Over the next 100 years or so, the vineyard area gradually increased and many wineries were established.

There are approximately 270 independent grape growers and 50 wineries in the region. Approximately 2/3rd of the grapes are crushed, processed and marketed as McLaren Vale with the remainder of the crop being blended with other regions.

The majority of vineyards in the McLaren Vale - Willunga district are found on flat to gently undulating land within 12 km of the sea providing regular cool afternoon breezes. The climate is characterised by warm summers, moderate winters, winter dominant rainfall (580 - 700 mm per annum), low relative humidity and relatively high evaporation.
Vintage in McLaren Vale generally commences in early February and is completed by early May.

Wineries in the McLaren Vale region:

Aldinga Bay Winery
Main South Road, Aldinga SA 5173. Tel: (08) 8556 3179. Fax: (08) 8556 3350. Cellar door: daily.
aldingabay@ozemail.com.au
http://www.aldingabaywine.com.au

Andrew Garrett & Ingoldby Wines
Ingoldby Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8383 0005 Fax: (08) 8383 0790. Cellar door: daily.
cellardoor@ingoldby.com.au
http://www.ingoldby.com.au

Arakoon
229 Main Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 7339. Fax: (02) 6566 6288. Cellar door: by appointment.
ibisnord@midcoast.com.au
http://www.arakoonwines.com

Beresford Wines
49 Fraser Avenue, Happy Valley SA 5159. Tel: (08) 8322 3611. Fax: (08) 8322 3610. Cellar door: daily.
info@beresfordwines.com.au
http://www.beresfordwines.com.au

Blewitt Springs Winery
12 Victoria Avenue, Woodcroft SA 5162. Tel: (08) 8322 0210 Fax: (08) 8387 4701.
bhoward@hillsview.com.au
http://www.hillsview.com.au

Boar's Rock
Tatachilla Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 9955 Fax: (08) 8323 9966.
winery@boarsrock.com.au

Brewery Hill Winery
Olivers Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 7344 Fax: (08) 8323 7355. Cellar door: daily.
http://www.breweryhill.com.au

Chalk Hill Wines
Field Street, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8556 2121. Fax: (08) 8556 2221.
wines@chalkhill.com.au

Chapel Hill Winery
Chapel Hill Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 8429. Fax: (08) 8323 9245. Cellar door: daily.
winery@chapelhillwine.com.au
http://www.chapelhillwine.com.au

Classic McLaren Winery
Corner of Coppermine Road & Seaview Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 9551 Fax: ( 08) 8323 9551. Cellar door: by appointment.
anthonydelisio@bigpond.com

Coriole Vineyards
Chaffeys Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 8305. Fax: (08) 8323 9136. Cellar door: daily.
coriole@senet.com.au

d’Arenberg Wines
Osborn Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 8315. Fax: (08) 8323 8423. Cellar door: daily.
winery@darenburg.com.au
http://www.darenberg.com.au

Dennis of McLaren Vale
Kangarilla Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 8665 Fax: (08) 8323 9121. Cellar door: daily.
dwines@ozemail.com.au
http://www.daringacellars.com.au

DiFabio Estate
Oakley Road, McLaren Flat SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8383 0159 Fax: (08) 8383 0168.
difabest@arcom.com.au

Dowie Doole
182 Main Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 7314. Fax: (08) 8323 7305. Cellar door: daily.
leigh.gilligan@vinum.com.au

Dyson Wines
Sherriff Road, Maslin Beach SA 5170. Tel: (08) 8386 1092 Fax: (08) 8327 0066. Cellar door: daily.

Edwards & Chaffey Winery
Chaffeys Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel : (08) 8323 8250 Fax: (08) 8323 9308. Cellar door: daily.
eandc@cellar-door.com.au
http://www.edwardsandchaffey .com.au

Extramadura
McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: 0419 864 155 Fax: (08) 8323 7726.
sallyp@senet.com.au

Fern Hill Estate
Ingoldby Road, McLaren Flat SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8383 0167 Fax: (08) 8383 0107. Cellar door: daily.
cellardoor@fernhillestate.com.au
http://www.fernhillestate.com.au

Foggo Wines
Foggos Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Phone: (08) 8323 0131 Fax: (08) 8323 7626. Cellar Door: daily except Mondays.
foggowines@bigpond.com
http://www.foggowines.com.au

Fox Creek Wines
Malpas Road, Willunga SA 5172. Tel: (08) 8556 2403. Fax: (08) 8556 2104. Cellar door: daily.
sales@foxcreekwines.com
http://www.foxcreekwines.com

Gemtree Vineyards
184 Main Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel:(08) 8323 8199 Fax: (08) 8323 7889.
gemtree@senet.com.au

Genders McLaren Park Wines
Section 47 Park Drive, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 7791 Fax: (08) 8323 7791.

Geoff Hardy
Cnr Hunt & Rifle Range Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel:(08) 8323 8125. Fax:(08) 8323 7766. Cellar door: daily.
wine@pertaringa.com.au

Geoff Merrill Wines
291 Pimpala Road, Woodcroft SA 5162. Tel: (08) 8381 6877 Fax: (08) 8322 2244. Cellar door: daily.
merrill@geoffmerrillwines.com
http://www.geoffmerrillwines.com

Hamilton Wines
Main Road, Willunga SA 5172. Tel: (08) 8556 2288. Fax: (08) 8556 2868. Cellar door: daily.
hwg@hamiltonwines.com
http://www.hamiltonwines.com

Hardy's Tintara
Main Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Ph: (08) 8323 8676 Fax: (08) 8323 0151. Cellar door: daily.
corporate@brlhardy.com.au
http://www.brlhardy.com.au

Haselgrove Wines
Sand Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Ph: (08) 8323 8706 Fax: (08) 8323 8049. Cellar door: daily.
winery@haselgrove.com.au
http://www.haselgrove.com.au

Hastwell & Lightfoot
Foggos Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 8692 Fax: (08) 8323 8098.
hlwines@senet.com.au

Hoffmann's
Ingoldby Road, McLaren Flat SA 5171. Ph: (08) 8383 0232 Fax: (08) 8383 0232. Cellar door: daily.
hoffmannswine@bigpond.com

Horndale Winery
Fraser Avenue, Happy Valley SA 5159. Tel: (08) 8387 0033 Fax: (08) 8387 0033. Cellar door: daily.

Hugh Hamilton Fine Wine
McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Ph: (08) 8323 8689 Fax: (08) 8323 9488. Cellar door: daily.
hugh@hamiltonwines.com.au
http://www.hamiltonwines.com.au

Hugo Winery
Elliott Road, McLaren Flat SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8383 0098 Fax: (08) 8383 0446. Cellar door: daily.
hugowine@iaccess.com.au

III Associates
130 Main Road McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 7940 Fax: (08) 8323 7422. Cellar door: by appointment.
maryg@associates.com.au
http://www.associates.com.au

Kangarilla Road Vineyard & Winery
Kangarilla Road, McLaren Flat SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8383 0533 Fax: (08) 8383 0044. Cellar door: daily.
kangarillaroad@bigpond.com

Kay's Amery Winery
Kays Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 8201 Fax: (08) 8323 9199. Cellar door: daily.
amery@senet.com.au
http://www.kaybrothersamerywines.com

Kimber Wines
Chalkhill Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 9773 Fax: (08) 8323 9773. Cellar door: seasonal, by apppointment.
kimber@comstech.com

Koltz
440 Adams Road, Blewitt Springs SA 5171. Tel: (08) 83830023 Fax: (08) 8383 0023.
koltz@senet.com.au

Maglieri Wines
Douglas Gully Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171 Tel: (08)8383 0177 Fax:(08)8383 0735. Cellar door: daily.
jstrother@mildarablass.com.au
http://www.mildarablass.com

Marienberg Wines
2 Chalk Hill Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 9666 Fax: (08) 8323 9600. Cellar door: daily.
cellardoor@marienberg.com.au
http://www.marienberg.com.au

Maxwell Wines
Olivers Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel:(08) 8323 8200 Fax: (08) 8323 8900. Cellar door: daily.
mark@maxwellwines.com.au
http://www.maxwellwines.com.au

McLaren Vale Premium Wines Pty Ltd
maryg@associates.com.au

Merrivale
http://www.merrivale.com.au

Middlebrook Estate
RSD 43 Sand Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08)8383 0600 Fax:(08) 8383 0557. Cellar door: daily.
jcogno@middlebrookestate.com.au
http://www.middlebrookestate.com.au

Neighbours Vineyards Pty Ltd
ROBMAY@senet.com.au

Noon Winery
Rifle Range Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 8290 Fax: (08) 8323 8290. Cellar door: seasonal.

Norman Wines
Grants Gully Road, Clarendon SA 5157 Tel:(08) 8383 6138 Fax;(08) 8383 6089
info@normanwines.com.au
http://www.normanswines.com.au

Oliver's Tarange
taranga@senet.com.au

Oliverhill Winery
Seaview Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 8922. Cellar door: by appointment.
oliverhill_winery@hotmail.com

P B & C M Shirvington
paulshirvo@shirvington.com.au

Paxton Wines
Sand Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 88323 8645 Fax: (08) 8323 8903.
paxton@tne.net.au

Penny's Hill
2 km south of McLaren Vale on the Willunga Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8556 4460 Fax: (08) 8556 4462. Cellar Door: daily.
info@pennyshill.com.au
http://www.pennyshill.com.au

Perrini Estate Winery
Bower road, Meadows SA 5201 Tel/Fax: (08) 8388 3210 Open 10am-5pm

Pertaringa Wines
Cnr Hunt Road and Rifle Range Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 8125 Fax: (08)8323 7766. Cellar door: daily.
wine@pertaringa.com.au
http://www.pertaringa.com.au

Pirramimma
Johnston Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel:(08) 8323 8205 Fax: (08) 8323 9224. Cellar door: daily.
pirra@senet.com.au

Potters Clay Vineyard
PO Box 444, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8556 2922 Fax: (08) 8556 2922.
pottersclayvineyard@powercom.com.au

Rosemount Estate - McLaren Vale
Ingoldby Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08)8383 0001 Fax: (08) 8383 0456. Cellar door: daily.
rosemountestates.mcv@cellardoor.com.au
http://www.rosemountestates.com.au

Scarpantoni Wines
Scarpantoni Drive, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08)8383 0186 Fax: (08)8383 0490. Cellar door: daily.
scarpantoni.wines@bigpond.com.au
http://www.scarpantoni-wines.com.au

Serafino Wines - McLarens on the Lake
Kangarilla Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08)8323 0157 Fax: (08) 8323 9010. Cellar dor: daily.
serafinowines@mclarensonthelake.com.au

Shingleback
Cnr Little Road and California Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8556 4400 Fax: (08) 8556 4424.
wine@shingleback.com.au
http://www.shingleback.com.au

Shottesbrooke Vineyards
1 Bagshaws Road, McLaren Flat SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8383 0002 Fax: (08) 8383 0222. Cellar door: daily
shottesbrooke@senet.com.au
http://www.shottesbrooke.com.au

Simon Hackett Wines
Budgens Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 7712 Fax: (08) 8323 7713. Cellar door: daily.
simon@simonhackettwines.com.au

Stump Hill Vineyard
info@stumphill.com

Sylvan Springs Estates
RSD 405 Blythmans Road, McLaren Flat SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8383 0500 Fax: (08) 8383 0499.
sylvansprings@tpg.com.au
http://www.sylvansprings.com.au

Tapestry Wines
Olivers Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 9196 Fax: (08) 8323 9746. Cellar door: daily.
tapestry@merrivale.com.au
http://www.tapestrywines.com.au

Tatachilla Winery
151 Main Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 8656 Fax: (08) 8323 9096. Cellar door: daily.
enquiries@tatchillawinery.com.au
http://www.tatachillawinery.com.au

Tiers Wine Co.
Tatchilla Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 8946 Fax: (08) 8323 9644.
tiers@chariot.net.au
http://www.tierswines.com.au

Tinlins Winery
Kangarilla Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 8649 Fax: (08) 8323 9747. Cellar Door: daily.

Wirilda Creek
RSD 91, McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 9688. Fax: (08) 8323 9260. Cellar door: daily.
wirilda@ozemail.com.au

Wirra Wirra Vineyards
McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171. Tel: (08) 8323 8414. Fax: (08) 8323 8596. Cellar door: daily.
info@wirra.com.au
http://www.wirra.com.au

Woodstock
Douglas Gully Road, McLaren Flat SA 5171. Ph: (08) 8383 0156 Fax: (08) 8383 0437. Cellar door: daily.
woodstock@woodstockwine.com.au
http://www.woodstockwine.com.au

Facilities in the McLaren Vale region:

Bed & Breakfast Booking Service South Australia
Freecall 1800 227 677. For all your B & B bookings throughout SA
info@bnbbookings.com
http://www.bnbbookings.com

Information centre in the McLaren Vale region:

McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Visitor Centres
Address: Main Road McLaren Vale
Phone: 8323 9944
Fax: 8323 9949
E-Mail: information@visitorcentre.com.au
http://www.visitorcentre.com.au

Opening times:
10:00am- 5:00pm 7 days except Christmas and Good Friday