Crafers is a town located in the Adelaide Hills wine region of South Australia, specifically situated in the Mount Lofty Ranges east of Adelaide. This region boasts a significant diurnal temperature variation, contributing to the balanced ripening of grapes. The cool nights during the ripening season help grapes retain acidity and aromas, resulting in fresh, vibrant, and complex wines. Adelaide Hills is known for its cool climate, ideal for early-ripening grape varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling, particularly in the coolest areas where they shine in sparkling and table wines.
The combination of topography, soil types, and mesoclimates in the Adelaide Hills wine region presents challenges and opportunities for growers. Vineyard management techniques such as hand-pruning and hand-picking are necessary due to the slopes that make mechanization difficult. The diverse terrain creates various mesoclimates and microclimates that impact vine vigor, requiring meticulous canopy management, especially for Sauvignon Blanc, a prevalent grape variety in the area.
Crafers, along with other towns in the Adelaide Hills, not only offers stunning scenery but also produces premium cool climate wines, including sparkling varieties. Its proximity to Adelaide makes it an ideal destination for leisurely wine tasting and long lunches. The wines from this region stand out for their distinctive qualities, differentiating them from those produced in warmer neighboring regions like Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale.