McLaren Vale, located south of Adelaide, South Australia near the coast, benefits from the cooling effects of the ocean, resulting in unique conditions for grape growing. The region is renowned for its high-quality wines, particularly red varieties like Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Merlot, alongside white varietals such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. With a history dating back to 1838, McLaren Vale remains phylloxera free, allowing for innovative viticultural techniques and exceptional wine production.
Covering a substantial meso-climate variation due to its proximity to the ocean, McLaren Vale boasts 7,375 hectares of grapevines planted, with Shiraz being the predominant variety at 56%. Other major plantings include Cabernet Sauvignon (17.96%), Grenache (6.58%), Chardonnay (3.57%), and Merlot (2.46%). The region is also exploring 'alternative varieties' like Fiano, Vermentino, Barbera, Montepulciano, Nero d'Avola, and Tempranillo, better suited to the Mediterranean climate.
McLaren Vale's climate features low summer rainfall and diverse soil types, including red/brown loamy sand, sandy hillsides around Blewitt Springs, and terra rossa areas. These varied conditions enable the region to cultivate a wide array of grapes, supporting numerous reputable wineries in the area.