In this largely benign, flat, dry, irrigated region yields must be well controlled to concentrate flavours. Padthaway fruit is often blended into other regions. There are virtually no wineries here, with fruit being trucked off for processing in Coonawarra, McLaren, and beyond. Chardonnay McLaren Vale is only 30 minutes from Adelaide and fighting encroaching suburbia. First planted at Chateau Reynella in 1838, it is one of the most well-established, diverse, and interesting Australian regions.
Soil types vary too, depending on hill or vale location.
It seems to grow all grapes well, but McLaren shiraz is among Australia's best, with bright, lush fruit and supple texture. Although headquarters for Hardys at Chateau Reynella, and now the source of grapes for many companies outside the region, McLaren Vale is full of good small, wineries like Seaview, Richard Hamilton, Coriole, Woodstock, Ryecroft, and Maglieri. Whether itIs the cool climate or the region's sublime beauty, it has a way of attracting avant-garde wineries with big reputations and prices, like Petaluma and Lenswood. Vineyards above 400 metres fall within the appellation. One hour's drive northeast of Adelaide, Barossa is home to Australia's largest concentration of wineries, including Penfolds, Wolf Blass, Orlando, Seppelt, and Yalumba.