Where is McLaren Vale?

McLaren Vale is a popular wine region in South Australia. It is very close to Adelaide and it also goes up to the dunes of the numerous beaches along the coast line. This proximity to the coast gives the region a maritime climate. Sometimes described by wine growers there as a Mediterranean climate. To the north it shares a boundary with cooler Adelaide Hills.

The McLaren Vale region has several smaller regions that are also important that you might see on labels. The sub-regions that winelovers might see are Blewitt Springs, McLaren Flat, Willunga.

The Sea

McLaren Vale’s maritime climate produces ideal wine growing conditions. It has been described as a Mediterranean climate which means it has hot summer day time temperatures, plenty of sunshine and low rainfall while the grapes are ripening. Cool breezes sweep through the Vale in summer and this helps with humidity.

It is this low humidity that means that there are now many wine growers the region who are either fully organic or biodynamic. Because the conditions above mean that the grapes tend to have less disease to cope with.

However, this lack of rain in summer also means that some vineyards will need to supplement watering as the grapes need it. This has led to the region being a significant innovator in water management and the grapes are sustained with water from reusable sources.

What grapes to look for

For so long McLaren Vale was known for its exceptional red wines. Some from very old and well established vineyards with thick trunks holding them up. You will find Shiraz, Grenache and / or Mourvedre in these old vineyards. Often they grow without irrigation too.

However, the most popular grape for the region is Shiraz. Or, Syrah by its other name. Then expect to find plenty of Cabernet Sauvignon. Followed by Grenache. Unsurprisingly, you will find plenty of these red wines being collected around the world. They are excellent cellaring wines.

The Vale is known for its combination of a great grape growing climate, an innovative spirit and its Mediterranean cultural influence. Therefore, it is unsurprising that you will find some varieties here that are not the usual. Here you will also find pockets of Barbera, Sangiovese, Chambourcin, Fiano, Vermentino and Tempranillo amongst the wines on offer.

Perhaps the most common reason to love wines from the McLaren Vale is the heart winning combination of balanced ripe fruit, soft acidity and tannins. These make the wines from the region a very easy decision for wine lovers around the world.

Something you didn’t know!

Here are two things that you might not have known:

McLaren Vale has been recognised as having the highest number of certified organic and biodynamic vineyards!

McLaren Vale reveres its old vines and now has the McLaren Vale Wine Region Old Vine Register. Some of the vines are over 100 years old and are some of the oldest in Australia.  Maybe even the world.

Food & Culture

McLaren Vale is a food lovers haven! Willunga has a farmers market that was the first in South Australia. And the local restaurant, delis and cafés take pride to use local ingredients. Why not, when you have wines that have been made with food matching at heart?

The area also has enjoyed the benefit from the many families who chose McLaren Valey as their home when moving from Italy. Indeed, the region is well known for its olives and olive oil as well.

Look out for locally sourced cheeses, cured meats and seafood. All these will go superbly with wide range of wine styles that McLaren Vale offers.

In fact, we recommend that if you are wanting a special late brunch bacon and egg butty, you should try it with the d’Arenberg The Peppermint Paddock.

Wines from our collection

We have two excellent wines from the McLaren Vale that have proven immensely popular in tastings.