McLaren Vale Wine Region

John McLaren was neither winemaker nor gastronomic genius, but he left an indelible mark on one of the foremost food and wine regions of Australia.

Working under orders from his boss Colonel William Light, Government Surveyor McLaren was responsible for mapping the regions south to the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Under his guidance, the McLaren Vale District (just 40 minutes south of Adelaide) was born in 1839, but a year earlier the first vines were planted in 1838 by John Reynell, a Devonshire farmer who brought vine cuttings from the Cape of Good Hope and planted them at what is now Reynella.

The Region has become one of Australia’s premier wine-producing districts, particularly renowned for its full-bodied reds.

The area is dotted by more than 60 cellar doors, most of which are shop fronts for small to medium-size boutique operations but also include such major Australian players as the BRL Hardy group and Rosemount. About 270 independent grape growers can also be found here.

Shiraz is a specialty, as are Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, while Merlot is becoming increasingly popular as a varietal. Chardonnay dominates the white varieties but Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling are also gaining kudos, and experimentation is taking place with Viognier, Marsanne and Sangiovese.

40km from Adelaide

75 Wineries Available

2 Attractions Available

Average Distance 200km

Average Duration 8hrs

D'Arenberg

Since 1912 the Osborn family have grown grapes and made wine in the picturesque surrounds of McLaren Vale. Today fourth generation family member Chester Osborn is at the winemaking helm, making distinctive wines using traditional methods in the winery and the vineyard.

From entry level to iconic, d’Arenberg wines are hand crafted with all grapes basket pressed and red wines fermented in small batch open fermenters and foot trod. The red striped range is considerable with 37 wines making use of over 25 varieties including white, red, fortified, sparkling red and dessert wines. Over a thousand show medals and praise from wine scribes the world over attest to their merits.