Adelaide Hills - South Australia's Cool Climate Secret
Adelaide Hills just thirty minutes east of Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills sits among the rise of the Mount Lofty Ranges and produces wines that feel worlds apart from the warm-climate styles the state is famous for. Bordered by the Barossa to the north, Eden Valley to the east and McLaren Vale to the south-west, the Adelaide Hills is a geographically small area just 70 kilometres long, but its diversity of altitude, soil and microclimate allows it to produce an exceptionally broad range of wine styles. It wasn't until the 1970s and 80s, when iconic winemakers such as Brian Croser saw the potential of the Hills' cool climates and high altitudes, that the region began its rise to prominence. Explore our Adelaide Hills wines →
The Climate
Adelaide Hills vineyards start at 300 metres and rise to 714 metres, ensuring daytimes are notably cooler than the Barossa, with night-time temperatures dropping sharply even in summer, allowing grapes to retain vital acidity and freshness. Ripening conditions at Piccadilly Valley are similar to Champagne in France, which is why it is ideally suited to growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The long, cool growing season produces wines with elegant fruit, natural acidity and real aging potential.
The Sub-Regions
Today the Adelaide Hills has two distinct sub-regions, Lenswood and Piccadilly Valley. At the coolest, highest extremes the Piccadilly Valley and Lenswood - Chardonnay and Pinot Noir go to produce sparkling wine as fine as any in Australia, while at the warmer, lower altitudes excellent Shiraz and Cabernet rejoice in the generous sunshine.
The Wines
Sauvignon Blanc is the most planted grape in the Adelaide Hills, accounting for almost 30 percent of the region's harvest. Chardonnay is equally at home here producing wines of real precision and elegance, with a significant proportion going into sparkling wine. Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir & Riesling also thrive. The cool climate and high altitude make this one of Australia's finest regions for sparkling wine, complex, fine and built to compete with the world's best.
