McLaren Vale Tour Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
By J_&_J on 10-Feb-18. Tour GT4

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to McLaren Vale, Australia.

Only 45 minutes south of Adelaide in South Australia, McLaren Vale is home to sustainable winegrowing, world-class wines and culinary experiences, as well as pristine natural attractions and unparalleled tourism offerings.

South Australia's viticultural origins began in McLaren Vale and our region's Mediterranean climate continues to drive our region's wine style and diverse food culture.

Best known for Shiraz, McLaren Vale also excels in the production of ultra-premium Grenache and Cabernet. Mediterranean varieties such as Fiano, Vermentino, Tempranillo and Sangiovese are also very well suited climatically and provide wine lovers with yet another layer of discovery.

Over one third of our cellar doors offer local produce as part of the tasting experience - from high-end, starred restaurants to casual platters - there is a wine and food combination to suit any taste.

Our region's 30 kilometres of breath-taking coastline and ranges define McLaren Vale's boundaries, and the distinct landscapes and environment within.

McLaren Vale's collaborative and generous nature, unique combination of world-class wines and produce - both on the farm and on the plate - with a beach lifestyle, ensure that our region truly offers a unique and welcoming experience.

A BRIEF HISTORY

McLaren Vale's extensive natural and cultural heritage spans over thousands of years of traditional ownership by the Kaura people and recently, has been shaped by European colonisation.

The colony of South Australia was founded in 1836 and McLaren Vale was established two years after following a survey conducted by John McLaren.

John Reynell and Thomas Hardy planted grape vines in 1838 and the Seaview and Hardy wineries were in operation as early as 1850.

At that time, McLaren Vale wineries made heavy, dry table wines in the style required by the bulk wine merchants and exporters of the 19th century. By the turn of the 20th century there was a shift towards making fortified wines.

Between 1920 and 1930, exports trebled and finally, after World War II, local sales increased. In the 1950s, several McLaren Vale wineries began bottling small parcels of selected wines and established cellar door tastings and sales.

In the same period, many Italian migrants settled in McLaren Vale and introduced olive and olive oil production. More recently, the production of almonds, cheese, milk and cream have added to the rich food tapestry of our region.

It was not until the 1970s that table wine grew in popularity and within the same decade, over 25 new wineries were established in our region which specialised in the production of distinctive Shiraz, Cabernet and Grenache.

Today, McLaren Vale is host to more than 80 cellar doors and our region's wines and their makers continue to receive awards and major trophies at the most prestigious wine shows in the world.