The Best Vineyards In Adelaide

The wine industry in Australia got off to a rough start when the country was first colonised by the Dutch in the 18th century. But after a few decades this type of agriculture found its feet, leading to domestic, and later, international sales, before Australia became a world leader in the production and exportation of quality wine. Thanks to its climate, which is ideal for growing grapes, the Adelaide region is becoming more and more well known for its excellent wines. Read our guide to the best vineyards around Adelaide.

Charles Melton Wines

The richness of the soil and the patience of the population of the Barossa Valley wine region is reflected in the red wine produced at Charles Melton Wines. Since developing their first vintage in 1984, this small vineyard has gained international recognition for its red wine by ignoring fashionable trends that were followed by many other vineyards in the region, and deciding instead to focus and perfect some less common varieties like grenache and mourvedre. This attitude towards uniqueness makes this vineyard a must-visit for wine lovers. Charles Melton Wines, Krondorf Rd, Krondorf SA, Australia, +61 8 8563 3606 Wirra Wirra tasting room | © Jocelyn Kinghorn/Flickr

Penfolds Magill Estate

Restaurant

One of the most well-known brands of wine in the whole of Australia is Penfolds, established in 1844 by an emigrated English physician named Christopher Rawson Penfold and his wife Mary. The Penfolds Magill Estate is one of several vineyards owned by Penfolds, and is also one of the closest wineries to the CBD of Adelaide. This winery offers a luxurious wine-tasting and education experience in their chic cellar and tasting rooms, as well as great contemporary cuisine in their modern and elegant fine-dining restaurant. Penfolds Magill Estate Winery, 78 Penfold Rd, Magill SA, Australia, +61 8 8301 5569

Rockford Wines

The Barossa region is widely known as being one of the best wine regions in Australia, and is also one of the country’s oldest wine regions, having been in the industry since the mid 19th century. Rockford Wines is located in this region, around 56 kilometres from Adelaide’s centre, and is committed to keeping the traditions of wine-making alive. This vineyard maintains the old outback look, with old bricked cabins and native Australian gardens, meaning it’s the true South Australian wine experience. Rockford Wines, Krondorf Rd, Tanunda SA, Australia, +61 1800 088 818 Barossa Valley Vineyard | © Kyle Taylor/Flickr

Wirra Wirra Vineyards

Winery

Derived from the name of the Aboriginal tribe Wirra Wirra, which means ‘among the gum trees’, Wirra Wirra Vineyards maintains one of the core values of this tribe: giving back to the community. This wine collaborative is made up of a range of vineyards from the McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills regions who are committed to their community and producing great quality wine. As well as producing a range of great white wine varieties, this winery gives back to the community by supporting many local charities. Wirra Wirra Vineyards, 463 McMurtrie Rd, McLaren Vale SA, Australia, +61 8 8323 8414

Coriole Vineyards

Winery

The original farmhouses, which are now where you can find the cellar in the centre of the gardens, were built in the mid 19th century, making the land of Coriole Vineyards over 150 years old. The original vines were planted immediately after the First World War, leading the first wines from this winery to be released in 1970. Since then, this vineyard has maintained its rustic aesthetic and specialised in less-common Italian wine varieties, like Sangiovese. Coriole Vineyards, Chaffeys Rd, McLaren Vale SA, Australia, +61 8 8323 8305 Coriole vineyards | © thinboyfatter/Flickr

By Matthew Clark
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Matthew Clark is currently living in the south of France working as an English language teacher. After graduating from a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, he plans on travelling the world to experience the food, wine and culture it has to offer.

About the author

Matthew Clark

Matt is a Linguistics graduate who was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. A passion for travel and foreign cultures was developed from a young age thanks to his well-travelled, multi-lingual parents who encouraged him to study foreign languages and find a way to live abroad. After graduating from La Trobe University in 2013, Matt moved to southern France to become an English teacher, from where he plans on exploring the European continent and all the fascinating history and culture that it has to offer.