McLaren Vale Wineries - A Brief Introduction

McLaren Vale is an Australian Geographical Indication for the purpose of wine-making. Geographically, vale is referred to a valley. Therefore, this region is a valley of river. McLaren Vale is essentially of triangular shape and is bounded on three sides. Adelaide lies to its north, the St Vincent gulf to the west and the Mt Lofty Ranges to the east and south. McLaren Vale is both a region and a small township within it. In fact, the region derives its name from the township. The grape growing areas within this are Old Reynella, Willunga, Aldinga, McLaren Vale Flat and McLaren Vale.

The importance of the region lies in the fact that this is an important food and wine region of Australia. Due to its well-recognized wine industry, it is also included in the Great Wine Capitals of the World. The region has been named after John McLaren who conducted the surveyed this region. However, some people argue that the naming was after David McLaren, the colonial manager of South Australia Company.

The first vines in this region were grown by John Reynell and Thomas Hardy in 1838, which is a good 180 years ago from now. These two people became the pioneers of wine industry in this area. At present, the region boasts of more than 80 cellar doors and 120 odd wineries.

McLaren Vale wineries grown different varieties of grapes. Shiraz dominates with about 55% of vineyard area of this region under its cultivation. Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache are the other two major varieties. Besides, there are a number of other grape varieties which respond well to Mediterranean type of climate.

Among the prominent McLaren Vale wineries, to name a few, are Hugo Wines, Zonte's Footstep, Angove Winery, d'Arenberg, Leconfield Wines, Maxwell Wines, Rosemount Wines, Wirra Wirra Vineyards and Geoff Merrill Wines