Adelaide Hills Wines: Cool Climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Crisp Sauvignon Blanc

Lenswood or Piccadilly Valley?

Both are official subregions and both are cool, but the Piccadilly Valley is higher and prized for Chardonnay and sparkling. Lenswood, in the central Adelaide Hills among apple, pear and cherry orchards, is known for intense Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Piccadilly Valley, near Mount Lofty, is among the coolest and highest parts of the region. Its Chardonnay is tight and mineral, and its grapes form the base of some of Australia's finest sparkling wines. Look for it on bottles such as the Ashton Hills Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay.

Adelaide Hills Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Adelaide Hills Chardonnay is fine and focused, with white peach, citrus and a subtle nutty edge. It sits comfortably beside the country's most celebrated examples. Compare it with other regions in our Chardonnay collection.

Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir shows red cherry, raspberry and gentle spice, with silky texture and fresh acidity. Explore more cool climate reds in our Pinot Noir range.

Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Sparkling

Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc, or Sav Blanc, is one of Australia's favourite whites, with passionfruit, citrus and a crisp, dry finish. The Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc is widely seen as a benchmark for the region, and some producers make a textured, barrel aged Fumé Blanc style.

Adelaide Hills Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are just as popular, from crisp and light to rich and spicy.

Adelaide Hills sparkling wine is made in the traditional method, and the cool climate gives it fine, lively acidity. Try Croser from the Piccadilly Valley or the vintage and rosé cuvées from Deviation Road, or browse our Australian sparkling wine.

Grüner Veltliner, Italian Grapes and New Wave Wines

The Adelaide Hills love to experiment. Hahndorf Hill is a pioneer of Australian Grüner Veltliner, First Drop makes Arneis and Jericho makes Fiano and Tempranillo. Sangiovese, Barbera and Nebbiolo from producers such as Cooke Brothers complete the Italian picture.

The region is also a hub for new wave and natural winemaking, with small labels such as Gentle Folk, Golden Child and XO Wine Co.

Warmer, lower sites produce Shiraz, Merlot and Adelaide Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, or Cab Sav, from producers such as C.J. Wicks. For warm days, try a dry Adelaide Hills rosé or a racy Riesling from the hills.

Adelaide Hills Wine Brands in Our Range

Chain of Ponds and Paracombe are our largest Adelaide Hills producers, joined by Petaluma with its White Label Chardonnay, Shaw + Smith, Ashton Hills, Hahndorf Hill and Deviation Road. Penfolds also sources Adelaide Hills grapes for its Reserve Bin A Chardonnay.

Serving and Food Pairing

Serve Sauvignon Blanc and sparkling well chilled at 6 to 8 degrees, Chardonnay at 10 to 12 degrees and Pinot Noir at 14 to 16 degrees. Sauvignon Blanc loves goat's cheese and salads, Chardonnay suits roast chicken, and Pinot Noir is lovely with duck or mushrooms.

What Is the Adelaide Hills Known For? Your Questions, Answered

What wine is the Adelaide Hills known for?

Above all for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, plus excellent sparkling wine. In recent years Pinot Gris, Grüner Veltliner and Italian varieties such as Fiano and Arneis have become regional favourites too.

Is Penfolds in the Adelaide Hills?

Not as a winery. Penfolds was founded at Magill Estate in Adelaide, but it sources Adelaide Hills grapes for Reserve Bin A Chardonnay, and Max's Chardonnay also includes Adelaide Hills fruit.

How is the Adelaide Hills different from the Barossa and McLaren Vale?

The Adelaide Hills are higher and cooler, so the wines are lighter and fresher. The warmer Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale are better known for rich, full bodied reds such as Shiraz and Grenache.

Why Buy Adelaide Hills Wine at YourWines?

From a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for a summer lunch to a Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay for a special dinner, you can buy Adelaide Hills wine online for every occasion and budget.

Every wine is chosen by our team, available by the dozen or as a six-pack, and shipping is free Australia wide with a surcharge for WA, TAS and remote areas.