South Australia Wines: Barossa Shiraz, Clare Valley Riesling and the Classic Reds of Australia's Wine State
Old vines, warm sunshine and cellar doors just a short drive from Adelaide: South Australia is the heart of Australian wine. From powerful Barossa Shiraz to crisp Clare Valley Riesling, many of the country's most famous wines come from here.
What Makes South Australian Wine So Special?
South Australia produces close to half of all Australian wine. Its regions stretch from warm inland valleys to cool hills and the sea, so the state makes almost every style, from rich reds and fortifieds to fine sparkling and aromatic whites.
The state has also never been affected by phylloxera, the vine pest that destroyed vineyards around the world. Thanks to strict quarantine rules, South Australia is home to some of the oldest producing Shiraz and Grenache vines anywhere.
Red wines make up about two thirds of our South Australian range, and Shiraz alone accounts for about a third.
The Wine Regions of South Australia
The Barossa Valley is famous for generous old vine Shiraz and Grenache, while the higher Eden Valley next door is known for fine, lime scented Riesling.
South of Adelaide, McLaren Vale makes rich Shiraz and perfumed Grenache cooled by sea breezes. Langhorne Creek, near Lake Alexandrina, is loved for soft, generous Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
The cool Adelaide Hills are the home of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Further north, the Clare Valley, home of the famous Riesling Trail, is one of Australia's great Riesling regions.
In the far south east, the Limestone Coast includes Coonawarra, whose red terra rossa soils produce some of Australia's most celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon. Along the Murray River, the warm Riverland supplies much of the state's everyday wine.
South Australian Red Wine
South Australian Shiraz is the state's signature red, from bold, chocolatey Barossa and McLaren Vale wines to more elegant styles from the hills. Explore every region in our Shiraz collection.
South Australian Cabernet Sauvignon shines in Coonawarra and Langhorne Creek, and old vine South Australian Grenache is a McLaren Vale and Barossa speciality. Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro also come together in the popular GSM blends.
From cooler sites come elegant South Australian Pinot Noir and soft Merlot, while Sangiovese and Tempranillo show the state's growing love of Italian and Spanish grapes.
White, Sparkling and Fortified Wines
South Australian white wines are just as varied: dry South Australian Riesling from Clare and Eden Valley, South Australian Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio from the Adelaide Hills, and Mediterranean grapes such as Fiano from McLaren Vale.
South Australian sparkling wine ranges from elegant traditional method cuvées from the cool hills to sparkling Shiraz, a deep red and spicy Australian classic.
The Barossa has a long history of fortified wine. Seppeltsfield releases its Para Vintage Tawny one hundred years after the vintage, a tradition you can taste in our range.
South Australian Wine Brands in Our Range
Our South Australian range brings together famous names such as Penfolds, founded at Magill near Adelaide in 1844 and the home of Grange, and Yalumba, Australia's oldest family owned winery. d'Arenberg, Jim Barry and Seppeltsfield follow.
You will also find Mitolo, Wirra Wirra, Hentley Farm, Langmeil, Pikes, Chain of Ponds and many smaller family estates. For organic wine, look for Farm Hand and the biodynamic wines of Kalleske, Gemtree and Yangarra.
Serving and Food Pairing
Serve Shiraz, Cabernet and Grenache at 16 to 18 degrees, and Riesling and Chardonnay at 8 to 12 degrees. Big reds love barbecued lamb and slow cooked beef, while Clare Valley Riesling is a natural match for seafood and Asian dishes.
What Wine Is South Australia Known For? Your Questions, Answered
What wine is South Australia famous for?
Shiraz is the most famous SA wine, especially from the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. The state is also famous for Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, old vine Grenache, Clare and Eden Valley Riesling, and fortified Tawny.
Why does South Australia have such old vines?
Phylloxera never reached South Australia, so vineyards did not have to be replanted. Some Barossa vineyards still produce fruit from vines planted in the 1800s.
Is South Australia the same as South Eastern Australia on a label?
No. South Australia is a single state. South Eastern Australia is a much larger label term that allows grapes from several states to be blended into one wine.
Why Buy South Australian Wine at YourWines?
From an everyday Shiraz to a century old Tawny, you can buy South Australian wines online for every style, 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.