Adelaide Hills

Overview

Rising just 20 minutes east of Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills is one of Australia's most exciting and dynamic wine regions. With vineyards perched between 400 and 700 metres above sea level, it is the country's highest-altitude wine region, and the cool temperatures, misty mornings, and long autumns create ideal conditions for grapes that thrive on freshness and finesse.

The region is a mosaic of microclimates and sub-regions, from the apple-growing orchards of Lenswood to the steep, forested slopes of the Piccadilly Valley. It has become the spiritual home of Australian Sauvignon Blanc, Shaw + Smith's benchmark expression helped redefine the variety nationally, and a hotbed for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Shiraz of uncommon elegance. Forward-thinking producers such as Hahndorf Hill have also introduced Austrian varieties like Grüner Veltliner and Blaufränkisch, adding to the region's reputation for innovation and experimentation.

Beyond the wines, the Adelaide Hills is a feast for the senses. Historic German villages like Hahndorf and Lobethal sit alongside architecturally striking cellar doors, acclaimed restaurants, and artisan producers. The region's proximity to the city, combined with its natural beauty and vibrant food and wine culture, makes it one of Australia's most visited and beloved wine destinations.

Key Varietals

• Sauvignon BlancThe region's white flagship. Crisp, vibrant, and aromatic with grapefruit, passionfruit, and fresh herb characters, often with surprising texture and complexity.
• Pinot NoirThriving in the cool, elevated sites of Lenswood and Piccadilly. Delicate and perfumed with cherry, strawberry, and earthy spice, gaining depth with each vintage.
• ChardonnayCool-grown and precise, showing white peach, citrus, and struck-match complexity. Often whole-bunch pressed and fermented in oak for texture and length.
• ShirazA cooler, more fragrant expression than its Barossa cousin. White pepper, red berry, and violet aromatics with a medium-bodied, silky palate and fine tannins.