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Adelaide Hills

The Adelaide Hills is just a 30 minute drive from the centre of Adelaide. It stretches from the southern tip of the Barossa Valley in the north to the Kuitpo Forest in the south. Within the region is the historic township of Hahndorf, which is a popular tourist destination in its own right. It is renowned for its picturesque country side and home to some of Australia's leading sparkling producers which benefit from the fruit grown here. 

Photo Credit: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission

The Adelaide Hills in South Australia is one of the country’s cool-climate flagship wine regions, prized for its elevation (400–700+ metres above sea level), diversity of microclimates, and proximity to Adelaide. Its reputation has grown rapidly since the 1970s revival of viticulture, and today it is celebrated for elegant, aromatic whites, sparkling wines, and increasingly fine cool-climate reds.

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Key grape varieties grown

  • Sauvignon Blanc

    • The region’s signature white.

    • Produces crisp, zesty wines with citrus, passionfruit, and grassy aromatics.

    • Often compared with Marlborough NZ, though with more restraint and texture.

  • Chardonnay

    • One of the most important plantings.

    • Styles range from lean, mineral-driven examples to richer, barrel-fermented wines.

    • A key base for high-quality sparkling wine production.

  • Pinot Noir

    • Grown across cooler subregions, particularly Piccadilly Valley and Lenswood.

    • Produces elegant reds with red cherry, strawberry, spice, and silky tannins.

    • Widely used in sparkling blends with Chardonnay.

  • Shiraz (cool-climate style)

    • Distinct from the Barossa’s bold Shiraz.

    • Adelaide Hills Shiraz tends to be more medium-bodied, perfumed, and spicy, with pepper and red berry notes.

  • Riesling

    • Planted in cooler pockets, producing delicate, lime-driven styles with high acidity.

  • Other emerging / alternative varieties

    • Italian whites: Fiano, Arneis, Pinot Grigio — gaining traction.

    • Reds: Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo — reflecting Mediterranean influence.

    • Grüner Veltliner is a rising star, with the region positioning itself as Australia’s leader for this Austrian variety.

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Major wineries & notable producers

The Adelaide Hills has a mix of pioneering estates, boutique innovators, and sparkling specialists:

  • Shaw + Smith

    • One of the region’s most iconic producers (est. 1989).

    • Benchmark Sauvignon Blanc and M3 Chardonnay.

    • Also known for refined Pinot Noir and Shiraz.

  • Nepenthe

    • Established 1994, showcasing varietal diversity and approachable styles.

    • Strong focus on Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and alternative whites.

  • Petaluma

    • A pioneer in cool-climate viticulture (est. 1976).

    • Renowned for Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay and Riesling.

    • Also produces premium sparkling.

  • Bird in Hand

    • Combines wine, art, and tourism.

    • Award-winning Chardonnay, Shiraz, and sparkling wines.

    • Known for stylish cellar door and strong export reputation.

  • Ashton Hills

    • Specialist in Pinot Noir and sparkling wine.

    • Founded by Stephen George, now regarded as one of the best Pinot producers in Australia.

  • Sidewood Estate

    • Produces premium sparkling wines and cool-climate still varieties.

    • Notable for experimentation with Grüner Veltliner.

  • The Lane Vineyard

    • Highly regarded for elegant Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Shiraz.

    • Modern winery with a strong focus on food and wine tourism.

  • Deviation Road

    • Especially acclaimed for méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines.

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