Adelaide & Adelaide Plains
What city in the world can claim to have a vineyard in its central business district? Adelaide.
The best place for the urban wine adventurer to start is the National Wine Centre of Australia, located in the heart of Adelaide. The centre offers a range of wine tastings from all over Australia, information and advice for those about to embark upon an expedition to any of the local wine regions.
An absolute must when visiting Adelaide is a tour of the historic Magill Estate, the birthplace of the legendary Penfolds Wines. Immaculately restored to its original glory, the grounds and old underground cellars are highlights of the winery's fascinating tours.
And just 35 kilometres north of the city is the prime horticultural region of the Adelaide Plains, settled decades ago by Mediterranean and Asian immigrants who continue to cultivate the land following long-held traditions. It's a landscape occupied by rows of vines, greenhouses, commercially grown flowers, herbs and vegetables: and 95 per cent of the bounty is sold through the Adelaide Central Market.
The Adelaide Plains are increasingly renowned for producing high quality wines. The best place to try the wines of the Adelaide Plains is Joseph and Dina Grilli's Primo Estate cellar door near Virginia, where you'll sample renowned varietal wines, olive oils and aged vinegars.
The most common grape varieties grown on the Adelaide Plains are Shiraz, Colombard (reportedly the best in Australia), Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon. Italian red varieties include Barbera (found in Chianti), Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.
