In l840 a group of German settlers arrived along with some British gentry and this started the wine growing region. They grow outstanding Riesling, Semillon and Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet, Grenache, to name a few.

I took a wine course while on one visit to South Australia. Its only 1 ½ hours drive from Adelaide, but its good to stay in the valley if you can. Its better to take a guided private tour with a professional winemaker, than to try and wander around on your own.

Great little towns like Lyndoch, Tanunda, Angaston, Hahndorf and lots more quaint villages with lovely bed and breakfasts, little restaurants and great wine tasting.

Some of the wineries are still in the same families which started the vineyard over 100 years ago.