McLaren Vale is leading the charge in their contribution to a sustainable future. This is in large part thanks to the research and findings of geologists Bill Fairburn, Jeff Olliver, and Wolfgang Preiss, alongside wine writer Philip White that led to the published ‘The Geology of the McLaren Vale Wine Region’ map in 2010, later updated in 2019. This is perhaps the most comprehensive regional geological understanding of any Australian wine region and lays a foundation for the region’s and its producers’ deep connection with its land. McLaren Vale was also the first region to self-impose water restrictions on its underground resources. In 1991, a group of farmers successfully lobbied the government to introduce limits to manage the strained groundwater system. This initiative led to the development of the country’s first and largest reclaimed water network. Today, Willunga Basin Water supplies 65% of the region’s annual water demand, providing a sustainable source of irrigation. In 2019, the McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association partnered with the Australian Wine Research Institute to develop the national sustainability framework now known as Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. McLaren Vale also lays claim to close to 40% of its area under vine being certified organic and/or biodynamic, all these elements making McLaren Vale Australia’s most environmentally sustainable wine grape growing region. Vintage Snapshots: Seasons and Stories in the Vineyards 2025 A warm, dry growing season brought an early budburst, with even fruit set and minimal disease pressure. The warm conditions continued through veraison and into harvest. Small but concentrated berries delivered intensity and vibrancy across the vintage. Harvest commenced two weeks ahead of schedule and concluded by late March. The overall wine crush increased by 28% compared to the previous year. Grenache achieved the highest average value this vintage. Twenty hectares of new plantings were established between 2024 and 2025, evenly split between red and white varieties, with a focus on heat-tolerant grapes such as grenache and fiano. 2024 A mild winter and an early, dry spring brought fluctuating temperatures — warm days and cold nights — leading to some frost damage in low-lying vineyards and
South Australia Wine Guide 2026 | McLaren Vale
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