The Big Picture

Like much of South Australia, the 19th century history of the Southern Flinders Ranges was concerned with wheat and wool. Though it received a visit from the peripatetic Mr Thomas Hardy in 1892, the region's early grape growing experiences were limited to small areas of table grapes and dried fruit. The late 20th century wine boom saw new plantings from 1980 onwards, and a surge of interest in wine grapes during the 1990s.

The Southern Flinders Ranges has been overwhelmingly a red wine area, with only token plantings of white. However, as altitudes and climate are not markedly dissimilar to those of the Clare Valley, it is possible that Riesling may fare well in the future.

Southern Flinders Ranges Wine Region

Climate

Despite its northerly situation, the climate of the region can be described as warm and dry, rather than hot, being assisted in its relative mildness by its elevation and the maritime influences of the Spencer Gulf to the south-west and southerly winds from the Gulf of St Vincent. Most vineyards are irrigated from underground sources.

Soil

The region rises from near sea level (20 metres) to 718 metres (the peak of Frypan Hill), though most of its vineyards are located between 40 and 500 metres (131 to 1640 feet) altitude. Indeed much of the region sits above 300 metres (874 feet). The soils, although varied, are quite deep and mostly limestone based, fertile and quite suitable for viticulture.

Wines

Shiraz: These are full-coloured, robust reds of berry and licorice aromatics that bear some resemblance to those of the Clare Valley and should keep well.

Vital Statistics