Clare Valley ι Mornington Peninsula ι Canberra District ι Tumbarumba ι Orange Region ι Barossa Valley
With a continuous history of winemaking dating back to 1852, the stone buildings and wineries of the Clare Valley add to the region's striking and varied beauty. It is a high quality producer of long-lived, intensely flavoured and strongly structured table wines, virtually all of which are made in limited quantities.
Although much has been written about the climate of this region, in many ways it is difficult to reconcile with its wine styles. Its weather data point to a far warmer climate than is the case; cool afternoon breezes are the key and play a major role in slowing down the ripening process. Furthermore, altitude and position within the Valley as well as aspect all lead to considerable variations in individual site climate. Overall, however, the climate is moderately continental, with cool to cold nights and warm to hot summer days; the rainfall is winter-spring dominant, making irrigation all but essential while relatively low humidity (and summer rainfall) means a low incidence of fungal disease.
Harvest commences in early March and finishes, typically, with Riesling coming in last in late April. With the exception of the open expanses of the Polish Hill River to the east, and Auburn to the south, the region is defined into a series of sub-valleys running in every direction, with numerous creeks or creek beds. Typically, higher altitude or west-facing slopes often produce the best vineyard sites, and this very beautiful region is no exception.
Soils
The soils vary but are, by and large excellent; red to brown-grey in colour, and with significant limestone sub-soil content, particularly in the more southerly subregions.
Climate
| Altitude: | 300-500m | |
| Heat Degree Day: | 1770 | |
| Sunshine Hours per day: | 9.3 | |
| Annual rainfall: | 630mm (25 inches) | |
| Growing season rainfall: | 200mm (8 inches) | |
| Mean Jan temperature: | 21.9°C | |
| Relative Humidity: | 36% | |
| Harvest: | Early Mar – late Apr |
Clare Valley ι Mornington Peninsula ι Canberra District ι Tumbarumba ι Orange Region ι Barossa Valley
Offers a unique combination of beaches, water sports and vineyards, and is alive with every attraction for the tourist market - this region provides that ideal balance between work and play.
Although the wineries are relatively small, the region’s many different sites and mesoclimates produce an exotic array of wines. Generally speaking, the landscape is open, with gently undulating hills, rather than forest or steep hillsides. There are rolling green pastures, white-painted fences and, occasionally, vineyards. While the vineyards holdings are usually small, there are significant tracts of land that are being given over to viticulture.
The maritime influence from Port Phillip and Westernport Bays prevents the days becoming too warm and the nights from getting too cold. This advantage together with those of the elevation, soil types and aspect of the Mornington Peninsula provide ideal conditions for growing superior quality Pinot Noir.
Soil
There are four principal soil types. Hard mottled yellow duplex soils with a very distinct break marked by a thin, acid cement/sand pan between the surface soil and the underlying friable, well-drained clay are to be found in the Dromana area. Around Red Hill and Main Ridge, red soils of volcanic origin (kraznozems) predominate; these are very deep and fertile. In the Merricks area there are brown duplex soils, while much sandier soils are in evidence at Moorooduc.
Climate
| Altitude: | 46-79.3m | |
| Heat Degree Day: | 1424 | |
| Sunshine Hours per day: | 6.7 | |
| Annual rainfall: | 737mm (29 inches) | |
| Growing season rainfall: | 385mm (15.1 inches) | |
| Mean Jan temperature: | 19.2°C | |
| Relative Humidity: | 73% | |
| Harvest: | Mar-Mid May |
Clare Valley ι Mornington Peninsula ι Canberra District ι Tumbarumba ι Orange Region ι Barossa Valley
The topography of the region is quite varied with undulating hills and distant views of the Snowy Mountains forming a picturesque backdrop to many of the vineyards.
The vineyards of the Canberra District fall naturally into two groups. The first are those near the border with New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, north-west of the city along the Barton Highway from Hall as far as Murrumbateman. The second group is to the north-east along the Bungendore ridge and the north-west shore of Lake George, accessible from the Federal Highway, where the pioneer of the region, Dr Edgar Riek, planted the first vines in 1971.
Slope, aspect and air drainage are all important aspects of successful viticulture in this region, which faces the constant threat and frequent occurrence of spring frosts, recurring droughts in spring and summer, a high diurnal temperature range (cold nights and hot summer days), and a generally cool harvest season. In spite of it having the most strongly continental climate in Australia, this region is building an enviable reputation for Shiraz and Viognier.
Soil
Soils in the district are typically brownish, shallow clay loams, often overlying shale or clay with a pH ranging from neutral to mildly acidic. The sub-soils are not particularly water-retentive and thus increase the need for irrigation.
Climate
| Altitude: | 578-700m | |
| Heat Degree Day: | 1376 | |
| Sunshine Hours per day: | 8.5 | |
| Annual rainfall: | 625mm (25 inches) | |
| Growing season rainfall: | 397mm (15.6 inches) | |
| Mean Jan temperature: | 20.35°C | |
| Relative Humidity: | 41.5% | |
| Harvest: | Mid Mar-End Apr |
Clare Valley ι Mornington Peninsula ι Canberra District ι Tumbarumba ι Orange Region ι Barossa Valley
Tumbarumba is unequivocally situated in the Snowy Mountains, a part of the Australian Alps which feature Mount Kosciusko, Australia’s highest peak with vineyards at altitudes ranging from 300 to 800 metres.
The first vines were established at Tumbarumba in 1982 by Ian Cowell and a year later by Frank Minutello at Tooma in the Maragle Valley, 18 Kilometres south-east from Tumbarumba. Testament to the cool climate of this region, the majority of vineyards produce Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; these two varieties account for 75 percent of the total plantings.
The ability of the region to produce table wine is dependent on two things: seasonal conditions and site altitude. The margin for error is low and the need for first class viticulture management, high. But when all goes well, the region produces excellent table wine, particularly chardonnay.
Soils
Are typical high mountain soils, derived from decomposed granite and basalt, with a gritty and granular texture. The choice of viticulture site is chiefly determined by aspect (north and northeast facing preferred, south facing nigh on impossible) and slope (sufficiently steep to promote good air drainage at night as this minimises the risk of frost).
Climate
| Altitude: | 300-800m | |
| Heat Degree Day: | 1264 | |
| Sunshine Hours per day: | 5.9 | |
| Annual rainfall: | 982mm (38.75 inches) | |
| Growing season rainfall: | 489mm (19.25 inches) | |
| Mean Jan temperature: | 20.15°C | |
| Relative Humidity: | 43% | |
| Harvest: | Early Mar-Early May |
Clare Valley ι Mornington Peninsula ι Canberra District ι Tumbarumba ι Orange Region ι Barossa Valley
Initially known as the Central Highlands, the Orange region, centred on the slopes of Mount Canobolas, has been an important orchard area producing apples, pears and cherries. An experimental viticulture station was established at nearby Molong in the 1940’s, but vines were first planted commercially in 1980.
The region is strongly influenced by, and largely dependent on elevation. Overall, mild to warm midsummer mean temperatures, seldom rising above 32C, are offset by cool to very cool nights during the growing season. The altitude and cool evenings make the higher parts of the Orange region ideal for Sauvignon Blanc and the lower lying parts of the region more suited to Merlot, both producing outstanding table wines.
Soil
The undulating countryside is not only very attractive, it is also of fundamental importance in determining site selection. The soils vary widely, reflecting the different geological strata of the parent rock but falling into four main groups. The first are the well drained, friable, deep red-brown clays derived from basalt that are found near Mount Canobolas. Second are the deep red-brown, yellow-brown clay loams of mixed origin including volcanic ash. Both these two soil groups promote considerable vigour. The third is a red/brown podsolic clay loam of medium vigour overlaying a medium clay and shale base interspersed with gravel, which assists with drainage. Finally, there are patches of terra rossa associated with visible limestone at the lower elevations.
Climate
| Altitude: | 600-1100m | |
| Heat Degree Day: | 1257 | |
| Sunshine Hours per day: | 8.7 | |
| Annual rainfall: | 942mm (37.5 inches) | |
| Growing season rainfall: | 523mm (20.6 inches) | |
| Mean Jan temperature: | 19.6°C | |
| Relative Humidity: | 47% | |
| Harvest: | Mid Mar-Early May |
Clare Valley ι Mornington Peninsula ι Canberra District ι Tumbarumba ι Orange Region ι Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley is one of the most famous regions of South Australia. Rich in history dating back to 1847, it has profound German influence. The climate has a wide diurnal temperature range with a high maximum, a high average of sunshine, and low humidity and rainfall - all adding up to a climate ideal for full bodied red wines, excellent fortified wines and generally robust white wines.
Soils
There are two basic soil types: brown, loamy sand to clay loam, and more sandy light brownish grey to dark grey-brown soils. Both are relatively low in fertility. Traditional viticulture on some vineyards (bush pruning, no irrigation) results in low yields of high quality grapes.
Climate
| Altitude: | 274- 395m | |
| Heat Degree Day: | 1264 | |
| Sunshine hours, Oct-Apr: | 1832 | |
| Annual rainfall: | 502 mm (19.9 inches) | |
| Growing season rainfall: | 221 mm (8.7 inches) | |
| Mean Jan temperature: | 21.2°C (70°F) | |
| Relative Humidity: | 39% | |
| Harvest: | End Feb - Late Apr |