Riverland – Click to Enlarge
Riverland – Click to Enlarge
The Riverland wine region is located northeast of Adelaide, South Australia, about 200km inland and extends along the Murray River within the Lower Murray wine zone. This zone borders both New South Wales and Victoria.
The Riverland is a popular wine tourism destination, with the picturesque towns of Renmark, Berri, Loxton, Barmera, Waikerie, Morgan and Blanchetown all following the river offering cellar door experiences, vineyard tours, and events.
The Riverland is Australia’s largest winegrape region by tonnage, producing a third of the total national crush. The region is 4105 km2 in size and has 22,032 hectares of vineyards.
The history of winemaking in the region can be traced back to the mid-19th century when European settlers recognized the potential for viticulture in the area. The region’s warm climate and access to water from the Murray River proved favourable for grape cultivation.
The region has a warm Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. This enables the production of ripe, full-bodied red wines, while the white wines are typically crisp and fruity. The region’s flat terrain and fertile soils, composed of sand and loam over limestone, contribute to grape growing and irrigation is essential in this region due to its arid conditions.
The Riverland is home to numerous wineries, ranging from large-scale operations to boutique producers. Some well-known wineries in the region include Angove Family Winemakers, Kingston Estate, and Banrock Station.
