Highly rated Adelaide Hills wines

History of wine in the Adelaide Hills

Located a mere 20 minutes' drive from Adelaide's CBD, the Adelaide Hills is one of the most accessible and favourable wine destinations in the country. Its wine history hasn't always been smooth-sailing, though. While vines were first planted in the area as early as the 1870s, by the 1930s they'd all either died or been removed, and the region was left bereft of vines for a solid 40 years.

But in 1971, thanks to the efforts of Leigh and Jan Verrall, new vines sprouted. The fortuitous arrival of Brian Croser followed, with the founding of Petaluma in 1976. In the words of James Halliday, this marked "the birth of the Adelaide Hills region as it is known today."

Wineries in the Adelaide Hills

Today, there are 176 Halliday-rated wineries in the Adelaide Hills, with many achieving 5-star status. These include Tapanappa, Murdoch Hill, Ashton Hills Vineyard, La Prova, Shaw + Smith, Deviation Road, Sidewood Estate and more.

In addition to its standout wineries and cellar doors, the region is also home to a number of destinations of interest, such as the European-inspired town of Hahndorf. The historical town was settled by Lutheran immigrants in the 19th century, and offers German-style architecture and food to those who visit. Or, if you're after something more modern, head to the Hahn & Hamlin cafe for South Australian produce, or visit the nearby Woodside Cheese Wrights.

Tapanappa's cellar door in the Adelaide Hills.

Best Adelaide Hills wines

Due to its high elevation (between 400 and 700 metres above sea level), it should come as no surprise that the Adelaide Hills is known for its chardonnay, pinot noir and sauvignon blanc. The cool conditions help grapes ripen without losing their natural acidity, resulting in fresh, contemporary wines with lots of flavour.

The list below reflects this well, with grüner veltliner, pinot grigio, fiano and shiraz wines also featured. Rated between 93 and 97 points by the Halliday Tasting Team, this list is the a perfect introduction to the best Adelaide Hills wines.

Top image credit: Karrawatta

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