The McLaren Vale Wine Region is a gently sloping region about 40 km from Adelaide at the head of Fleurieu peninsula in southern Australia. McLaren Vale takes its name from a town in the region, the area is not a valley per se.
McLaren has about 70 wineries, and along with Barrosa and the French Hermitage and Cote Rotie regions is one of the best places in the world to grow Shiraz/Syrah. McLaren Vale shiraz generally has a lot of upfront spice and pepper with a very fruity nose. Grenache and Chardonnay is also grown with a degree of success in McLaren Vale. A number of the vineyards make fortified and dessert wines.
Some of the better known premium wineries in McLaren include d'Arenberg, Kangarilla Road, Kay Brothers and Noon. Most of the grape for the famous Penfolds Grange is grown in McLaren and Barossa.
The McLaren Vale Winemakers Association has an informative website at www.mclarenvalewinemakers.com.