Fleurieu Zone (Regions: Currency Creek, Kangaroo Island, Langhorn Creek, McLaren Vale, Southern Fleurieu)

1. Currency Creek

• Varieties include: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz and Chardonnay
• Climate in the region is slightly cooler than McLaren Vale and similar to that of Margaret River and California’s Carneros
• Low rainfall is supplemented by irrigation from both the River Murray and underground bores

2. Kangaroo Island

• Located just off the coast of South Australia
• Known for its Bordeaux style wines
• Entire island was declared a wine region in the year 2000
• Birds are the principal viticultural problem

3. Langhorne Creek

• Located southeast of Adelaide along the Bremer River
• Good area for soft, fruity, medium bodied red wines
• Varieties include: Cabernet Sauvignon and blends, Shiraz and blends, and Verdelho (particularly in the style of Madeira fortified wines), Chardonnay, and older Grenache vines
• Reputation of its dessert wines

4. McLaren Vale

• Located south of Adelaide
• Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Semillon and Sauvignon blanc being the most widely planted along with Grenache
• Riesling tends to be subtle and delicate in youth but ages well
•  Pinot Noir is used mainly for sparkling wine
• Experimenting with new and re-emerging varieties including Viognier, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Verdelho
• Summer rainfall is low and irrigation is considered essential

5. Southern Fleurieu

• Located on the southern end of the Fleurieu Peninsula
• Varieties include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Riesling and Viognier , Shiraz, Sauvignon blanc, Merlot and Primitivo
• Minimal growing season rainfall makes irrigation essential