Southern Flinders Ranges, South Australia

Southern Flinders Ranges Wine Region

In the rugged landscape of the Southern Flinders Ranges, this fossil-rich expanse grows some standout wines.

The red-tinged mountain range of the region is an unlikely contrast to the sweeping green paddocks at the foothills, but vineyards nestled at the bottom of the sharp incline grow many rich styles thanks to the warm, dry climate. Shiraz is the region’s flagship variety, but other voluptuous styles include cabernet sauvignon, merlot and red blends.

Continue northeast and explore the stunning Flinders Ranges. Here, the isolated ranges provide an incredibly inspiring outlook for outdoor adventures from hiking, cycling and camping opportunities, where a wide selection of activities await. Explore Alligator Gorge, Bundaleer Forest Reserve or, for spectacular views of the Spencer Gulf, head to Hancock’s Lookout. Pack a hamper and relax in this striking natural setting with newly discovered local produce and wine.  

James Halliday on the Southern Flinders Ranges

The Southern Flinders Ranges is at the southern extremity of the Far North Zone, and its only region – the latter not a situation likely to change in the foreseeable future. The well-known Goyder’s Line, drawn by surveyor George Goyder in the 19^th century, runs east-west through the region, marking the northernmost limits of feasible agriculture. The Spencer Gulf marks the western edge of the region, which is sandwiched between the Peninsulas Zone to the west, and the Mount Lofty Ranges Zone to the south-east.

The beauty of the region is well known to campers and tourists, the Mount Remarkable National Park one of its jewels. In geological terms, it has two parts, the ridgeline of the Flinders Ranges separating the Wild Dog Creek land system to the east from the coastal Baroota land system to the west. The soils of the former range from deep red loams to shallower stony loams on the slopes; those of the latter are deep sandy loams.

Most of the vineyards have been established on the slopes of the Flinders Ranges at a height of 350 to 550 metres; both the altitude and sea breezes from the Gulf temper the otherwise hot climate. The limitation on viticulture is the low annual rainfall of between 450 and 650 millimetres, making irrigation nigh-on essential during the establishment phase of the vineyards.

While most of the mainstream varieties are planted, the focus is on shiraz, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. The major part of the grape production is sold to Barossa Valley makers, a minor part vinified for the handful of wineries in the region.