Wide blue horizons

Outside Adelaide lies some of the world's most famous wine districts. The Barossa, Clare, Eden and McLaren valleys produce wines of startling quality and consistency.

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With its compact size, South Australia's regional areas are easily accessed from Adelaide via well-maintained roads and highways. Delegate transport can break up the journeys with winery visits or stop off at the many scenic attractions along the way.

In all, South Australia has seven distinct wine districts. The Barossa Valley region, which also includes the nearby Eden Valley, lies just 55 kilometres north-east of Adelaide with Tanunda being the major commercial centre. The town has a distinctly German feel, with German-influenced restaurants, shops and historic Lutheran churches, thanks to its long tradition of attracting German immigrants.

There are more than 50 wineries ranging from some of Australia's largest wine companies through to smaller individual winemakers.

The Clare Valley is about 130 kilometres north of Adelaide with a wine heritage that dates back 160 years. There are about 30 wineries within a 15-minute drive of Clare, the major township

The McLaren region lies on the Fleurieu Peninsula, dominated by the Mount Lofty ranges and with McLaren Vale as the major population centre. There are more than 40 vineyards and wineries in the area. Since the 1850s, wine has been produced there.

Coonawarra, part of what is called the Limestone Coast, is renowned for its red wines. Located in the far south-east of the State, the grapes that grow in the rich volcanic soil are highly prized.