Mother Nature clearly has a soft spot for McLaren Vale. Ask any winemaker to draw up a list of what they want in a wine region: great vineyards, consistent seasons, Australia’s best pizza joint and a bloody good pub overlooking the beach and you’ve pretty much got McLaren Vale.

Mclaren Vale cuddles up to Adelaide’s southern suburbs and curls around towards the southern end of the Adelaide Hills and offers some of the best red wine country on the planet. And its whites aren't exactly shabby either.

Hardys knew it from the very start and have been there over 150 years. Regional stalwarts like d’Arenberg, Kays, Noons and Wirra Wirra have taken it to the world and a new breed of young guns are using traditional methods to forge exciting new directions.

Old timers used to call the Vale "Australia’s middle palate" because the McLaren Vale region so consistently delivered richness and generosity in its wines. Nothing’s changed and a dud wine from the Vale is still as rare as a winemaker with pearly white teeth.