The Barossa

Australia was first settled by Europeans in 1770 with the first grapevine being introduced in 1788 at Sydney Cove.  The 1788 plantings were the start of a wine industry that would ultimately see Australia produce and export 800 million litres annually.  There are 2300 wineries in Australia with a total of vineyard area of 172,676 Hectares.

In 1875 a major shake up of the European wine industry occurred with two thirds of Europes vineyards being destroyed by Phylloxera. Although Phylloxera did have an impact on Australia, South Australia and hence the Barossa was not affected by this disease. As a result Barossa now retains some of the worlds oldest vineyard and produces a significant amount of Australias total wine output.

The first township in the Barossa was established in 1842 with vines being planted shortly after. The Barossa is now home to some 150 wineries varying in size from Boutique wineries to the larger well known names such as Penfolds and Wolf Blass. Barossa specialises in red wines, Shiraz in particular with International recognition as a producer of unique rich and full flavoured wines. Other popular red varietals include, Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Although we are well known for our reds don’t forget our whites! Popular white varietals include Chardonnay and Riesling.

The Barossa we know today, is a 1,970 square kilometre region which encompasses the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley. Clifton Estate Wines has established vineyards spread throughout the Barossa  representing all of the subregions within it. Through this we are able to produce a unique range of wines with complex flavours that showcase the true Barossan terroir.