Soil Profiles
The soil types vary throughout the district from red brown sandy loams to grey brown sandy loams. There are areas of yellow clay sub soils, interspersed with limestone and sandy soils are found around Blewitt Springs.
....................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................
Climate
The climate of McLaren Vale could best be described as being of the Mediterranean type, with cool wet winters and hot dry summers, however, the summer rainfall is low and as a consequence irrigation is required. Within the region there is considerable variation of climate, with coastal winter minimum temperatures being several degrees warmer than temperatures recorded inland. 50% of the rainfall precipitates during the winter months of April – July. Proximity to the ocean is not the only factor influencing the climate, as the district experiences a variety of varying topographies hence altitude is a major factor on the influence of climate. Winter temperatures are rarely lower than 15ºC, whereas summer temperatures may reach as high as 40ºC+ but fortunately these high temperatures are not sustained for long.
.................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................
As in major viticultural areas, site selection is paramount, and well drained, north facing sites which are frost free and located away from the valley floor, tend to produce the best vines.

Penny's Hill McLaren Vale Shiraz is an emerging McLaren Vale classic.
Sourced from the best patches of the slightly elevated, narrow-planted vineyards, their Shiraz is steadily becoming the trademark wine of the distinctive ‘red dot’ brand.

Penny's Hill was founded in 1988 by Susie and Tony Parkinson. Noted for low yields and precise canopy management, the vineyards deliver consistently high quality under the guiding hands of viticulturists, David Paxton and Toby Bekkers. Meanwhile, Ben Riggs is responsible for winemaking.

Penny's Hill proprietor, Tony Parkinson.

Centrally located in the valley which spreads between McLaren Vale and Willunga, Penny's Hill Cellars are approximately 2.5 km south of McLaren Vale on the road to Willunga. After passing Salopian Inn on your left, continue another 1.5 km. Then look for "Ingleburne", the landmark 1850s two-storey farmhouse surrounded by a limestone wall on the right-hand (western) side of the road. The cellars, gallery and function area sit behind the house, in a purpose-built corrugated iron building around which black-faced sheep graze, chooks scavenge and the grass grows lush.

.........................................................................................................................................................................
Home . The Grape  . The District  . History . Quality Factors . Winemakers . Vintage Reviews . Buy Online . Map
.........................................................................................................................................................................
Entire contents © Copyright