South Australia - Eden Valley
South Australia's beautiful Eden Valley, known as the Grape and Gum Orchard is one of Australia's coolest wine regions, characterised by rugged beauty and varied terrain.
Eden Valley was named by a local surveyor after discovering the word "Eden" carved into a tree. The Eden Valley shares a proud German heritage with the neighbouring Barossa Valley, known as the Barossa Region. British and German immigrants settled here in the early to mid-19th century, establishing a community in the 1860s. With a winemaking history dating back to 1847, Eden Valley is home to some of the oldest Shiraz and Riesling vineyards in the world. Traditional wine cultivation with an emphasis on sustainability and reliability continues, with five generations of original settlers and his sixth generation still working. Eden Valley wines have unmistakable character, exhibiting great aromas, elegance, complexity and finesse.
THE CLIMATE
Elevation, aspect and slope are all important in determining the middle climate in this hilly region. As a result, at about 500 meters (1,640 ft), the Pewsey Vale, Heggies and High Eden vineyards at the southern end of the Eden Valley are considerably cooler than the Henschke vineyards further north at 380 -400 meters (1,247–1,312 ft) around Keyneton.  Overall, the region is characterised by a cooler climate than the famous neighbouring Barossa Valley, so the final stages of ripening and harvesting occur at cooler temperatures.
THE SOIL
Rolling, exposed hills with moderate slopes are common and proper match between site and variety is essential. As you might expect, given the variety of terrain, there are several types of soil. The most common color ranges from gray to brown and from sandy loam to clay loam. Iron gravel, quartzite, and rock fragments are present on and below the surface. They are well-suited to viticulture in arid regions, but there are also weaker sandy soils on steep slopes, which are covered with weathered microspheres that reduce water retention.
INTRODUCING THE WINES THAT MADE THE EDEN VALLEY GREAT
Sauvignon Blanc
Cabernet
Sauvignon
Merlot
