Eden Valley Wine

Add a photo
for this region?

The high country of Eden Valley has a long history of viticulture equaling that of the Barossa Valley. Joseph Gilbert planted the first vines at his Pewsey Vale vineyard in 1847, the same year as the first plantings by Johann Gramp in the Barossa Valley at Rowland Flat. Eden Valley covers an area as large as that of the Barossa Valley proper, albeit less intensely developed. It is justifiably famous for its Riesling, which vies for supremacy with that of the Clare Valley. This region is also home to such renowned Shiraz vineyards as Henschke's Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone and the Chardonnay vineyards of Mountadam. High Eden is an official subregion. Altitude is all-important in determining mesoclimate although aspect and slope are also important in this hilly terrain. Thus, at an altitude of around 500 metres (1640 feet) the Pewsey Vale, Heggies and High Eden vineyards at the southern end of the Eden Valley are appreciably cooler than the more northerly Henschke vineyards at an elevation of 380 to 400 metres (1247 to 1312 feet) around Keyneton. Overall, of course, growing season temperatures are significantly lower than those of the Barossa Valley, and the final stages of ripening and harvesting take place in much cooler conditions. The higher vineyard sites are generally much better suited to white than red wine production. Wind is a major factor, too, in restricting both growth and yield on the typically exposed hillsides. Water availability is a limiting factor in the expansion of vineyards. It hardly needs be said that the topography is varied. Rolling, exposed hills with moderately steep gradients are commonplace, and the correct match of site and variety is critical. As one might expect given the varied terrain, there are a number of soil types. The most common range from grey to brown in colour and from loamy sand to clay loams, with subsoils deriving from weathered rock. Ironstone gravels, quartz gravels and rock fragments are present in both the surface and subsurface. These are well suited to dry land viticulture but there are also patches of weaker sandy soils on the slopes, underlain by weathered mica-schists, which have reduced water-holding capacity. – Description from Wine Australia (hide)

Add description View descriptions »

View more Articles »

View More
Popular wines made in Eden Valley under $20

Find local availability for these wines:Submit

Cabernet Sauvignon Eden Valley Cyril Henschke

Varietals Produced in Eden Valley View all

Syrah

The irony here is that Syrah’s origins could give Carmen Sandiego a run for her international wallet. Syrah’s deepest...
Merlot

The Occitanian word “merlot” translates to “young blackbird.” An accurate description for this popular, early-budding...
Cabernet Sauvignon

“King of the Red Wine Grapes.” The colonizer of the vineyards, pushing native wine grapes into its shadows. The Caber...
Viognier

This special and exciting variety has taken California by storm and young plantings already demonstrate that this out...
Chardonnay

British wine writer and critic, Jancis Robinson, once noted that throughout the 80’s and 90’s in the United States, C...

Popular Wineries in Eden Valley View all

Poonawatta Estate

The cornerstone of the Poonawatta Estate brand is the two acres of original Shiraz vines planted ...
Heggies Vineyard

The magnificent sweep of country that is now the Heggies Vineyard had been grazing land for most ...

People getting updates on Eden Valley Wines

Page 16 of 36
Eden Valley on Snooth

April 2010

This is a dinner I am arranging with 20-22 Friends on the 7th May in Adelaide ... Clare SA2002 Mesh Riesling - Eden Valley SA Second - The Chardonnays Steamed ocean trout, crispy fried egg, house made polenta & za’atar2005 Chanson pere & fils Clos Saint Jean 1er cru - Chassgne-Montrachet2006 Giaconda Estate Chardonnay2006 Leeuwin Estate Art Se... Read More

Forum post in the topic Harvey Wine Dinner Mark III
March 2010

Thorn-Clarke Shiraz Barossa Valley James Goddard 2006

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by kamikazefowler
March 2010

Heggies Vineyard Chardonnay Eden Valley Single Estate 2007

Snoothrank:

Nose of tropical fruit with a whiff of French oak. Color of pale yellow. Entry is pleasing, with a somewhat neutral (bland) effect on the palate, but pleasing and refreshing all the same. Medium finish with hints of cooking spice, but generally light, pure and fresh. A well-crafted Chardonnay that should accompany many light dishes and work ... Read More

Wine review by zufrieden
March 2010

Henschke Red Rhone Blend Barossa Valley Johann's Garden 2006

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by alistairsmaccormick
March 2010

There is a joke that I have been told...Q: What have a 65 year old woman and ... ... Beechworth, Mudgee and Eden Valley.Our winemakers are amongst the most technically advanced in the world, and they're making better wine than ever.Please come on a trip with me to rediscover fine wine in Oz.First Stop, the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. Fa... Read More

Forum post in the topic Landmark Australia-...
March 2010

Pewsey Vale Vineyard Riesling Eden Valley Dry Riesling 2008

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by plaintiger
March 2010

Barton Vale Cabernet Sauvignon Eden Valley the Lazarus 2001

Snoothrank:

Perfect right now! I found it for $20 and thought if there was any time to drink it, at 9 years, now would be the time. I'd put this up against any upper tier Napa cab. Showing extremely well right now. Rich, delicious, ripe and well balanced. Read More

Wine review by VegasOenophile
March 2010

Yalumba Viognier Eden Valley 2008

Snoothrank:

Medium bodied while with balanced aroma and texture. A nose of lemon, key lime and honeysuckle with a creamy mineral body. Read More

Wine review by jenna LeMaster
February 2010

Peter Lehmann Shiraz Barossa Valley Black Queen 2005

Snoothrank:

No written review

Wine review by partial2shiraz
February 2010

Peter Lehmann Shiraz Barossa Valley Eight Songs 2007

Snoothrank:

Typical Lehmann Shiraz. As the German reviewer indicates, there is a lot of plum preserve with some chocolate and (perhaps) some vanilla. The bouquet has cola notes as well with the usually dark cherry and hint of cigar tobacco. A bit warm on entry - like many in this style - but balanced and structured to age for a few more years. Suggest t... Read More

Wine review by zufrieden