Slightly larger than Texas, with a climate similar to that of California, the State of South Australia produces over 60% of all Australian wines. Australia’s premium cool-climate wine region, the first plantings date back to 1839, just three years after the colony was settled. Today, more than 180 grape growers dot the rolling, grassy landscape. Nestled in Adelaide Hills, a diverse terrain boasting great food, fine wines and stunning scenery, 15-acre Hahndorf Hill Winery is one of 35 wine labels producing world-class wines, in that region. Specializing in Shiraz, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, Hahndorf Hill also cultivates a couple of unusual German red varietals – Trollinger and Lemberger.

Winner of the 2004 and 2005 awards for Best Tourism Winery in the Adelaide Hills, Hahndorf Hill Winery gets extra points (in my book) for their commitment to sustainable farming as founding members of the Adelaide Hills Environmental Management System.

Suggested first-time samplings:Sauvignon Blanc 2005Gold Medal – 2005 Wine Style Asia Awards, Singapore94 points – Paul Ippolito – Wine Views and ReviewsFour and a half stars: WINESTATE MagazineThe nose has an exciting balance of passion fruit, gooseberries and crunchy snow peas. Excellent body and depth of flavor, all tightly controlled with an electric acidity. This wine has a long, intense finish with classy ‘minerality.’ Enjoy chilled with tuna fettuccine, Cajun-grilled chicken breasts or ginger and sesame pork fillets.White Mischief 2005Maiden release of a new wine!Bronze Medal - 2005 Wine Style Asia Awards, SingaporeBronze Medal - New Zealand International Wine Show 2005A wickedly different blend of crisp, unwooded Chardonnay together with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. This unusual wine explodes with intense tropical aromas that fill the palate with a tumble of delicious fruit, excellent texture and extraordinary balance. Ideal for warm summer weather and fabulous with pan-fried calamari, Thai-grilled snapper - or simply as the perfect sundowner!Rosé 2004“Nicely balanced, fruity, bone-dry style with ripe, sweet berry aromas”Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning HeraldBronze Medal - 2005 Wine Style Asia Awards, SingaporeThis sophisticated, dry rosé is made from a blend of Trollinger and Lemberger grapes. Hand picked grapes are crushed and left, skins on, for 8 hours, producing a salmon-pink color. The juice is then fermented until bone dry – like an elegant white wine. The aromatic nose of freshly-crushed raspberries and cider-apples is further enhanced by delicate cinnamon and pine needle notes, perfect for sushi, pan-seared tuna fillets or spicy Asian cuisine.