Winter is a great time to visit the McLaren Vale region and I’ve just spend the last four days in the region visiting the best food, wine and dining the region has to offer. Over the next few weeks we’ll be publishing a wide range of blogs, videos and wine reviews of my visit to the McLaren Vale region.

For those that don’t know, McLaren Vale is just 45 minutes from Adelaide and is home to famous wine brands such a Rosemount, Primo Estate, d'Arenberg, Wirra Wirra Wines, Paxton Wines, Fox Creek Wines, Leconfield Wines and Woodstock wines to name just a few.

Prior to travelling to McLaren Vale, I thought that the region was known for producing the best Shiraz in the Australia, but after visiting my first McLaren Vale winery (d'Arenberg) I discovered that they grew many more grape varieties and were producing a wider range of wines than just Shiraz. There are Rieslings, Viognier Marsanne, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot and my favourite the botrytis wines or dessert wines.

Off the top of my head some stand out wines I tasted on the trip were d'Arenberg’s 2005 Dead Arm Shiraz, Lloyd Brothers 2005 Shiraz, Woodstock Riesling 2007 and the Church Block (Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot) from Wirra Wirra Vineyards. Although it’s not really a wine, I couldn’t forget to include the 2005 Barbera Verjuice from Coriole Vineyards.

Coming away from McLaren Vale and meeting a number of key people in the region as well as wine makers, primary producers, growers, retailers, foodies and owners there is a commitment to quality. Add to this there is a real sense of community and every one gives everyone a hand.

I’d like to thank Sandie Holmes from McLaren Vale’s Grape, Wine and Tourism Association who made my visit possible. I’d also like to thank everyone in the region that contributed to our visit and those that extend their hospitality to make us feel so welcome and part of the McLaren Vale family.

We had a great time in McLaren Vale, for more information on the region and what you can do there, visit www.mclarenvale.info