Average annual rainfall is 543 mm. The average maximum temperature for January is 29°C, whilst the average minimum temperature for that month is 14.8°C. The average maximum temperature for July is 14.1°C, whilst the average minimum temperature for that month is 7.1°C.
McLaren Vale vineyards range in elevation from 50 to 350 metres above sea level and are located between 6 and 15 km from the Gulf of St Vincent. As a result, summer temperatures are milder than further north and inland. The close proximity of the ocean and existence of valleys draining to the coast, ensure that frosts are rare in McLaren Vale. The eastern side of the region is bordered by the Mt Lofty Ranges, resulting in a valley with differing microclimates. Combined with these microclimates are the highly variable soil types, which results in grapes of many different flavours. The soils of the Seaview area are generally shallow loams with ironstone. To the east are the deep Blewitt Springs sands and to the south, deep, black ,cracking clay soils. To the north and west of the McLaren Vale township are the duplex soils; loams over red brown clays, over limestone. Soil and microclimate variation make McLaren Vale an ideal location to produce wines of great flavour variety.
Trellising
The trellis systems vary across the vineyard but are mostly single wire with a fixed foliage wire. This enables shiraz to create a 'natural' umbrella to protect fruit from the sun, while permitting dappled light into the canopy.
Pruning
Mechanical pre-pruning is performed, followed by detailed hand spur pruning.
Soil Management
Sustainable soil management is a focus at McLaren Vale, with controlled herbicide application and minimal tillage used to maximise stored winter rainfall. Compost is applied every year to provide an environment for micro-fauna and flora to thrive, and to sustain soil structure. A permanent sod culture is established and slashed during the growing season. Fertilisation is carried out as required on an annual basis.
Irrigation
The vineyards are on a drip irrigation system, with some blocks relying on stored winter rainfall for their entire moisture during the growing season. An average of 0 to 1.5 ML/ha of water are applied during the growing season, (very low volumes).
Harvesting
The vineyards are machine-harvested, whilst bush vines are hand-harvested. Harvest begins in early February with chardonnay, followed closely by shiraz, and continues through to the end of April with cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot and grenache
