It rarely gets the glory, but the Riverland quietly produces a huge share of Australia's wine. Here's why — and where to taste the good stuff.
The engine room
The Riverland rarely features on prestige wine lists, yet it produces a vast share of Australia's wine — more than any other region in the country. Abundant sunshine, irrigation from the Murray and generations of family growers make it the engine room of the national industry, much of its fruit flowing into well-known everyday blends.
More than bulk
But bulk isn't the whole story. A wave of smaller producers has shown what the Riverland can do when it puts on its good clothes. Organic and biodynamic pioneers like 919 Wines and Whistling Kite craft serious, characterful drops, including rare fortifieds, while family wineries such as Salena Estate and Bassham pour generous, great-value reds.
Tasting your way around
The joy of Riverland cellar doors is their honesty — friendly, unpretentious and easy on the wallet. Pair a day of tastings with the region's produce and a riverfront lunch, and you'll come away with a new respect for this sun-drenched corner of the Murray. Bring a designated driver and leave room in the boot.
