Reconnecting with the Riverland
I grew up in this wine region. Back in 60’s and 70’s it was mainly known as a warm climate, bulk wine making region. Great for fortified wines and mostly sold in bulk as blending wines for other regions. It was definitely a poor cousin to the cooler climate wines of other Australian regions. I left this area to go to boarding school in the city (Adelaide) and never really returned. Life got busy with study, work, kids…you know the story. Well as happens, life eventually slows down a bit and last week I had the opportunity to revisit the Riverland. Wow! the changes amazed me. My memories of lush orange groves everywhere have been replaced by lush rows of vines everywhere, and I mean everywhere! This wine growing region is huge! Eight foot tall vines with vibrant new growth bursting toward the sky. I’m guessing they are pruned high so they can escape the frost that can be present here. And then there are the small boutique winemakers who have decided that working with the land and climate instead of trying to tame it makes the most sense. Organic and biodynamic winemakers that talk with passion about their wines and about the grape varieties from similar climates to ours. Spanish, Italian and Portuguese varieties that just make perfect sense to grow! Then there is this tranquil, meandering backdrop that is the mighty Murray River. It is ever present in the form of creeks, lagoons, ferry crossings, cliff faces and in tracing a path through the vast, sweeping plains. It is a land of much variety and I can’t wait to return again.
