Warm maritime climate/Elevation about 90m The region can be divided into three sub-regions: the cooler south between Yallingup and Karridale; the warm and sunnier Willyabrup in the centre; and Margaret River in the north with similar soils, but slightly cooler temperatures. This is entirely consistent with style – wines from Willyabrup being more generous than the highly structured wines of the north and the elegant styles of the south. The region is also subject to southeast trade winds. The Bordeaux grape varieties have thrived, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Although Chardonnay has problems with fruit set, the wines are generally outstanding. Vintage takes place between the end of February and mid-April. Andrew Caillard MW, Langton's

Warm to hot climate/Elevation 130-180m The historic Magill Estate vineyard was established in 1844. Once on the outskirts of Adelaide, today it is well and truly within the Adelaide metropolitan area. Only 5.2 hecatres (12.5 acres) of Shiraz remain, centred around the Grange cottage (pictured), the original home of Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold and the ‘spiritual’ birth place of Grange Hermitage (now called Bin 95 Grange Shiraz). Although Magill Shiraz was used for Grange in the early days, the fruit (now about 30 tonnes) is used almost entirely for the Magill Estate Shiraz. Magill Estate is an important Adelaide landmark and remains an important working winery. Indeed both Magill Estate and Grange (a multi-vineyard/multi district wine) are both matured on this site. Andrew Caillard MW, Langton's

Cool to cold climate/Elevation 5-35m This beautiful stretch of coastline may well become Australia’s pre-eminent Pinot Noir region. Certainly the wines of Freycinet illustrate the extraordinary promise of this capricious grape variety. Centred near the fishing port of Bicheno, famous for abalone, and the early penal colony of Maria Island, the soils are generally granitic with a high iron content. The best vineyards lie in protected slopes as the prevailing cold south and southeast winds can hinder growth. The Moulting Lagoon, a substantial body of water, moderates the microclimate particularly in autumn. Frost is non-existent and rainfall is erratic. Andrew Caillard MW, Langton's