The Barossa Valley is an extremely important wine-producing region within the Barossa zone of South Australia, particularly associated with powerful red wines from the red wine grape variety Shiraz. It is not only home to some of the oldest vineyards and wineries in Australia but produces some of its most recognizable and sought-after brands. The region lies in the (very flat) 'Valley' created by the North Para River, which connects the main towns of Nuriootpa, Tanunda, and Lyndoch. Together with its cooler-climate neighbor Eden Valley - which is best known for dry white wines from the Riesling grape variety - it forms the larger Barossa wine zone. Many of Australia's best-known wine names are based in the Barossa Valley, where wineries range from small boutique vineyards to those owned by multinational corporations. View across vines to Jacob's Creek cellar door in the heart of the Barossa Valley. Located at a latitude of 34°S, the region's geography is dominated by rolling hills, which sometimes reach altitudes where white grapes can be grown without compromising their character. The growing season gets gradually hotter and drier, with temperatures during the last phase of ripening often reaching more than 95°F (35°C). This results in vine stress, which, along with a wide diurnal temperature range, helps to concentrate flavors in the grapes. A striking feature of the Barossa Valley's wine landscape is the presence of very old vines, proudly showcased on many wine labels and during vineyard tours. These yield low quantities of fruit but the grapes are packed with flavor and color and represent some of the best offerings from the region. This part of Australia has never been affected by the phylloxera louse, thanks to strict quarantine laws – hence the age of the vines. Gnarled old vine, Barossa valley The Barossa is home to some of the oldest surviving vineyards in the world. Although the region specializes in many different wines, those based on Shiraz have received the most acclaim locally and internationally. The best wines have a reputation for being rich and extremely full-bodied, with the ability to age for a significant time if cellared correctly. Another unmistakable feature of Barossa Valley Shiraz is the velvety and soft tannins attributed to the grapes' phenolic ripeness. Other prominent grape varieties of the region include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon, Riesling, Grenache and Mourvedre. Viognier is also well represented but mostly appears as a small portion in blends with Shiraz, similar to the red wines of the northern Rhône Valley. The area also has a considerable history of fortified wine production; the Seppeltsfield estate has in its cellars a line of fortified wines dating back to 1878.