Australia's reputation for world-class wine is built on famous regions like the Barossa Valley and Margaret River. Yet, one of the nation's most successful wine exports, a staple on British shelves for decades, hails from a humble, little-known town many Australians would struggle to locate on a map.
The Unsung Heartland of Australian Wine Production
According to the 2025 Wine Australia Vintage Report, the Riverland region in South Australia is a powerhouse, responsible for producing nearly 28 per cent of the nation's wine grapes. At its core is the rural town of Waikerie, a community of under 7,000 people a few hours' drive north-east of Adelaide.
This sun-drenched area, nicknamed 'The Fruit Bowl', is where the grapes for the light, fruity, and wildly popular Oxford Landing Sauvignon Blanc are grown. While a household name in Australia, its true acclaim is overseas. For over 25 years, this wine has held the enviable title of the number one purchased Australian Sauvignon Blanc in the United Kingdom, typically retailing for around £7.99 per bottle.
The Perfect Storm: Terroir and Tradition in Waikerie
Nestled among citrus groves and vineyards on the south bank of the mighty Murray River, Waikerie benefits from a unique microclimate. Long, warm days and cool nights ripen the grapes while preserving their natural acidity. The ancient, red sandy soils and precise irrigation from the river are the secret ingredients.
'The combination of these elements is the key to our refreshing, easy-drinking wines,' explains Oxford Landing winemaker Pat Connors. The vineyard grows a range of varietals on-site, including chardonnay, pinot grigio, shiraz, and cabernet sauvignon, contributing to a portfolio of wines sold for around $13 per bottle in Australia.
But the vineyard is just one piece of a rich agricultural tapestry. The region is a major grower of citrus, stone fruit, melons, and nuts. Iconic juice brand Nippy's is headquartered in Waikerie, and local providore Illangi Gourmet Foods showcases artisan products like mettwurst, olive oil, and preserves.
More Than a Vineyard: A Community Built on the River
The milky-green Murray River is the town's lifeblood, used for irrigation and recreation like fishing, boating, and waterskiing. Long-time resident and Oxford Landing Vineyard Manager Glynn Muster describes it as 'a town built around the river, good land and good people.'
Visitors can soak in the views from the Waikerie Rotary Cliff Top Walk, admire the stunning 2019 silo art mural by artists Garry Duncan and Jimmy Dvate, and sample local fare. The sense of community and connection to the land is palpable.
While names like Barossa dominate the conversation, Waikerie's contribution to Australia's wine export story, particularly in the UK market, is monumental. It proves that sometimes, the most celebrated flavours emerge from the most unexpected and unassuming places.
