The warm continental climate of the region promoted the production of very ripe grapes that was the linchpin of the early Australian fortified wine industry.

[7] Other grape varieties grown in the Barossa Valley include Grenache, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay and Semillon.

[8] In February 2011, South Australian Premier Mike Rann announced that special legislation would be introduced to protect the unique heritage of the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale.

[11] In 1841, the South Australian Company (under orders of one of its shareholders George Fife Angas) chartered three ships to Silesia to offer refuge and land in the Barossa Valley to any settler willing to volunteer to help establish the colony.

This was partly due to the extensive association that the Barossa Valley had with Shiraz, including vast old vines plantings that were several decades old.

During this period Shiraz was considered a very "common" variety that was not as fashionable as the prestigious Cabernet Sauvignon that was popular in the world's wine market.

In particular, Barossa Shiraz became so well known internationally that it was considered its own unique style of Syrah that was distinctive of the grape's expression in other regions like Côte-Rôtie, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and California.

This style of big, full bodied Shiraz with rich, chocolate and spice notes became synonymous with not only the Barossa Valley but with Australian wine in general.

[6] Most of the Barossa Valley makes extensive use of irrigation to supplement the region's low rainfall supply during the growing season.

The high alcohol levels from the fermented sugars may be offset by various winemaking practices including reverse osmosis and adding water to the must.

Historically, winemakers in the Barossa Valley have utilized very short maceration periods that limit the amount of time that the wines spends in contact with the skin.

[14] The popularity of Syrah has sparked interest in the development of other Rhone varieties, with increase production of Grenache and Mourvedre (also known as Mataro in Australia) for both blending and varietal bottlings.

[15] Riesling has been historically important in the region but has gradually shifted eastward to higher elevations and cooler climates of the Barossa Ranges.