The region is located at the northern end of the Mount Lofty Ranges zone with its southern extent being about 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of the Adelaide city centre.

Varied soil types throughout the valleys are another feature, ranging from red to brown grey over basement rock.

[citation needed] They make a range of styles of varietal wines, reflecting different approaches to winemaking as well as the influences of the various sub-regions and micro-climates in the valleys.

[citation needed] Many other lesser varieties are also grown, including Chardonnay, Semillion, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo and Grenache.

[12] It is sometimes informally divided into five subregions named for the towns in those growing areas: Auburn, Clare, Polish Hill River, Sevenhill and Watervale.