The Barossa Valley is one of Australia's oldest wine regions located in South Australia. Many of Australia’s largest wineries are either headquartered or own extensive holdings in the Barossa Valley. The hot continental climate of the region promoted the production of very ripe grapes that was the linchpin of the early Australian fortified wine industry. Many Shiraz vines in the Barossa Valley are several decades old, with some vineyards planted with old vines that are 100-150 years old. Other grape varieties grown in the Barossa include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon, Grenache and Mourvedre.