In the lower reaches of the Riverland region, situated in the Paisley area of Blanchetown, is Burk Salter Wines. The Salter family legacy was established four generations ago, with the first vines on the property planted in 1933 by Burk Salter and his father Frank. Over six decades later, Burk Salter Wines was established by Burk’s son Greg and his wife Jane, who carry the family’s love of grape growing toward the future.

Riverland provides an abundance of sunshine, a semi-arid climate and a cool summer breeze through the river valley at night. Burk Salter Wines capitalises on its location, with most of its vineyard planted in limestone and minimal, sandy-loam topsoil – an overall ideal environment to produce wines of intense colour, flavour and soft-velvety tannins.

Once an old Mobil service station, Burk Salter Wines’ cellar door is fitted with beautiful, handcrafted red gum bars and fixtures, with photos depicting the Salter family history adorning the walls.

Overlooking the vineyard, Murray River and the majestic river cliffs, the winery’s cellar door is a genuine treasure. Greg’s sons, Ryan and Nathan, are now involved in the vineyard and cellar-door operation.

Under the care of winemaker Peter Gajewski, Burk Salter Wines sources its grapes exclusively from the Salter vineyard. Specialising in table wines, its red wines in particular have proven a success for the company, winning gold medals at the 2009 Sydney International Wine Competition, the 2010 Rutherglen Wine Show, the 2010 Cairns Show Wine Awards and the 2010 Australian Inland Wine Show.

The company’s Wine and Wetland tour offers its customers a guided tour of its vines and the surrounding wetland area, aboard a fully restored 1927 Chevrolet truck. Finishing up in the cellar door with a cheese platter and wine tasting, a day at Burk Salter Wines is a must for wine enthusiasts.