McLaren Vale is located around 30 km south of Adelaide at the northern end of the peninsula. The region has warm to hot summers, although winds blowing in off the Gulf and down from the Adelaide Hills moderate the heat. Vineyards stretch from sea level to around 350m, with most planted on flat or gently undulating land between 50 and 250m. McLaren Vale has a particularly complex geology. Many major soil types have been identified, varying from sand to loam to clay. In general, the soils in the north of the region are poor with lower levels of nutrients, whereas those in the south are deeper and more fertile, producing higher yields. There has been increased interest in Mediterranean varieties in the region, such as Sangiovese, Fiano and Vermentino, which can retain acidity levels in the warmer climate.