McLaren Vale

Things to do in McLaren Vale

The home of sustainable wine growing and unique tasting experiences. Just 45 minutes from Adelaide, the McLaren Vale is a slice of Italy in Australia. Its proximity to the sea, rolling hills and warm winters make it perfect for growing and producing Mediterranean wines as well as the ever-popular shiraz and cabernet.

The region is home to a fantastic variety of vineyards, from high-end starred restaurants to casual family eateries there is a cellar door to suit whatever mood you’re in. With over 65 cellar doors using local ingredients in their meals, you’ll be treated to a full taste of the region. Most of the wineries are family run and welcome visitors with open arms, excited to bring you into their winemaking world.

The region has gained notoriety for its commitment to sustainable growing practices. The region implements ongoing water efficiency strategies and works in environmentally sustainable ways to ensure the environment will remain bright for generations to come.

You simply can’t visit a winery without joining a tasting. It’s the best way to sample top wines and try blends that may be out of your usual wine rotation. For something different treat yourself and move beyond a traditional wine tasting experience. McLaren Vale is home to fantastic VIP wine tasting experiences that’ll make you feel like a wine expert in no time. Join the Blending Bench at d’Arenberg and become a wine maker for the afternoon. With assistance from their expert winemaker you’ll blend your own wine then get a bottle of it to take home. At Hugh Hamilton Wines you can experience a Tasting of the Senses. Enjoy their flagship wines while journeying through a truly sensory event. For something a bit different head to Maxwell Wines and order their Mead Flight. Enjoy their perfectly crafted meads paired with delectable desserts from their restaurant.

Perhaps one of the most recognisable structures in McLaren Vale is the d’Arenberg Cube. The cube has been designed to reflect the puzzles that come with wine making. The onsite restaurant and tasting room are housed within the great structure, however the public are welcome to go and witness the stunning views or wander the Alternate Realities Museum on the ground floor.

Why not extend your time in McLaren Vale and book in to stay the night? From luxury vineyard escapes to boutique B&Bs and caravan parks there is accommodation for every trip away. Stay amongst the vines at the Altamira Vineyard Retreat. As the seasons change so will your view, with a woodfire for the winter and cosy outdoor area for the summer, the retreat is the perfect getaway no matter what time of year you visit. For a more homely escape try Peppermint Farm Cottage B&B. The self-contained historic mud building was restored in 2009 and now welcomes visitors year-round, the perfect romantic getaway surrounded by wineries.

McLaren Vale is a truly spectacular and unique wine region that shouldn’t be missed. No matter your motivation or length of stay, McLaren Vale is sure to impress.