The Best McLaren Vale Wineries To Suit Every Taste

With more than 80 cellar doors, the McLaren Vale wine region offers something for every wine lover – from family-friendly cellar doors to boutique tastings.

This wine region has long been at the forefront of cultivating southern Mediterranean varietals that thrive in its warm, coastal climate and each cellar door offers something different for visitors. Here’s our guide to the very best McLaren Vale wineries.

In short

If there’s only time to visit one winery in the McLaren Vale make it the picturesque Down the Rabbit Hole for its versatility – family-friendly, casual meals, restaurant and of course, the wine.

Down the Rabbit Hole

It’s no surprise Down the Rabbit Hole has become an Instagram favourite, with its vast green spaces, flower beds and even a pastel-blue double-decker bus for wine tasting. But the food and wine here are just as impressive. Laze on the grass with grazing boards brimming with brie, cured meats, and local olives, or enjoy homemade wood-fired pizzas, while the kids explore the gardens and maybe meet a resident cat or two.

Address: 233 Binney Road, McLaren Vale, SA 5171

Mollydooker Wines

Good things come in small packages, and Mollydooker is no exception, with crowd-pleasing ‘juicy’ wines that never fail to impress. Order a platter filled with local cheeses and charcuterie, relax on the large deck, and enjoy a sunny day with friends or family – kids are welcome, too.

Address: 23 Coppermine Road, McLaren Vale, South Australia 5171

Beach Road Winery

A laid-back spot to kick back and relax, Beach Road Winery is simple but satisfying. The focus here is on good pizzas and excellent wines, including their signature shiraz and grenache blends. There’s plenty of lawn space for kids, making it a relaxed, family-friendly option with views to match.

Address: 309 Seaview Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171

Chalk Hill Wines

With six generations and 185 years of winemaking under its belt, Chalk Hill has earned its reputation for crafting excellent small-batch wines like fiano, pinot grigio and SBR nero d’avola. The winery continues to evolve, now offering immersive wine tasting experiences, including the immersive Sensory Odyssey that pairs favourite wines with the perfect soundtrack. It’s also now grown to include Never Never Distilling Co. and Cucina di Strada which serves up Italian-style street food.

Address: Chalk Hill Wines, 56 Field St, McLaren Vale SA 5171

Ekhidna Wines

Operating for just two years, Ekhidna Wines has quickly established itself thanks to its stunning location, outstanding wines and acclaimed restaurant. The Branson Road property is framed by vineyards and rolling hills, making it a popular spot for proposals – sometimes even involving a helicopter. The Ekhidna Kitchen earned a chef’s hat this year, with much of the menu’s produce sourced directly from its own gardens.

Address: 67 Branson Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171

Alpha Box and Dice

Known for their cult-following wines, Alpha Box and Dice has a quirky personality and a relaxed, bold vibe. Step into the heritage-listed cellar door to taste their shiraz and vermentino. Wine tasting is free, and their unique ‘Alphabet of Wine’ concept is a must-try on any regional tour.

Address: 8 Olivers Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171

Coriole Vineyards

Perched on Seaview Ridge, Coriole has been pioneering Mediterranean varieties such as sangiovese, fiano, and picpoul since the 1980s. Taste their crisp chenin blanc and dark, fruity nero d’avola, then enjoy lunch at Gather at Coriole, where the menu is seasonal, locally sourced and foraged.

Address: Chaffeys Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171

Wirra Wirra Vineyards

Fans of high-quality red blends like cabernet-shiraz-merlot will love Wirra Wirra . The cellar door, located in historic cellars dating back to 1894, sits among vines and gum trees with ‘Wirra Wirra’ meaning ‘among the gums’ in the Kaurna language. Try the famous Church Block blend and cool-climate Adelaide Hills whites, accompanied by share plates and light meals in the relaxed garden.

Address: 255 Strout Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171

Gemtree Vineyards

A must for organic and biodynamic wine lovers, Gemtree produces grenache brimming with red berries, earthy shiraz and small batch fiano. Their sustainable approach extends to the Tasting Room which was built using recycled materials, is powered by solar panels and uses only rainwater. Shiraz aficionados can take a deep dive into the areas celebrated variety.

Address: 167 Elliot Rd, McLaren Flat SA 5171

Hither & Yon

Housed in a 1860s butcher’s shop, Hither & Yon is intimate, with space for just 14 guests at a time. Enjoy a personal tasting – there is a wide range of wines from chenin blanc to shiraz paired with a cheese board, soaking up the sun outside or cosy up by the fire. Hither & Yon are also one of the first vineyards in South Australia to become Carbon-Neutral certified.

Address: 17 High St, Willunga SA 5172

Samuel’s Gorge

Bordering a national parkland, Samuel’s Gorge sits high on a ridge with views of the Onkaparinga River and out to the ocean. Taste their grenache, shiraz, mourvèdre, graciano and tempranillo in the old stone barn, with breathtaking views all around.

Address: 193, Lot 10 Chaffeys Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171

Willunga 100

Well known for grenache, one of McLaren Vale’s signature varietals, Willunga 100 has won multiple awards. Their Grenache Room provides tastings and educational experiences, immersing visitors in the story of the grape and its connection to the region.

Address: 188 Moritz Rd, Blewitt Springs SA 5171

Lloyd Brothers

Set among a historic olive grove, Lloyd Brothers is a must-visit for wine and olive enthusiasts alike. David and Matthew, third-generation South Australian vignerons, oversee both McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills vineyards. There’s plenty of space for kids to play while adults enjoy a glass of wine and estate platters, with stone-baked pizzas available on weekends.

Address: 69 Warners Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171

Paxton Wines

Leaders in organic and biodynamic winemaking, Paxton is housed in an original 1850s shearing shed surrounded by sprawling lawns. Check their website for information on live music, day discos, long lunches, and intimate hands-on experiences exploring sustainable farming – from the garden to the glass.

Address: Via, Budgens Road, 68 Wheaton Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171

From thundering waterfalls to ancient Indigenous art, Kimberley’s raw beauty will take your breath away.

Wild, pristine, and shaped by nature, the Kimberley Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. A remote and rugged frontier that remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Its most breathtaking attractions – including Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and Horizontal Falls – are accessible only by sea or air, making a guided expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud, the ideal way to explore it.

From its intricate intertidal zones to ancient rock art, extreme tides and rare wildlife found nowhere else in Australia – or the world – this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

Why Silversea?

Silversea offers a 10-day expedition departing Broome, or an extended 16-day expedition voyage from Indonesia, including landings on the hidden gems of Palopo Sulawesi and Komodo. Accompanied by expert guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity.

Silversea offers one of the experiential travel industry’s leading crew-to-guest ratios. Along with all-suite accommodation (80 per cent with private verandah), 24-hour butler service, a swimming pool and four dining options. Silver Cloud also has an experienced crew of multilingual expedition guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology to enhance your Kimberley Experience.

silversea cruise ship pool deck — Take a dip in the pool deck.

1. Koolama Bay

Before visitors see King George Falls, they hear them – a growing rumble in the distance, steady and foreboding as the Zodiac glides through the gorge, the sound echoing off sheer rock formations. At 80 meters tall, the twin cascades carve through the red cliffs, churning the waters below in a spectacular finale – but Koolama Bay holds secrets beyond its striking scenery.

Named after a ship that beached here following an aerial attack by Japanese bombers in World War II, the bay may seem desolate, yet it teems with life. With Silversea’s expert guides on their 10-day Kimberley itinerary, guests gain a sharper eye for its hidden wonders – rock wallabies darting across the cliffs, crocodiles lurking among dense green mangroves, and high above, the silhouette of a bird of prey circling the sky.

King George Falls at koolama bay excursion on Silversea Kimberley Cruise — Take a shore excursion to see King George Falls.

2. Freshwater Cove / Wijingarra Butt Butt

Connect with Country on a wet landing at Freshwater Cove, also known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Considered one of the most special experiences on both the 16-day and 10-day Kimberley cruises, Silversea guests are welcomed by the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, painted with traditional ochre, and invited to take part in a smoking ceremony.

Located on the mainland near Montgomery Reef, Wijingarra Butt Butt holds deep cultural significance to the local Indigenous community. Here, rock formations along the shore represent spiritual ancestors, and guests are guided to a nearby rock overhang filled with ancient art, where traditional owners share the stories and meaning behind these sacred paintings.

welcome to country on freshwater cove during silversea kimberley cruise — Take part in a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

3. Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)

Modern history, ancient culture and mystery converge in Vansittart Bay, which is also known as Jar Island. Here, the first thing to catch the eye is the dented, silver fuselage of a World War II-era C-53 plane – a striking relic of the past. Yet, the true cultural treasures lie just a short hike away where two distinct styles of Indigenous rock art – Gwion Gwion and Wandjina – can be found.

The Wandjina figures, deeply connected to Indigenous traditions, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, which date back more than 12,000 years. Significantly different in form and style, the two different styles create a striking juxtaposition, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich and complex past.

aerial view of Vansittart Bay, See it in you Silversea Kimberley Cruise. — Explore ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at Vansittart Bay. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

4. Horizontal Falls

Part illusion, part natural phenomenon, the Kimberley’s much-lauded Horizontal Falls aren’t a waterfall, but a tidal and geographic spectacle that visitors have to see to comprehend. Known as Garaanngaddim, the phenomenon occurs when seawater rushes through two narrow gaps- one just twenty metres wide, and the other seven metres in width, between the escarpments of Talbot Bay.

With each tidal shift, the force of the water creates whirlpools, furious currents and the illusion of a horizontal cascade as thousands of gallons of water are pushed and pulled in through the gap every six hours with relentless movement, making this one of the Kimberley ’s most mesmerising natural wonders.

Horizontal Falls are described as "One of the greatest wonders of the natural world". They are formed from a break in-between the McLarty Ranges reaching up to 25m in width. The natural phenomenon is created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 5m high on a King tide. — Watch whirlpools and furious currents collide. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

5. Montgomery Reef

As the tide turns in Montgomery Reef, magic happens. With the Kimberley’s legendary tides varying up to ten metres, at low tide the submerged reef almost appears to rise from the depths: exposing up to four metres of the sandstone reef.

The impact is otherworldly: as the water drains, waterfalls cascade on either side of the channel, turtles left exposed scramble and dive, and fish leap in search of sanctuary in shallow pools. Meanwhile, the dinner bell rings for the migratory seabirds dugongs, reef sharks and dolphins that scavenge and feast in the area.

Using zodiacs, guests cruise through one of the world’s most significant inshore reef systems navigated by experienced guides, exploring the most intricate and fascinating parts of a 300-square-kilometre-wide biodiversity hotspot.

aerial view of boat going along Montgomery Reef — Witness seabirds, dolphins and reef sharks on the hunt.

6. Mitchell Falls by Helicopter

Experiencing the Kimberley by sea allows you to feel the power of the tides, but travelling by helicopter reveals the sandstone tapestry of the Kimberley, a landscape geologists believe is over 1.8 billion years old.

One of Silversea’s most popular optional excursions , guests who opt to fly into the interior from the onboard helipad soar up above the rust-coloured landscape of the Mitchell plateau, taking in one of Australia’s most scenic waterfalls: Mitchell Falls, a series of four emerald-coloured pools gently cascades into each other, before plunging down to the river below.

Seeing the landscape from above reveals a landscape weaved and shaped by the power of the freshwater wet season, juxtaposed to the constant lapping of the relentless and powerful tide on the coast.

aerial view of mitchell falls on silversea helicopter excursion — See emerald pools cascade into the river below. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

7. Indigenous Art Caves, Wandjina Art

The Kimberley Region of Western Australia is home to some of the most striking and significant

Indigenous rock art in Australia. Dotted throughout the landscape are caves, cliffs and rock overhangs depicting the striking, ethereal image of Wandjina, the rainmaker spirit and creation being central to many of the Dreamtime stories in this region.

Some of the paintings are regularly repainted by traditional custodians, while others are believed to be over 4,000 years old. Each artwork serves as both a cultural record and a living connection to the past, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the enduring traditions of the Kimberley’s Indigenous communities.

Freshwater Cover Rock Art the kimberleys — Walk among cultural records preserved in stone. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

See the best of this incredible part of the world on a Silversea Kimberley cruise. Book your 10- or extended 16-day expedition voyage at silversea.com

The best wineries and cellar doors in the McLaren Vale