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The best wineries and cellar doors in the McLaren Vale

Tegan ForderBy Tegan Forder
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

a couple wine tasting beside a double-decker bus at Down the Rabbit Hole, McLaren Vale wineries
Hop on a double-decker bus for leisurely arvo wine tastings. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

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

Mollydooker Wines vineyards from above
Mollydooker Wines has three separate vineyards spanning 116 acres of shiraz, cabernet and merlot. (Image: Isaac Forman)

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

the outdoor garden at Beach Road Winery, McLaren Vale
Head to Beach Road Winery for relaxed tastings.

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

Chalk Hill Wines, McLaren Vale
Raise a glass of vino with a view of the lush vineyard. (Image: Frame)

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

the cellar door exterior at Alpha Box and Dice, McLaren Vale
Step into the heritage-listed cellar door for a glass of shiraz. (Image: Alpha Box & 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

the scenic Coriole Vineyards, McLaren Vale
The family-owned Coriole Vineyards sits on the Seaview Ridge of McLaren Vale. (Image: Isaac Forman)

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

Wirra Wirra Vineyards, McLaren Vale
The aptly named vineyard translates to ‘among the gums’ in the Kaurna language. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission)

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

holding wine bottles on the table at Gemtree Vineyards, McLaren Vale
Choose from a wide selection of organic and biodynamic wines. (Image: Harry Vick)

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

Hither & Yon vineyards, McLaren Vale
The serene and lush grape vines at Hither & Yon. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

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

two women enjoying wine at Samuel’s Gorge, McLaren Vale
Soak up spectacular views at Samuel’s Gorge. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

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

the Willunga 100 winery in McLaren Vale
This award-winning McLaren Vale winery cultivates premium grenache grapes. (Image: 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

Lloyd Brothers, McLaren Vale wineries
Just a 40-minute drive from Adelaide, this family-owned winery is perfect for wine and olive enthusiasts. (Image: 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

Paxton Wines, McLaren Vale wineries
Paxton prides itself on organic and biodynamic winemaking. (Image: 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

Tegan Forder
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The Gold Rush town that’s become Victoria’s best country escape for foodies

    Jocelyn PrideBy Jocelyn Pride
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    The well-preserved Gold Rush town where an idyllic country vibe meets the best of city living.

    Cafe culture

    ‘Slow down’ is the mantra of Tortoise Espresso , and it’s apt for anyone visiting town. This local coffee hangout was the brainchild of Lloyd Meadows, who at 16 started it as a hole in the wall of an old pub. Five years on, it graces a fine shopfront with a menu of around 60 different coffees. Other one-off centrally located daytime cafes, such as Saffs, Togs, Saint Florian and Lazy Bones, are tucked into historic buildings and serve creative menus featuring local produce. A personal favourite is Origini, where chef Luca Sartori brings a taste of northern Italy to his rustic restaurant. For the best banh mi outside Vietnam head to Super Hero, and the pastries at Johnny Baker are legendary.

    the Saint Florian Cafe, Castlemaine
    Saint Florian is one of many businesses tucked away in a historic building. (Image: Griffin Simm)

    On the town’s fringe you’ll find some treasured cafes: Blackbird. Grist, Doveton Corner Store, and the cosy Aitken’s Corner. The Mill precinct also brings another dimension to Castlemaine. Located directly opposite the beautiful Botanical Gardens, this once-derelict woollen mill is a hive of creativity and collaboration. Retaining an industrial feel, it is home to a myriad of 44 unique businesses, galleries and studios that stretch over the three-hectare site.

    Brilliant brews, bars and food

    diners at The Mill, Castlemaine
    The Mill is home to many local businesses. (Image: Visit Victoria/Michelle Jarni)

    The Mill is also home to one of Castlemaine’s bespoke breweries, Shedshaker Brewing Company and Taproom. Within the sensitively restored walls of the oldest part of the building (circa 1875), small-batch, handcrafted beer features alongside fine wholesome food and live music.

    A more recent newcomer to the brewing scene is Love Shack . Starting small as a laneway pop-up in 2021, visionaries Conna Mallett and Harry Cox were armed with a Melbourne beer culture pedigree, which helped them create a great new ‘pub’ that feels as though it’s been there since the 1850s. Other atmospheric bars and restaurants are dotted around town – Grafting Cellars for local wines by the pour; buzzy Mostyn Street Cellars; Table Records plays vinyl on weekends; and the quirky Maurocco bar is not to be missed.

    food and drinks at Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro, Castlemaine
    The nostalgic Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro serves comfort food. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    For food you’ll write home about, the hatted Bar Midland serves exquisite dishes from Victorian-only produce. The freshly renovated Wild is located in the original firestation, Voor Ouker specialises in Indonesian/Dutch fusion, and the Railway Hotel oozes English pub charm.

    the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
    Theatre Royal is the longest continually operating theatre on the mainland. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

    Much-loved Teatro Regio, found in the magnificent Theatre Royal , is the go-to for pizzas with a twist. As mainland Australia’s longest continually running theatre, this grand dame is also one of more than a dozen performance spaces that add to a rich and diverse entertainment and festival scene.

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    Dine before a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

    Quirky country stays

    Quirky, authentic and perfectly located, the Midland Hotel is a private hotel that dates back to 1879. Each of the nine rooms at the Northern Arts Hotel is different and named in honour of an Australian artist. Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation also has a range of properties to suit all types of travellers.