The top McLaren Vale breweries and distilleries

Don’t forget to spend a little time discovering McLaren Vale’s growing brewery and distillery scene.

Craft beer and spirits with a local twist are staking a claim for the drink of choice in the McLaren Vale, and visiting the many distilleries and breweries is one of the best things to do in the region.

Follow this guide to discover new and old breweries and distilleries that locals love and are must-stops for visitors who want flavour notes paired with their afternoon tipple.

In short

When choosing one gin tasting stop on a McLaren Vale itinerary, make it Never Never Distillery for its superior masterclasses and convenience to Chalk Hill Wines and Cucina di Strada food.

McLaren Vale breweries

Whether you’re chasing a tropical lager with a view, or a locally brewed ale shared with friends, McLaren Vale serves up a drop for a Sunday session or celebration.

Vale Restaurant and Bar

Address: 128 Ingoldby Rd, McLaren Flat

Vale Brewing’s flagship venue with restaurant, bar and brewery has prime position atop the hills in Blewitt Springs.

Sample their range of lagers or opt for a pomegranate sour to match a sunny weekend arvo visit. The drinks menu also includes a good selection of McLaren Vale reds and gin, vodka and whisky by 23rd Street.

While drinks are front and centre, the venue is also known for its food offering and showcasing South Australian produce. For lighter bites, choose from the snack menu – Coffin Bay oysters or duck croquette with abalone and miso aioli. Or book ahead for dinner and the à-la-carte menu with Port Lincoln flathead and Fleurieu beef – make sure to ask for a prime vineyard view.

Take it to the next level and learn from their expert mixologists in a cocktail or gin blending masterclass.

Swell Brewing Co. Taphouse

Address: 168 Olivers Road McLaren Vale, South Australia

One of the state’s top family-friendly restaurants, Swell Brewing Co. Taphouse is a standout option for glorious afternoons spent with others

Relax with a pint – the Summer Session single hop ale is a fav with its light and refreshing taste – while the kids run free on the lush lawn or hunker down inside (ground floor and upstairs).

The menu delivers a great mix of easy-going pub-style fare like the famous Swell burgers and plenty of kid options.

For beer lovers, brewery tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the magic happens and grab a few takeaway cans like the Playa Zicatela Hazy Pale Ale to keep the good vibes going. It’s a weekend favourite, so bookings are highly recommended or arrive early to snag a spot.

Kick Back Brewing

Address: 11 Old Coach Road, Aldinga

Only around since 2021, Kick Back Brewing is one of those places that feels like it’s been part of the community forever. Gather around a share plate inside or settle out the back while the kids run free on the lawn – it’s easy, relaxed and very McLaren Vale.

The tap house brews its craft beer and seltzers on-site, with a core range that includes the popular Anchor Steady IPA, but the real fun is in the ever-changing specials. I’d recommend the ‘choose your own beer adventure’ flight – four tasters of whatever’s pouring fresh.

The food is far from an afterthought, with the kitchen turning out slow-smoked comfort fare made from locally sourced ingredients. Think nacho pork loaded fries, a spicy Nashville chicken burger and crispy fried cauliflower tacos. Check the website for weekday specials and to see what bands are playing out back.

It’s a top pick for families and larger groups (party platters are also available) so it’s worth booking ahead.

Goodieson Brewery

Address: 94 Sand Rd, McLaren Vale

Tucked away from the main tourist trail, Goodieson Brewery is a local favourite and one of the region’s originals, known for its traditional European-style beers. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down and savour a proper craft brew, whether it’s one of Jeff Goodieson’s award-winning classics or a seasonal special like a spiced Christmas ale, floral Maibock or cloudy raspberry wheat beer.

Set beside a creek and surrounded by vineyards, the back deck is a beautiful spot to while away a sunny afternoon, watching birds, sheep, chickens and the occasional kangaroo.

BYO a picnic or check their Instagram to see which food trucks are rolling in. Kids and dogs are welcome, but large groups should book ahead.

Shifty Lizard Brewing Co.

Address: 33 High Street, Willunga

The future looked uncertain for this much-loved Willunga microbrewery when it closed its doors in September 2025, but thanks to a family of Shifty Lizard regulars, the taps are flowing again.

A true local watering hole, the taphouse has an easygoing, social vibe that makes it perfect for a night out with friends. I love settling in over a plate of wings or loaded fries, paired with one of their signature brews – whether it’s the crisp West Coast IPA, the smooth Brewski Easy Ale or a refreshing Old School Lager.

If you’re after something stronger, their small-batch spirits are just as impressive, from the New World Dry Gin to the playful Sweet Pink Gin or the fruity peach and watermelon seltzers. Shifty Lizard is all about good drinks, good company and a guaranteed good time.

McLaren Vale distilleries

With award-winning gins, cocktails infused with native ingredients and single malt whiskeys, these McLaren Vale distilleries are sure to lift your spirits.

The McLaren Vale Distillery

Address: 725 Chapel Hill Rd, Blewitt Springs

A must-visit for spirit lovers — McLaren Vale Distillery is a boutique producer crafting exceptional single malt whiskies, gins, liqueurs and fortified wines.

The team here takes their craft seriously, blending a deep respect for the area’s heritage with an innovative approach that keeps pace with modern tastes. Their small-batch single malts show incredible attention to detail, often matured in casks that once held local wines, while their handcrafted gins and liqueurs showcase the same commitment to quality.

Surrounded by vineyards and natural beauty, the intimate tasting room is an ideal spot to linger over a guided flight or one of their curated cocktails, paired with a cheese or charcuterie board. You can also join a ‘Barley to Bottle’ experience to delve deeper into the distilling process.

Tastings are limited and groups of eight or more should book ahead.

Never Never Distillery

Address: 56 Field St, McLaren Vale

Housed within the Chalk Hill Collective establishment in McLaren Vale, Never Never Distilling Co. has earned its reputation as a must-visit for gin lovers.

With inventive flavours like oyster shell gin – infused with local oyster shells and offering notes of lime leaf, wax flower, sea salt and grapefruit – it’s clear why this distillery attracts the crowds come the weekend.

The Distillery Door experience is as refined as it is fun, with expertly mixed cocktails and beautifully presented tasting flights showcasing their award-winning Triple Juniper Gin and seasonal small-batch releases.

Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about Never Never’s unique three-stage distillation process or join one of their hands-on masterclasses. The Premium Gin Masterclass paired with South Australian oysters and an indulgent Italian street food feast is a standout.

With stunning vineyard views, Chalk Hill Wines next door, and Cucina di Strada serving up Roman-style street food, this is one spot where you’ll want to linger all afternoon – book a table to avoid disappointment.

Down South Distillery

Address: 40 Stonehouse Lane, Aldinga

Set in the former Agostino Wines location, Down South Distillery offers the full McLaren Vale experience – artisan gin flights, handcrafted cocktails and seriously good food, all surrounded by vineyard views.

Run by a passionate family team of distillers, the venue combines rustic charm with a relaxed, elevated atmosphere. Their approach to gin is all about craftsmanship and creativity, with each small-batch spirit designed to tell a story through flavour.

It’s the ideal setting to settle in for an afternoon, pairing a premium gin tasting with wood-oven pizzas (locals swear they’re the best in Aldinga) or freshly prepared seasonal platters. Reservations are recommended – the tables fill fast for good reason.

Settlers Spirits

Address: 58 Osborn Rd, McLaren Vale

The d’Arenberg Cube has a new addition with Settlers Spirits now calling this iconic McLaren Vale landmark home for its Distillery Door .

With 12 varieties to choose from, Settlers delivers one of the most expansive gin experiences in the region, ranging from the citrus-forward Yuzu Gin and tea-infused G & Tea Breakfast Gin to classics like the Rare Dry and the award-winning Old Tom. It’s a tasting journey that caters to every palate – from purists to the adventurous.

Settlers Spirits has long been celebrated for its craftsmanship and innovation, and the Cube setting takes the experience to another level. Tastings are available on Level 3 as a $20 upgrade to your d’Arenberg visit, with two gin flights to choose from.

For something special, book a hosted group experience that includes a guided walk through the Cube’s Alternate Realities Museum before heading upstairs for a private tasting.

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges boast some of Victoria’s most stunning natural scenery, making them a prime destination for outdoor experiences.

There’s something very special about the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges . A mix of rugged bush, mist-laden rainforest, gardens bursting with vivid blooms and a network of rivers and waterfalls, the landscapes here are layered and diverse. Late summer is a particularly good time to visit, when the days are long and the region’s outdoor offerings are ripe for sun-soaked adventures.

The best part? Despite being only an easy one-hour drive from Melbourne, the area feels a world away from the hustle. You’ll be greeted by a slower pace with fewer travellers and more room to move – allowing you to truly switch off and take it all in.

From rail trails to rainforest walks, this is where you’ll find nature at its most rewarding.

1. Warburton

Biking around Warburton is one best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. — Hit the trails at Warburton Mountain Bike Destination. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Perched at the top of the Yarra River, surrounded by pristine national park, the town of Warburton is a haven for nature lovers. It’s known for its towering redwoods, found in the Californian Redwood Forest just 15 minutes out of town. You’ll be in utter awe of these giant trees, some of which reach heights of up to 55 metres.

The Warburton Rail Trail is another way to experience the town’s natural beauty. This flat, 40-kilometre route goes all the way to Lilydale and is ideal for a stroll or cycle past native bushland, wineries, farmland and parts of the Yarra.

If you want to up the pace a little, head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination , which encompasses 160 kilometres of purpose-built tracks amid wild bush terrain. For something a little more laid-back, the Rainforest Gallery is a standout spot for a wander. The gallery features statuesque Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech trees, moss-covered logs and tree ferns, and a 40-metre elevated walkway that brings you right into the centre of the forest canopy.

2. Yarra Glen

Yarra Glen is a beloved food and drink destination, but it offers far more than excellent produce and top-notch wines.

A highlight is Alowyn Gardens , which stretches over seven acres. Inside, you’ll find nine different gardens with vivid floral and seasonal displays, plus a nursery featuring exotic plant species. The Wisteria Arbour is a crowd favourite, a curved walkway connecting the different gardens with a display of cascading lilac blooms.

Intersecting with the Warburton Rail Trail, the first stage of the Yarra Valley Trail runs from the gateway town of Lilydale to Yering Station. A more manageable track of just 7.5 kilometres, it takes you through rolling farmland and pockets of native bush, with ample opportunities for wildlife-spotting.

If you’re travelling with kids, McKenzie Reserve is a non-negotiable stop. The reserve encompasses a skate park, plenty of open grass to stretch little legs, and a nature-inspired adventure playground to suit every age and every energy level.

3. Healesville

One of the best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is seeing a Koala upclose. — Get up close and connect with koalas. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Healesville is the region’s best place to meet local wildlife. It’s home to Healesville Sanctuary , where you can get up close to kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes, reptiles and more. Beyond giving you front-row access to these gorgeous creatures, you’ll appreciate the scenic charm of the tracks and trails that meander through the wildlife park.

To see even more birdlife, head over to Badger Weir for a picnic. Situated among soaring Mountain Ash trees and tranquil waterways, the area supports several bird species, including crimson rosellas, Australian king parrots and the elusive lyrebird. Barbecue facilities are available, and several tracks leading to Badger Weir are pram-friendly.

Fernshaw Picnic Area, located in the Yarra Ranges National Park , is another idyllic setting for picnicking and short walks, also encircled by Mountain Ash trees. Compared to Badger Weir, though, Fernshaw provides a slightly more secluded experience, making it ideal for quieter outings.

4. Olinda

Cloudehill Gardens is a beautifully curated, year-round garden destination featuring nine terraced gardens filled with seasonal blooms and lush plant varieties. — Wander through terraces of ever-changing blooms. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Sitting more than 600 metres above sea level, the Dandenong Ranges have an enchanted feel and are shrouded in lush rainforest filled with tree ferns, mossy trunks and lingering mist.

The town of Olinda is one of the finest places to experience this unique environment in all its verdant glory. At the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens , rhododendrons reign and drape the gardens in a riot of colour every spring.

The nearby Cloudehill Gardens are well worth visiting any time of year. In each of the garden’s nine terraces, you’ll find an array of plant varieties that bloom and transform across the seasons, including weeping Japanese maples that have been growing here for nearly a century.

Besides being a haven for arbory enthusiasts, the nearby RJ Hamer Arboretum is a spectacular spot to enjoy panoramic views. Here, more than 150 tree species grow and overlook the neighbouring Yarra Valley and Great Dividing Range.

5. Emerald

A lady eating with the view of Emerald Lake Park. — Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Emerald Lake Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Set just behind the Dandenong Ranges , the foothills town of Emerald has a slightly more open feel, featuring rolling hills and open bushland. The town sits on the edge of the Dandenong Ranges National Park , with a patchwork of forested reserves and accessible bush trails on the Emerald side.

You can also take to the water at nearby Aura Vale Lake, which is popular for sailing, canoeing, fishing for eel and perch, and picnicking on the grassy banks.

The stand-out, though, is Emerald Lake Park, a sprawling green with multiple recreation zones. Across 52 hectares, there are walking tracks, playgrounds, paddleboats, a model railway, fishing sites and a family-friendly wading pool that comes to life every summer. The park also lies adjacent to the iconic Puffing Billy, making it a perfect stop if you’re travelling on the historic steam train.

Start planning your next adventure at visityarravalley.com.au

The best breweries and distilleries in the McLaren Vale