The only McLaren Vale wineries guide you need to read

Originally written by Alexis Buxton-Collins with updates by Megan Arkinstall

Plan the perfect wine weekend at these standout cellar doors where you can level up your tasting with lavish lunch spreads, expert-led tours and luxe hideaways.

Less than an hour south of Adelaide lies Australia’s most beautiful wine region, where dozens of inviting cellar doors are surrounded by lovingly tended rows of vines caressed by gentle sea breezes. From iconic shiraz to easy-drinking Italian, Greek, Spanish and Portuguese varietals, you’ll find an astonishing range of flavour profiles on offer, and that diversity is reflected in the cellar door offerings at the best McLaren Vale wineries.

In a single magical day you can enjoy a tasting with a sixth-generation owner and chase the kids around an enchanting natural maze before sitting down to an immaculately presented lunch at one of the Vale’s best restaurants and lying back in the lap of luxury at the cosy winery accommodation nearby – here’s everything you need to know.

Wineries | Winery restaurants | Wine tours | Winery accommodation

The Best McLaren Vale wineries

The 45-minute drive from Adelaide makes it simple to visit McLaren Vale on a day trip, but you could just as easily spend several weeks visiting more than 80 cellar doors dotted around the region. And because they encompass everything from rustic, family-run operations to internationally renowned names, oenophiles of every stripe will find their tastes catered to at these McLaren Vale wineries.

Coriole

Rolling hills lined with perfectly manicured rows of Sangiovese vines usually conjure up visions of Tuscany, but the glittering ocean in the distance makes this a McLaren Vale special.

It’s no surprise that this is one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the entire region, and the views are even better with a glass in hand at the open-air arbour bar that pours the perfect mix of regional classics like shiraz alongside emerging Mediterranean varietals.

Kangarilla Road

Old and new school winemaking techniques are on display at this shared cellar door , which is also home to Silent Noise wines. Eye-catching modern artworks set the scene for an innovative father and son winemaking team making everything from funky pet nats to single block Shiraz releases that tell a story of place and let you do a deep dive into terroir. Just be sure to allow plenty of time for a visit, as you’ll want to taste most of the 30 wines on offer.

Big Easy Radio

It’s strictly adults-only at this giant teal shed surrounded by palms, which feels more like a mate’s backyard than an award-winning winery. Don’t expect things to be quiet, though; regular gigs featuring many of the state’s best musicians make it the place to be Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. The service is as casual as the dress code (boardies and thongs are welcome) but the easy-drinking wines are the result of serious attention to detail, with left-field blends of Mediterranean varietals at the fore.

Woodstock

Little ones will absolutely love the wildlife sanctuary at this sprawling property, which is one of the most kid-friendly wineries in McLaren Vale. Arrive in the morning to spot some of the fluffy rescue koalas napping in centuries-old gums beside the cellar door before getting up close with the friendly resident kangaroos and an emu named Maverick at the daily 11:30 feeding.

Then it’s time to treat yourself in the tasting room that heroes crisp whites and powerful old vine shiraz alongside a fortified tasting matched with chocolates.

McLaren Vale wineries with lunch

Waves of Italian migration and a dry coastal climate have had a profound influence on the McLaren Vale wine and food scenes, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find a range of classic Mediterranean options filling both your plate and glass.

But there’s also a strong modern Australian streak running through the culinary scene, which combines local produce and techniques from around the world with stunning views. Whether you’re after a grazing platter or a sophisticated degustation, you’ll find what you’re after at these McLaren vale winery restaurants.

Maxwell

This family-friendly winery is best known for mazes and mead, but the real star of the show is usually hard at work in the kitchen. Chef Fabian Lehmann devises the kind of audaciously plated creations that are made for Instagram , and fortunately, they taste every bit as good as they look.

The $165 price tag means this is strictly for special occasions, and the 10-course tasting menu features intentionally vague listings like “nori, ricotta, pea" to ensure that every dish is a surprise when it arrives.

d’Arenberg

This giant five-storey Rubik’s Cube rising above the vines is visible long before you reach it, which is a good thing: you might need a little time to decide which option to visit for lunch.

The playful fourth-storey restaurant Singapore Circus combines influences from across Southeast Asia in a range of small plates and signature dishes like the showstopping chilli crab.

While d’Arry’s Verandah in the neighbouring 19th-century homestead is the place to head to for leisurely long lunches that highlight seasonal local produce.

Wirra Wirra

If you’re after something a little more casual, the staff at Harry’s Deli begin pulling shots of Dawn Patrol coffee and serving a simple brunch menu at 10 am before switching to more substantial fare at lunchtime.

You can get on a first-name basis with some of the region’s best producers as you tuck into cheeseboards and platters featuring Brian’s olives and Andy Clappis’ bread, or go a little deeper into the menu to find a range of sandwiches and a hearty steak and shiraz pie that’s a local favourite.

Shottesbrooke

You won’t be able to taste your way through the entire range at this winery, which has six different skews covering everything from affordable porch pounders to a reserve series made for sipping.

But sample even a few and you’ll likely enjoy the excuse to stretch your legs on a short walk through the vines to The Currant Shed , where you’ll find yet more Shottesbrooke wines on pour alongside a thoughtful menu that offers elegant fine dining without any pretensions (there’s even a three-course set menu for kids that’s paired with housemade lime cordial).

The top wine tours in McLaren Vale

With so many cellar doors to choose from it makes sense to let an expert help you plan the ideal day out, and having someone else behind the wheel means you can sit back and fully enjoy the day on these McLaren Vale wine tours.

My McLaren Vale

When he’s not manning the cellar door at Samuel’s Gorge, North Carolina native Jon Overcash leads small group tours that give you exclusive access to some of the best wineries in McLaren Vale (with a few breweries and distilleries thrown in for good measure). His extensive network of local connections means you can expect exclusive access to winemakers and a few barrel samples along the way, and he can customise the itinerary to focus on particular wineries, styles or family-friendly venues.

New World Wine Tour Co

Even the most experienced oenophile will learn a thing or two on Ian Hooper’s tours , which explore the cutting edge of McLaren Vale wines. Boutique, hard-to-find producers and unusual varietals and styles are the order of the day on these fascinating excursions, which include vegan and natural wine tours as well as a day-long sensory experience that aims to demystify this sometimes intimidating world by introducing guests to the vocabulary and flavours of new generation wines.

Helivista

If you want to fully appreciate McLaren Vale’s stunning natural beauty, this unique tour gives you a bird’s eye view over the entire region, from the spectacular cliffs of the Fleurieu Peninsula to rugged Onkaparinga Gorge.

A number of local accommodation providers have their own helipads, which means you can get picked up from your front door and whisked away to a winery within minutes before stopping at The Currant Shed for a “fly-through" meal on your way to a private hilltop location where you’ll enjoy an unforgettable lunch.

McLaren Vale winery accommodation

After a long day of wine tasting, there’s no better feeling than disappearing to a sumptuous hideaway nestled in the vines. And whether you’re looking for a light-filled homestead with stunning views or a luxurious off-grid cabin, you’ll find a range of unforgettable stays at these McLaren Vale wineries.

Inkwell Wines

The name may be a cheeky reference to the winery’s address, but once you check into Hotel California Road you’ll probably wish you never had to leave.

The exquisitely designed adults-only escape is built from interconnected shipping containers that have been placed on top of each other like Lego blocks, and each of the suites makes the most of the surrounding vines. All you need to decide is whether you want to enjoy the views from the comfortable leather couch, deep soaking tub, giant floating king bed or spacious deck.

Gemtree

CABNX pods in McLaren Vale — The CABN X pods are the perfect spot to unwind.

This winery is big on biodynamics and soil health, but there’s no need to worry if you get your hands dirty on a farm tour. Just down the road from the cellar door, the CABN X pods are the perfect spot for a deep clean thanks to the wood-fired cedar sauna and a giant two-person outdoor tub. It’s all part of a design that maximises the natural beauty of the surroundings, and there are few better ways to wake up than the dawn chorus provided by the avian residents of the majestic redgums just metres from the deck.

Shadow Creek

A large part of McLaren Vale’s appeal is that it fits so much into one compact region. In the centre of the valley, kangaroos and sheep nibble at blades of grass shooting up between dense rows of vines, while further west ochre-coloured cliffs loom over beaches of glittering white sand. And the million-dollar views from every room in this cosy hideaway let you take it all in without having to get up from your seat.

The well-stocked Vintec wine fridge means sundowners are taken care of, whether you’re lounging on the roomy deck or curled up by the giant double fireplace that opens onto the king bedroom and living room, while the 10 trees planted per booking help to make Australia’s greenest wine region even more beautiful.

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From coast to mountains, hiking in Gippsland offers a stunning array of landscapes, with trails that take you deep into the region’s heritage.

I step out onto the sand and it cries out underfoot. Kweek! I take another step and there’s another little yelp. Screet! Picking up the pace, the sounds follow me like my shadow, all the way down to the water. It’s obvious how this spot got its name – Squeaky Beach – from the rounded grains of quartz that make the distinctive sounds under pressure.

For many, Wilsons Promontory National Park is the gateway to Gippsland , and the best way to explore it is by walking its network of hiking trails, from coastal gems such as Squeaky Beach through to the bushland, among the wildlife. But it’s still just a taste of what you’ll find on foot in the region.

Venture a bit further into Gippsland and you’ll discover the lakes, the rainforest, and the alpine peaks, each changing with the season and offering summer strolls or winter walks. Just like that squeaky sand, each step along these trails has something to tell you: perhaps a story about an ancient spirit or a pioneering search for fortune.

The best coastal hikes in Gippsland

sunset at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Wilsons Promontory National Park is a sprawling wilderness with many coastal bushland trails. (Image: Mark Watson)

Wilsons Promontory National Park (or ‘The Prom’, as you’ll end up calling it) is an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne, but you might ditch the car when you arrive, with much of the park’s 50,000 hectares accessible only by foot. From the inky water of Tidal River (dyed dark purple by abundant tea trees), I like the easy walks along the coast, among lichen-laden granite boulders, to golden beaches and bays.

a couple on Mount Oberon — Panoramic views from the summit of Mount Oberon. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

The trail to the panoramic views at the summit of Mount Oberon is a bit harder, up steep timber and granite steps, but it’s a popular 6.8-kilometre return. The more remote hikes are found through the open banksia and stringybark woodland of the park’s north, or along the multi-day Southern Circuit , which ranges from about 35 to 52 kilometres, with sunrises and sunsets, kangaroos and cockatoos, and maybe even whales.

a golden sand beach at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Walk ‘The Prom’s’ golden sand beaches. (Image: Tourism Australia/Time Out Australia)

You might also see whales on the George Bass Coastal Walk , even closer to Melbourne on the western edge of Gippsland. This dramatic seven-kilometre trail along the clifftops takes in sweeping views of the wild ocean, occasionally dipping down from grassy green hills to coastal gullies and a secluded beach. It also now links into the Bass Coast Rail Trail for an extra 14 kilometres.

Over at the eastern edge of Gippsland, in Croajingolong National Park, you can wander along the lakeshores beneath koalas and around goannas (I keep my distance since one chased me here!). For those who are even more adventurous, the park is also the starting point for the 100-kilometre Wilderness Coast Walk , usually done over seven days.

the Croajingolong National Park, Gippsland — Wander along the lakeshores in Croajingolong National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The best bush hikes in Gippsland

the Baw Baw National Park — The alpine heath of Baw Baw National Park. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Deep in the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine at Walhalla, mining guide Richard tells me how this small town in the mountains east of Melbourne boomed when prospectors found gold here in 1862. These days, you’ll find most of the town’s treasure – its heritage – above ground, with the Walhalla Tramline Walk a wonderful way to explore it.

Just seven kilometres long, the walk takes you through decades of Gold Rush history, following the original rail trail from lush bushland to the mining sites, and through the charming village of just 20 residents with its wooden cottages and old shopfronts adorned with turn-of-the-century advertising posters. Blazing a trail where trailblazers once opened up the region, this is also the starting point for the 650-kilometre Australian Alps Walking Track.

Nearby, Baw Baw National Park has walks through gnarled snow gums and alpine heaths that show off the colourful wildflowers in summer and the pristine carpet of white in winter. Several trails are perfect for snowshoes, including a 45-minute route from St Gwinear up to vast views across the Latrobe Valley.

Further up into the mountains, the Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk is an easy 2.2-kilometre path that serenades you with the sound of flowing water as you pass mossy rocks and tree ferns en route to two sets of waterfalls cascading over boulders in the remote wilderness.

The best cultural hikes in Gippsland

the Mitchell River National Park, Gippsland — Hike the Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

Across a pool in a natural sandstone amphitheatre, deep within a cave behind a waterfall, it’s said the Nargun has its lair. A fierce creature, half human and half stone, that abducts children and can’t be harmed by boomerangs or spears, the story of the Nargun has been told around the campfires of the local Gunaikurnai people for generations.

As a culturally significant place for women, hikers are asked not to go into the Den of Nargun, but a 3.4-kilometre loop walk leads you through a rainforest gully to the entrance where you can feel the powerful atmosphere here in Mitchell River National Park , along Victoria’s largest remaining wild and free-flowing waterway.

the bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park — Bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

The Den of Nargun is part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail , a series of important traditional Gunaikurnai sites through central Gippsland. Another location is Victoria’s largest cave system, Buchan Caves Reserve, with trails to important archaeological sites of human artefacts up to 18,000 years old. The FJ Wilson Interpreted Walk includes the naturally sculpted white limestone steps of the 400-metre-long Federal Cave, while the Granite Pools Walk goes among tall timber and moss-covered gullies.

the ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park — The ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park. (Image: Josie Withers)

Also important to the Gunaikurnai people is Tarra-Bulga National Park , known for its ancient myrtle beeches and enormous mountain ash trees. Just 40 minutes return, the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk offers a taste of this verdant landscape, while the Grand Strzelecki Track takes you deep into the lost world of forest giants on an epic 100-kilometre trail rich with tradition.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the WildernessRetreats in The Prom — Wilderness Retreats in The Prom. (Image: Christian Pearson)

Wilderness Retreats in Wilsons Promontory offers glamping-style tents with luxurious queen beds. Star Hotel is a reconstruction of a Gold Rush-era hotel from 1863 in the heart of heritage Walhalla. Caves House is a historic three-bedroom house with views over the Buchan River.

Eating there

the Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — Enjoy a post-hike lunch at Carrajung Estate. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Kilcunda General Store serves great coffee and meals of local produce at the George Bass Coastal Walk. Alpine Trout Farm is located near Toorongo Falls in Noojee. Fish for your own lunch and barbecue it with the provided cookware.

Carrajung Estate is a short drive from Tarra-Bulga National Park. The winery’s restaurant offers a seasonal menu of regional ingredients and you can stay at The Lodge.

a seafood feast at Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — The table is set for a seafood feast at the estate.