South Australia’s beautiful McLaren Vale is internationally renowned for producing some of the best wines in the world. The warm, Mediterranean style climate of the region is perfect for the creation of their Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
McLaren Vale is about 45 mins from the Adelaide CBD, so it is ideal for people looking to escape for the day or take a tour.
McLaren Vale also has five sub regions; Sellicks foothills, Blewitt springs, Seaview, Willunga, and the McLaren Flat which are situated between the coast and the South Mt Lofty Ranges.
Wining, Dining And Waking Up
There are over 88 cellar doors in the McLaren Vale area with a welcoming reception behind each one. There are many different wine tours you can choose from and you will be amazed by the rich flavours of each unique wine.
Choosing each meal will be your hardest decision to make within the McLaren Vale region. Endless options of cafes and restaurants offer tastes from all over the world. From Mediterranean, Spanish and Italian to English, Mexican and modern cuisine, you’re sure to find just what will hit the spot. Vegetarian and vegan palates are well catered for too.
Finding a place to stay in McLaren Vale is easy and every taste and budget is catered for. With over 100 places to stay including hotels, bed and breakfasts, romantic rooms and caravan parks, the choice is yours.
Pastime Potterings
Apart from the wine tours there are many ways to spend a day around McLaren Vale. Try a helicopter or biplane flight to satisfy your need for adventure as well as getting a bird’s eye view of the picturesque region. You can take your car down on to the beach at Sellicks or Aldinga, go for a swim or a snorkel and have a look at the wreck of the Star of Greece, South Australia’s worst maritime disaster.
For the more daring there is Maslin’s nudist beach which is a beautiful place to relax and just be yourself. If art is your thing there is an art trail to follow if you would like to check out the local galleries.
Feel inspired by the food and wine that this beautiful area has to offer and participate in one of the many cooking classes on offer. Take a bike and experience the true beauty of the area by following the Shiraz trail from McLaren Vale to Willunga. There are local markets, buzzing with fun activities, arts craft, food and shopping experiences.
McLaren vale wine region is host to many great annual events such as the Sea and Vines Festival, the Harvest Festival and the Gorgeous Festival with boutique music and stunning food and wine. The Cherry Blossom Festival is fun for all ages, or for the more theatrical, there is Shakespeare In The Vines.
The Boffin Breakdown
McLaren Vale is one of Australia’s oldest wine making regions with many of the award winning wines coming from some of the 100 year old vines. Hardy’s Winery and Seaview Winery were the first wineries in McLaren Vale. They began operation in 1850 and are still producing beautiful wine today.
The prominent wines of the area are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Chardonnay with harvest times between February to April.
Wine Tour Operators in the McLaren Vale Wine Region
All Aboard Minibus Tours
All aboard! It's time for some serious fun at a reasonable price...
At least 3 people, Departing from Adelaide Metro, Adelaide CBD and some Regional SA
At Grape Valley Tours it's all about YOU.. We are a five star chauffeured door to door service. Let us make YOUR day a memorable experience amongst the salubrious ambience of South Australia's world renowned great wine regions...
2 to 7 people, Departing from Adelaide CBD & Some Regional SA
The only provider of its kind specifically designed for Industry in the delivery of a complete satisfactory solution to your tourism covering your business 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
At least 6 people, Departing from Adelaide Metro and Regional Areas
