Are you looking for a perfect holiday destination that offers you the best of both worlds: wine and food, coast and nature, culture and art? Look no further than McLaren Vale, one of Australia’s most renowned wine regions, located on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.
McLaren Vale is home to over 80 wineries and cellar doors, offering a range of award-winning wines, from shiraz to grenache to chardonnay. McLaren Vale is also a foodie’s delight, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, markets and farms that showcase the local produce and cuisine. McLaren Vale is not only a wine and food destination, but also a coastal and nature getaway, with stunning beaches, scenic trails, and wildlife attractions. McLaren Vale is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing and indulgent holiday, with a range of accommodation options, from luxury to budget.
In this article, we will guide you through the top things to do in McLaren Vale, and how to make the most of your trip. Whether you are a wine and food lover, a nature and culture enthusiast, or a family or solo traveller, you will find something to suit your taste and budget in McLaren Vale. Read on to discover the hidden gems and secrets of this amazing region, and why you should visit it as soon as possible.
Wine and Dine in McLaren Vale
One of the main reasons to visit McLaren Vale is to experience its world-class wine and food scene. McLaren Vale is one of the oldest and most diverse wine regions in Australia, with a history dating back to 1838. The region has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters, and a variety of soils and terrains, from sandy to clay to limestone. These factors create a unique terroir that produces distinctive and expressive wines, especially shiraz, the signature grape of McLaren Vale.
The best way to explore the wine region is to visit the wineries and cellar doors, where you can taste and learn about the different wines, meet the winemakers, and enjoy the stunning views of the vineyards and the sea. Some of the most popular and iconic wineries and cellar doors in McLaren Vale are:
d’Arenberg Cube: a five-storey architectural marvel that resembles a Rubik’s cube, housing a tasting room, a restaurant, an art gallery, and a museum. The cube offers a sensory and interactive wine experience, where you can discover the stories and personalities behind the wines, and even create your own blend.
Wirra Wirra: a historic and biodynamic winery that produces premium wines, such as the famous Church Block, a blend of cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, and merlot. The winery also offers a range of fun and quirky experiences, such as ringing the giant Angelus bell, throwing watermelons from a trebuchet, or taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the winery and the vineyard.
Coriole: a family-owned and operated winery that specializes in Italian and Mediterranean varieties, such as sangiovese, barbera, and fiano. The winery also has a restaurant, a cheese shop, a gallery, and a garden, where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch, a cheese platter, or a picnic, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
If you want to sample a variety of wines from different wineries, you can join one of the many wine tours and experiences that are available in McLaren Vale, such as:
The Shiraz Trail: a 7-kilometre cycling trail that follows the old railway line from McLaren Vale to Willunga, passing through several wineries, farms, and cafes along the way. You can rent a bike or an e-bike from the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Visitor Information Centre, and enjoy a scenic and relaxing ride, while stopping at your favourite spots for a sip or a bite.
The McLaren Vale Cheese and Wine Trail: a self-guided tour that pairs four local cheeses with four local wines, from soft and creamy to hard and aged, from white and sparkling to red and fortified. You can purchase a trail map and a cheese hamper from the Blessed Cheese cafe, and visit the four participating wineries at your own pace, while savouring the delicious combinations of cheese and wine.
The McLaren Vale Gin and Spirit Trail: a guided tour that introduces you to the local distilleries and their products, such as gin, vodka, brandy, and liqueur. You can taste and learn about the different spirits, their ingredients and production methods, and their cocktail recipes. You can also enjoy a lunch and a beer tasting at a local brewery, and a wine tasting at a local winery.
Of course, no wine trip is complete without some food to go along with it. McLaren Vale is a food lover’s paradise, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, markets and farms that showcase the local produce and cuisine. The region is known for its fresh and seasonal ingredients, such as olives, almonds, cheese, honey, seafood, and fruits. The region also has a diverse and multicultural culinary scene, with influences from Italy, Greece, Spain, France, and Asia.
Some of the top restaurants and cafes in McLaren Vale
The Salopian Inn: a modern and elegant restaurant that serves contemporary Australian cuisine, with a focus on local and organic produce, and a touch of Asian flair. The restaurant also has an impressive wine list, featuring over 200 wines from McLaren Vale and beyond, as well as a gin library, with over 230 gins from around the world.
The Currant Shed: a rustic and charming restaurant that is housed in a former currant drying shed, dating back to 1918. The restaurant offers a seasonal and degustation menu, with dishes that highlight the flavours and textures of the local ingredients, such as lamb, duck, quail, and figs.
The Barn Bistro: a cosy and casual restaurant that is set in a converted barn, surrounded by a vineyard and a garden. The restaurant serves hearty and homely dishes, such as burgers, pizzas, pies, and salads, as well as a range of local wines, beers, and ciders.
If you want to experience the authentic and vibrant food culture of McLaren Vale, you can visit one of the many food markets and farms in the region, such as:
The Willunga Farmers Market: a weekly market that is held every Saturday morning, featuring over 80 stalls of fresh and organic produce, artisan products, and ready-to-eat food. You can meet the farmers and producers, and buy directly from them, while enjoying the live music and the friendly atmosphere.
The Fleurieu Milk Company: a family-run dairy farm that produces high-quality milk, cream, yoghurt, and cheese, using traditional and ethical methods. You can visit the farm and see the cows, or buy their products from their farm gate shop or from various outlets in the region.
The McLaren Vale Almond and Olive Grove: a picturesque and peaceful farm that grows almonds and olives, as well as apricots, peaches, and plums. You can visit the farm and learn about the cultivation and harvesting of the nuts and fruits, or buy their products from their farm shop or online store.
If you want to learn more about the food and cooking of McLaren Vale, you can join one of the many food tours and experiences that are available in the region, such as:
The Fleurieu Food and Wine Experience: a full-day tour that takes you to some of the best food and wine destinations in the region, such as the Willunga Farmers Market, the d’Arenberg Cube, the Coriole Vineyards, and the Salopian Inn. You can taste and learn about the different food and wine, and enjoy a gourmet lunch and a cheese platter.
The McLaren Vale Gourmet Food and Wine Tour: a half-day tour that combines a wine tasting at two premium wineries, such as Wirra Wirra and Coriole, with a cooking class and a lunch at the Red Poles Gallery and Restaurant. You can learn how to prepare some delicious dishes using local ingredients, and enjoy them with some matching wines.
The McLaren Vale Cooking School: a hands-on and fun cooking class that teaches you how to make some of the regional specialties, such as pizza, pasta, bread, and pastry. You can also learn about the history and culture of the food, and enjoy your creations with some local wines.
Explore the McLaren Vale Coast and Nature
Another reason to visit McLaren Vale is to enjoy its stunning coast and nature. McLaren Vale is located on the Fleurieu Peninsula, which is a peninsula that juts out into the Southern Ocean, and has a coastline of over 200 kilometres. The peninsula offers a contrast and complement to the wine region, with beautiful beaches, scenic trails, and wildlife attractions.
The best way to enjoy the coast and nature is to visit the beaches and the trails, where you can indulge in various activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, surfing, fishing, cycling, hiking, paddling, and birdwatching. Some of the best beaches and trails in McLaren Vale are:
Port Noarlunga: a popular and family-friendly beach that has a long jetty, a reef, and an aquatic reserve. You can swim and snorkel in the calm and clear water, and see a variety of marine life, such as fish, crabs, starfish, and seahorses. You can also surf and fish on the beach, or walk and cycle on the jetty.
Sellicks Beach: a secluded and serene beach that has a long stretch of sand, a rocky headland, and a hilltop lookout. You can drive and park on the beach, and enjoy the views of the ocean and the cliffs. You can also surf and fish on the beach, or walk and climb on the rocks.
Port Willunga: a historic and picturesque beach that has a shipwreck, a jetty, and a cave. You can swim and snorkel in the turquoise water, and see the remains of the Star of Greece, a ship that sank in 1888. You can also walk and explore the old jetty and the fishermen’s cave, or dine at the Star of Greece restaurant, which overlooks the beach.
The Shiraz Trail: a 7-kilometre cycling trail that follows the old railway line from McLaren Vale to Willunga, passing through several wineries, farms, and cafes along the way. You can rent a bike or an e-bike from the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Visitor Information Centre, and enjoy a scenic and relaxing ride, while stopping at your favourite spots for a sip or a bite.
The Onkaparinga River National Park: a natural and wildlife park that has a river, a gorge, and a wetland. You can paddle and kayak on the river, and see a variety of birds, such as pelicans, herons, and ducks. You can also hike and bike on the trails, and see the native flora and fauna, such as kangaroos, koalas, and echidnas.
The Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park: a coastal and bushland park that has a beach, a reef, and a scrub. You can swim and snorkel on the beach, and see a variety of marine life, such as fish, crabs, starfish, and seahorses. You can also walk and birdwatch on the scrub, and see a variety of plants and animals, such as orchids, butterflies, and lizards.
If you want to discover more of the coast and nature of McLaren Vale, you can join one of the many tours and experiences that are available in the region, such as:
The Fleurieu Peninsula Surfing Experience: a half-day or full-day surfing lesson that teaches you the basics of surfing, such as how to paddle, stand, and balance on the board. You can choose from different beaches, such as Port Noarlunga, Moana, or Middleton, depending on your skill level and preference. You can also enjoy the views of the coast and the dolphins, while having fun and catching some waves.
The Fleurieu Peninsula Snorkeling and Kayaking Tour: a half-day or full-day tour that combines snorkeling and kayaking on the Port Noarlunga Reef and the Onkaparinga River. You can see the colourful coral and fish on the reef, and the diverse birdlife on the river. You can also enjoy a picnic lunch and a wine tasting at a local winery.
The Fleurieu Peninsula Fishing Charter: a half-day or full-day fishing trip that takes you to some of the best fishing spots in the region, such as the Star of Greece wreck, the Sellicks Beach reef, or the Rapid Bay jetty. You can catch and keep a variety of fish, such as snapper, whiting, salmon, or squid. You can also enjoy the views of the coast and the sea lions, while having a relaxing and rewarding time.
Stay and Relax in McLaren Vale
After a day of wine and food, or coast and nature, you might want to find a place to stay and relax in McLaren Vale. Luckily, the region has a range of accommodation options that cater to different needs and preferences, from luxury to budget, from bed and breakfast to caravan park, from hotel/motel to self contained. Some of the best accommodation options in McLaren Vale are:
The Vineyard Retreat: a luxury and boutique retreat that offers four self-contained guest houses, each with a different theme and style, such as the Lodge, the Highland, the Settlers, and the Cadole. The retreat also has a pool, a spa, a fire pit, and a garden, where you can enjoy the views of the vineyards and the hills.
The McLaren Eye: a modern and spacious holiday home that can accommodate up to 10 guests, with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and a balcony. The home also has a pool, a barbecue, a fireplace, and a games room, where you can enjoy the views of the sea and the sunset.
The McLaren Vale Motel and Apartments: a cosy and comfortable motel and apartment complex that offers 37 rooms and 12 apartments, each with a different size and configuration, such as standard, deluxe, family, or spa. The complex also has a pool, a sauna, a gym, and a garden, where you can enjoy the views of the park and the creek.
If you want to save some money or have a more adventurous stay in McLaren Vale, you can also choose from some of the cheaper and alternative accommodation options in the region, such as:
The McLaren Vale Lakeside Caravan Park: a family-friendly and pet-friendly caravan park that offers a range of sites and cabins, from powered to unpowered, from ensuite to budget. The park also has a pool, a playground, a camp kitchen, and a laundry, where you can enjoy the views of the lake and the birds.
The McLaren Vale Backpackers: a budget and social hostel that offers a range of dorms and private rooms, from 4-bed to 10-bed, from single to double. The hostel also has a kitchen, a lounge, a barbecue, and a bike hire, where you can meet and mingle with other travellers and locals.
Experience the McLaren Vale Culture and Art
The last reason to visit McLaren Vale is to experience its culture and art. McLaren Vale is not only a wine and food, or a coast and nature destination, but also a cultural and artistic destination, with a rich and diverse heritage and creativity. The region has a strong Aboriginal presence, as well as influences from European and Asian settlers. The region also has a vibrant and dynamic artistic scene, with galleries, studios, workshops, and events.
Some of the best culture and art venues and attractions in McLaren Vale are:
The Red Poles Gallery: a gallery and restaurant that showcases the work of local Aboriginal artists, as well as contemporary artists from various backgrounds and disciplines. The gallery also hosts workshops, exhibitions, and events, such as the Fleurieu Art Prize, the McLaren Vale Writers Festival, and the Fleurieu Folk Festival.
The McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Visitor Information Centre: a visitor centre and a gallery that provides information and services for tourists and locals, as well as displays and sells the work of local artists and craftspeople. The centre also hosts workshops, exhibitions, and events, such as the McLaren Vale Sea and Vines Festival, the McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic, and the McLaren Vale Harvest Festival.
The McLaren Vale Writers Festival: a biennial festival that celebrates the literary and creative talent of the region, as well as the national and international writers and speakers. The festival offers a range of activities and sessions, such as readings, workshops, panel discussions, book launches, and signings.
If you want to learn more about the culture and art of McLaren Vale, you can join one of the many tours and experiences that are available in the region, such as:
The McLaren Vale Aboriginal Art Tour: a half-day or full-day tour that introduces you to the Aboriginal culture and art of the region, such as the Kaurna people, the Dreamtime stories, the rock paintings, and the bush tucker. You can visit the Red Poles Gallery, the Onkaparinga River National Park, and the Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park, and meet some of the local Aboriginal artists and elders.
The McLaren Vale Art and Wine Tour: a half-day or full-day tour that combines art and wine, and takes you to some of the best galleries and wineries in the region, such as the d’Arenberg Cube, the Wirra Wirra, the Coriole, and the Red Poles Gallery. You can see and learn about the different art and wine, and enjoy a lunch and a cheese platter.
The McLaren Vale Writers Workshop: a one-day or two-day workshop that teaches you how to write and publish your own book, whether it is fiction or non-fiction, poetry or prose, memoir or biography. You can learn from some of the best writers and editors in the region, and get feedback and advice on your work.
McLaren Vale is a wine and food lover’s paradise, a coast and nature lover’s dream, and a culture and art lover’s delight. It is a region that has something for everyone, and that will leave you with unforgettable memories and experiences. Whether you are looking for a relaxing and indulgent holiday, or an adventurous and exciting holiday, you will find it in McLaren Vale.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to McLaren Vale today, and discover the hidden gems and secrets of this amazing region. You will not regret it.
