McLaren Vale is a wine region located an hour south of Adelaide, South Australia. It has often been overlooked in terms of wine regions in SA over the Barossa Valley. However, I believe that it is just as good as the Barossa Region. In this post, I’m going to explore some of the wineries McLaren Vale has to offer, plus some food spots as well. (Post continually updated – 27th November 2018).
Wineries
CORIOLE
Chaffey’s Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171
Coriole was first founded by the Lloyd family in the 60s and were one of the first vineyards to bring Fiano and Sangiovese cuttings to Australia. As such, they are now the oldest of those type of vines in Australia. They are also known for their Shiraz and Merlot. I really love their Grenache and “Dancing Fig” (Grenache, Mourvedre and Shiraz). On top of that, the views are pretty speccy! Make sure you check out the restaurant they have on-site as well.
Open 11am – 5pm
BEACH ROAD WINES
309 Seaview Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171
Beach Road Wines is another Italian centric winery in McLaren Vale – the soil there is perfect for the mediterranean wines! The top ones are their Nero d’Avola and Aglianico. Notice, however, the nice play on words for their Rose – Bonnie Hoare (Hoare is the last name of the 2 winemakers and they were going to name their daughter Bonnie, until they realised what could be made of it when she’s older…). The views here are amazing – check out their pizzas while you’re there!
Open 10am – 5pm
MOLLYDOOKER WINES
23 Coppermine Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171
Mollydooker is a winery that is a bit special in every single way – starting with their name. It means “left hander”, which is what Sarah & Sparky (head winemakers) are. And this is just the start of it. Everything they do reflects some aspect of them or their family – each wine is named after a family member – the Boxer, Blue Eyed Girl, the Violinist, etc. My favourite is The Carnival of Love – it has won numerous awards over the years. This is one of those cellar doors where you come for the wine and stay for the experience!
Open 11am-4:30pm
SAMUEL’S GORGE
193 Chaffey’s Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171
In comparison to others down at McLaren Vale, Samuel’s Gorge is relatively new, but have well and truly make their mark on the town. They have put all their focus on 5 red varietals and are doing them very well – my favourite being their Tempranillo. Best time to visit is in the winter when they have the fire cranking! The views over the gorge in their backyard are very insta-worthy too!
Open 11am-5pm
WIRRA WIRRA WINERY
McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale, SA 5171
Wirra Wirra is quite well known, but still a favourite of mine to visit whenever I’m down at McLaren Vale. A good chunk of the reason why is my favourite wine is from there, the other part is the atmosphere. You have your tasting along a long bar and in winter there is always a fire lit and it has a very welcoming feel to it. As for the wine, they have a lot of heavy hitters. My favourite is their Church Block (Cabinet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Merlot) , which is very well known, but other top ones are the 12th Man Chardonnay, Mrs Wigley Moscato and their RSW. Definite must visit – the grounds are great for a picnic as well!
Open 10am – 5pm
YOUR THOUGHTS
Have you visited McLaren Vale before? What’s your favourite winery to visit?
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