mclarenvale McLaren Vale - Cellarmasters€¦ · Cellarmasters off ers the pick of the bunch from this unique wine region that we can deliver straight to your front door. | Page 35.

DiscoverThe best wines from

McLren Vale

www.cellarmasters.com.au/mclarenvale

Explore other wine regions with our series of travel guides for wine lovers!

www.cellarmasters.com.au/travelguides

McLaren Vale• Cellar Doors • Restaurants • Festivals & Events

• Cheese & Chocolate • Things To Do • Distilleries • Breweries • AND MORE!

TRAVEL GUIDE

PUBLISHED OCTOBER 2018

McLaren Vale– the perfect wine

region for beach bums

Page 2 |

5x Practical Websitesmclarenvale.info

The off icial website of the McLaren Vale wine region is a great

source of information for everything from cellar doors to diff erent

trails (like the Shiraz Trail) and local events and markets.

onkaparingacity.comMcLaren Vale is part of the local government area of the City of

Onkaparinga, and this website has great information on all beaches,

parks, history, arts and culture in the entire area.

fl eurieupeninsula.com.auMcLaren Vale is on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, and

the region off ers a range of year-round holiday activities that include

fishing, surfing, scuba and snorkelling, sailing and swimming. This

website can help you with everything from accommodation bookings to

downloading town maps.

southaustralia.comHave a bit longer to spend in the region? Then South Australia

Tourism’s off icial website is a great place to start planning what else

you’d like to see and do in this great state.

cellarmasters.com.au Fallen in love with the wines of McLaren Vale? Cellarmasters off ers

the pick of the bunch from this unique wine region that we can deliver

straight to your front door.

| Page 35

Port WillungaA short 15-minute drive from McLaren Vale, Port

Willunga is a small seaside town where you can do as

little or as much as you’d like. Explore the old shipwreck

of Star of Greece – which can be seen at low tide – at

Port Willunga Beach, or discover the caves on the beach,

which fishermen used to store their boats. Foodies will

love the Port Willunga markets on Saturdays, as well as

dining at the Star of Greece restaurant.

www.fleurieupeninsula.com.au/port-willunga

Page 34 |

McLaren Vale is by far one of Australia’s most picturesque regions. Nestled between the Mount Lofty Ranges and the white, sandy beaches of the Gulf of St

Vincent, many cellar doors off er panoramic ocean and mountain views.

The Mediterranean climate is loved by visitors and winemakers alike. The warm weather combined with cooling ocean breezes has made it the ultimate region to grow Shiraz and Grenache, and these varieties have made McLaren

Vale world famous.

Although McLaren Vale is one of the greatest and oldest wine producing regions in Australia, it’s also known for its innovative spirit.

For example, the region has the highest number of certifi ed organic and biodynamic vineyards in the country, and thanks to the many Italian migrants

who settled here in the 1950s, it’s also at the forefront of producing exciting, alternative varieties like Fiano, Sangiovese and Montepulciano.

With many cellar doors to choose between, I’ve handpicked my favourites so you can discover the best this fabulous region has to off er.

Enjoy!

““

Christine Ricketts

Cellar Director

Please note: Prices and information correct at the date of publication based on publicly available information. It is always best to contact the supplier directly to ensure the information presented in this guide remain accurate.

| Page 3

Mediterranean climateMcLaren Vale has a lovely Mediterranean

climate, and as such, it has warm summers

and moderate winters. Most locals

recommend summer as the best time to

visit, because the cooling breezes of the

ocean give it a pleasant and not overly

hot climate.

Viva ItaliaLove all things Italian? Then you’ll love

McLaren Vale! In the 1950s, many Italian

migrants settled in the region and

introduced olive and olive oil production

– a tradition that remains today. You

can also see its Italian heritage in the

many Mediterranean style wines that are

produced here, as well as the wide variety

of Italian food served. Simply bellisimo!

Great for GrenacheMcLaren Vale is home to some of the

oldest Grenache vines in the country and

Grenache from the Blewitt Springs sub-

region is considered the best in Australia

– make sure you try this beautiful, fruit-

forward red wine. Wine guru James Halliday

has given the region recognition for its

Grenache production, and he hosts the

James Halliday Grenache Challenge here

every year.

Leader in organic winesMcLaren Vale has the highest number of

certified organic and biodynamic vineyards

in Australia, with Paxton Wines considered

an industry leader, so it’s the perfect region

to discover fantastic, green wines. The

region also has one of the lowest usages of

sprays and agro-chemicals.

5 Practical FactsBeach, babyMcLaren Vale is situated on the Fleurieu

Peninsula, and is a short drive from the

coast. In other words, there are plenty

of coastal activities for beach lovers!

Whether it is snorkelling or checking out

the fisherman caves on Port Willunga

Beach or mingling with penguins in Victor

Harbour, there are plenty of activities for

the whole family!

PORT WILLUNGA BEACH.

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Currency Creek This small wine region is close to the

historic river port of Goolwa, and the

climate is slightly cooler than McLaren

Vale and more similar to that of Margaret

River. Wine varieties include Sauvignon

Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon,

Merlot, Shiraz and Chardonnay.

www.currencycreekwineregion.com.au

HahndorfThe Adelaide Hills wine region borders

McLaren Vale, and you can see the foot

of the hills from many vineyards. The

historic town of Hahndorf, acknowledged

as Australia’s oldest German settlement,

is well worth a visit, and is approximately

a 45-minute drive from McLaren Vale.

You can enjoy strudels with your coff ee or

bratwurst with your Bavarian beer at the

many German style pubs!

wwww.hahndorfsa.org.au

Port NoarlungaThe Port Noarlunga Reef Aquatic Reserve

is a marine protected area, and a favourite

among snorkelers and scuba divers! Situated

at the end of a long jetty (with convenient

stairs so you can walk there if you don’t

want to swim all the way out), it’s a haven

of marine life! The town of Port Noarlunga

also has some great cafes and restaurants,

making it the perfect seaside destination for

a day out!

www.onkaparingacity.com

CREDIT: WAYNE SMITH

CREDIT: BEN GOODE

Victor HarbourThe seaside town of Victor Harbour is

about another 40-minute drive from

McLaren Vale (away from Adelaide), and

a great place to visit for families. Take the

horse drawn tram out to Granite Island

where you can spot penguins and seals

(and in whale season, you might see

Southern Right wales), or hop aboard the

old-fashioned Cockle Train for a steam rail

experience travelling along the coast to

Port Elliot and Goolwa.

www.encountervictorharbor.com.au

| Page 33

5 Towns & Places to Visit

Hahdnorf, Adelaide Hills.

Page 32 |

5 Fast FactsOver 70 cellar doorsThe region is home to more than 150 wine producers, including over 70 cellar doors. The

great part about McLaren Vale is that geographically, it is on the smaller side – at least when

compared to other regions, like its big neighbour Adelaide Hills – so you don’t have to spend

that much time travelling in between cellar doors!

1838 McLaren Vale has been producing wine since 1838, making it one of Australia’s oldest

winemaking regions. As it has remained free from phylloxera (a vine pest), it has many old

vines that produce beautifully rich wines.

55% ShirazShiraz is the most popular variety grown in McLaren Vale, accounting for 55% of the region’s

total production. Cabernet, Grenache, Chardonnay and Merlot are the next most planted, but

a wide variety of Mediterranean varieties are making up ground fast.

Incredible diversityMcLaren Vale has more than 40 unique, geological configurations, ranging in age from less

than 10,000 years to over 650 million years, making the soil incredibly diverse. Together with

its Mediterranean climate, this helps winemakers create truly unique wines.

It’s home to old vinesThere’s a famous saying that old vines aren’t good because they’re old, but are old

because they’re good. And McLaren Vale has some of the oldest vines in the world –

some are more than 100 years old. As vines age, they produce less and smaller grape

bunches, which means the flavour is more concentrated, which in turn produces more

powerful and complex wines.

| Page 5

Clare Valley

ADELAIDE

PMount Benson

WrattonbullyCoonawarra

Adelaide HBarossa

McLaren Vale

Page 6 |

McLaren Vale OrchardsRun by husband and wife Mark and Lisa

McCarthy, the couple grow an array of fruit

and vegetables, with minimal or no sprays

where possible, and also has delicious

ciders available from their farm shop (with

a cellar door set to open in summer 2018).

You can also purchase their fresh produce

and try the cider at their pop up bar at the

Willunga Farmers Markets every Saturday.

207 Sand Road, McLaren Flat

0400 155 099

Vale BrewingThis award-winning, locally made beer

is available to taste at the Beresford

Taste Pavilion. Discover everything from

refreshing bright ales to medium bitter East

Coast IPAs with floral bouquets.

Beresford Tasting Pavilion

252 Blewitt Springs Road, McLaren Flat

Goodieson BreweryThis family-run brewery makes a range of

award-winning beers, and the cellar door is

right inside the working brewery – so you

both see and taste the magic behind these

brews at the same time. Choose between a

guided tasting of the range, a paddle of beers

or just a chilled beer on the terrace.

194 Sand Rd, McLaren Vale

0409 676 542

Ekhidna Wines & BeerDiscover sensational handcrafted wines,

handmade ciders and beers, including the

highly sought-after Ginger Beer, at this lively

cellar door. The estate also has a popular

restaurant with beautiful views of the

surrounding vineyards, which is a popular

spot for lunch.

67 Branson Rd, McLaren Vale

0499 002 633

McLaren Vale Distillery Like whisky? Then this family-run

distillery is a must-stop on your

McLaren Vale trip. Established in 2015,

the single malt whiskies are aged in

former fortified wine barrels sourced

from 20 vignerons across McLaren

Vale and the Barossa.

725 Chapel Hill Rd, Blewitt Springs

0429 912 398

5 Other Drink Destinations

| Page 31

d’Arenberg Cube RestaurantIf you want to experience luxury dining that’s out of this world, the d’Arenberg Cube

off ers a degustation experience with diff erent levels of wine matching available. Guests

are encouraged to come with an open mind, and menus aren’t provided prior to dining,

as the element of surprise is considered a crucial aspect of the dining experience. Allow

three and a half hours for the eleven course meal. Bookings are highly recommended,

especially in peak season – try to book at least one month in advance!

Osborn Road, McLaren Vale

08 8329 4888

Fine dining at th e Cube

Page 30 |

Getting Here & AroundBy carMcLaren Vale is only 40 kilometres from Adelaide, so the best

way to get here is to hire a car and self-drive from Adelaide

Airport. Many operators also off er day tours, with pick up and

drop off s from Adelaide CBD.

Public transportTrains run frequently from Adelaide Railway Station to Seaford,

and from there, you can grab bus 751 to McLaren Vale, which

stops right outside McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Visitor’s

Information centre.

www.adelaidemetro.com.au

By air Enjoy the spectacular scenery from high above! Whether taking

in the views in a helicopter or from an old-fashioned biplane,

flying over the Fleurieu Peninsula is as scenic as it gets.

www.southcoasthelicopters.com.au

www.adelaidebiplanes.com.au

Winery toursThere’s an array of winery tours to choose between in McLaren

Vale to suit every budget. However, if you want to do it in style,

Three Divas off er day tours (with transfers from Adelaide CBD,

if you so wish), while travelling in a Mercedes Benz or, for the

ultimate luxury wine experience, in a limo!

www.winedivatours.com.au

By bike or footIf you want to explore the region by bike, the Coast to Vines (35

kilometres) trail off ers a challenge as well as great scenery. If you

are looking for a more leisurely bike, or even want to discover

by foot, the Shiraz Trail (7km one way), between Willunga and

McLaren Vale, is a lovely way to discover local food and wine

experiences during a fairly flat walk.

www.walkingsa.org.au

Padthaway

Hills

| Page 7

5 Happenings

Sea & Vines FestivalThis three-day-festival has quickly become

one of the biggest (in attendance) wine

region events in South Australia, and it

takes place every year during the state’s

June long-weekend. Participating wineries

off er tours, dinners with acclaimed chefs

and winemakers, as well as the ability to

wander around and enjoy the local wine

and produce. This festival tends to attract a

younger demographic.

www.seaandvines.com.au

McLaren Vale Vintage ClassicTake a drive down memory lane with this day of

celebration of all vintage and classic motoring.

Typically held on a weekend in April, on the

Saturday, several wineries participate in hosting

charity dinners – with proceeds going to the

McLaren Vale & Districts War Memorial hospital

– and on the Sunday, the Main Parade Day

takes place on McLaren Vale Main street (with

the street closed off to traff ic).

www.vintageandclassic.com.au

A Day On The Green Good food, fine wine and great music: A Day

On The Green holds regular music festivals

featuring headline acts at various times

throughout the year. In McLaren Vale, the

festival is typically held at Leconfield Wines in

November, and has been described as ‘the Big

Day Out for grown-ups’.

www.adayonthegreen.com.au

Spring Aff airSpring Aff air celebrates new release

wines, new bud burst in the vineyards,

and spring sunshine! Held on the October

long weekend, McLaren Vale’s Spring

Aff air Festival showcases the region’s great

food and wine, and off ers live music and

entertainment at participating wineries. You

can either self-drive and “Choose Your Own

Adventure”, spend the whole day at one

winery or join an organised bus group tour

from Adelaide.

www.springaff air.com.au

Fringe @ Molly’s As part of Adelaide Fringe, the Southern

hemisphere’s biggest annual arts festival,

Mollydooker Wines takes part in the

festivities by putting on diff erent acts

during an afternoon on the estate, as well

as great food and drinks!

www.mollydookerwines.com.au

Page 8 |

5 Places to Eat

Vasarelli’s Cellar Door Restaurant Authentic, homemade Italian cooking at

its best! Family-owned Vasarelli’s off ers

a traditional Italian menu, set in a quaint,

restored sandstone homestead in the main

road of McLaren Vale. Enjoy the hearty food

with the award-winning, local wines made

by the Vasarellis for the ultimate indulgence.

Open for lunch and dinner most days.

169 Main Rd, McLaren Vale

08 8323 7980

PizzatecaThe hottest place in town (so make sure

to book in advance!). This Italian, family

run restaurant is famous for its Neapolitan

wood fired pizzas with handmade sauce of

Australian tomatoes and charcoal arrosticini

(Italian lamb skewers).

19 Chalk Hill Rd, McLaren Vale

08 8323 9762.

Star of Greece You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to an old,

Greek fishing village when you set foot in this

charming shack with an impressive outdoor deck on

top of Port Willunga Beach’s cliff s. Off ering a wide

menu of Mediterranean-influenced dishes it is open

for lunch and dinner. If you’re having dinner, make

sure to time your visit with the sunset, as it’s the ideal

spot for it!

1 Esplanade, Port Willunga

08 8557 7420

Salopian Inn Set in a beautiful old homestead from 1851

and surrounded by vines, Salopian Inn

off ers a contemporary Australian menu

with Asian influences. Enjoy a tasting

menu or go for the à la carte option. The

restaurant has an impressive wine cellar,

and an exhaustive gin list as well (three

pages!). This trendy restaurant is open for

lunch every day, and dinner on Thursday,

Friday and Saturday.

McMurtrie and Main Roads, McLaren Vale

08 8323 8769

| Page 29

5 Placesfor Breakfast

The Almond Carriage CaféYou’ll definitely feel like you’re travelling

to another time and place when visiting

this old-fashioned train carriage. With its

beautifully restored interiors and cosy

booths, it’s the perfect place for a coff ee

or a bite to eat. Go all retro and enjoy

their range of signature milkshakes and

spiders!

198 Main Rd, McLaren Vale

0437 750 064

KiccoSpecialising in the art of great coff ee, Kicco

has several stores across South Australia,

and the store located in the McLaren Vale

Central shopping mall is considered by many

locals to make the best brew in town! If you

fall in love with the coff ee, the good news is

that you can buy beans to take home.

Shop 3 / 130 Main Road

08 8323 8952MullygrubFrom food truck to a permanent spot on the

main road of McLaren Vale, Mullygrub off ers

a wide range of ‘fine grub’, made from fresh,

local produce. The selection is impressive,

so the only downside is that you might find

yourself struggling to choose what to have!

114 Main Road, McLaren Vale

08 7286 0345

The Green RoomThis quaint organic, vegetarian and vegan

café in Willunga has an impressive breakfast

menu, from sweet to savoury, all freshly

prepared with local produce. An absolute

haven for anyone looking for vegetarian,

gluten free and organic foods!

2 High St, Willunga

08 7071 0903

Tin Shed Café A favourite among locals, this café has plenty

of seating and off ers a classic brekkie menu

ranging from Eggs Benedict to Breakfast

Burritos. A no mess, no fuss kind of place,

this café – nestled in the heart of McLaren

Vale – is also open for lunch and dinner.

168 Main Rd, McLaren Vale

08 8323 7343

Page 28 |

Blessed Cheese CaféGet your coff ee and cheese fix at the same

place! This café has a cheese cabinet full of

delicious local produce that you can either

enjoy in the café as a platter or buy to take with

you on a picnic. You can also book a self-drive

cheese trail, and Blessed Cheese will pack you a

scrumptious hamper to take with you, complete

with cheeses that match the wines you will try

at the participating cellar doors. Brie-lliant!

150 Main Rd, McLaren Vale

08 8323 7958

Four Winds ChocolateLove decadent chocolate? Then you will

absolutely fall in love with this charming shop

in Willunga! Run by chocolatier Wendy Morgan,

you can indulge in a range of incredible

chocolates as well as delectable patisserie and

incredible cakes. Only open on weekends!

30 High St, Willunga

0499 562 621

Fleurieu CherriesFleurieu Cherries has been growing fruit

for over 25 years, and in cherry season

(December and January) you can pick your

own fruit or try the cherry wine! Situated a

short 10-minute drive from McLaren Vale,

you can taste their fresh produce and their

famous cherry ice cream. Check the website

for updates before you visit.

159 Pages Flat Rd, Pages Flat

08 8556 1314

5 Local Produce Favourites

Willunga Farmers MarketExplore the best and freshest local produce

at the Willunga Farmers Market (a less than

10-minute drive from McLaren Vale), every

Saturday between 8am and noon. Discover

fresh fruit and veggies, pickled goodies,

oils, cheeses and seafood – and more. It’s

the perfect place to make a picnic and then

enjoy at the nearby Port Willunga Beach, or

at one of the wineries – like Kay Brothers –

who allow BYO food on their grounds.

Corner Main Rd and St Peter’s Tce,

Willunga

08 8556 4297

Bracegirdle’sBracegirdle’s is Australia’s most awarded artisan

chocolatier. When it first opened its doors in

2005, it was one of Adelaide’s first and only

dessert bars. The McLaren Vale store is set in

a quaint cottage on the main street, and off ers

everything from Belgian chocolate fondues to

fillet steaks with chocolate shiraz jus.

190 Main Road, McLaren Vale

08 8323 8558

| Page 9

5 Cellar Doors with Outstanding Reds

Page 10 |

Explore fi ne artThe City of Onkaparinga (which McLaren Vale is part of) boasts one of the highest

concentrations of artists per capita in South Australia, so combine your love of wine

with art! Fleurieu Art House is an artisan-hub situated within the stunning grounds of

historic winery Hardy’s Tintara, and you can enjoy the creative art works made by local

artists in the exhibition gallery in between your wine tastings.

Red Poles has an art gallery and workshops for those who want to explore their

creativity, as well as a restaurant and off ers tastings.

www.fleurieuarthouse.com.au

www.redpoles.com.au

Horse aroundWhether you’re a beginner or advanced rider,

there’s a large network of dedicated horse

riding trails in the region where you can

giddy up. Beach lovers can even enjoy horse

riding on the sands – for the ultimate, scenic

experience, why not time your beach ride

with a sunset? That might just end up being

the mane (not a typo!) highlight of your trip!

www.portwillungabeachrides.com.au

Treat yourselfAll the good food and wine not quite

doing the trick in terms of getting you to

unwin(e)d? Then a visit to the Eleaner Day

Spa on the Main Road of McLaren Vale

will help! With a wide range of packages

and treatments available – ranging from

massages to facials – using Australian made

products and native wildflower essences, you

will leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

www.eleaner.com.au

| Page 27

SnorkelThe beaches of the Fleurieu Peninsula

off er amazing underwater experiences for

snorkelers and divers. The Port Noarlunga

Reef is considered one of the best places to

go snorkelling in the Adelaide region, and it’s

perfect for beginners.

www.onkaparingacity.com/

Watch the sunsetThere’s something magical about a

sunset, and McLaren Vale is a great spot

to enjoy one – whether you are enjoying

it from a winery, or with a romantic

picnic on sandy shores like Port Willunga

Beach, you definitely will want to let the

sun go down on you at a picturesque

setting like this!

Page 26 |

Chapel Hill As the name implies, this cellar door is set

in an old, refurbished Methodist chapel.

While the church goers 150 years ago

were teetotallers, wine consumption is of

course very much encouraged by its current

custodians! Chapel Hill makes beautiful

wines that are true to the region, and the red

wines are made as ‘natural’ as possible, with

very little additives to them.

Stand-out wine: The Vicar ShirazThe Vicar Shiraz 2016 displays charismatic

layers of aniseed, rosemary and cured meats,

which are seamlessly interwoven into the

poised savoury texture.

CostCellar door tastings are $5 per person,

redeemable upon purchase on the day.

The Icon Tasting experience is $15 per person

(for groups under 8 people) and incudes a

guided tasting in the chapel of their flagship

reds with a plate of cheese and charcuterie.

Expert tipThis cellar door is a hop and skip away from

Samuel’s Gorge, and a super short drive to

Coriole, so visit them all in one go.

Chapel Hill Rd & Chaff eys Road,

McLaren Vale

08 8323 8429

www.chapelhillwine.com.au/

EXCLUSIVE OFFERShow this travel guide when you visit to

get free freight on your order!

The church of good wine

| Page 11

EXCLUSIVE OFFERUpon showing this travel guide, you will

receive a complimentary tasting for you

and a friend, plus 10% discount off all 12

bottle purchases on the day of your visit to

the cellar door.

Mollydooker WinesWhen rockabilly meets winemaking! If you’re

after the most Instagram-worthy wine bottles

in McLaren Vale and possibly in South

Australia, this retro-themed cellar door is

a must-visit. The quirky name comes from

an old, Australian slang for left-handed

boxer, and the owner and winemaker Sarah

Marquis is indeed left-handed – and knows

how to make a knock-out wine! The winery

makes wine using sustainably grown grapes,

and the cellar door off ers breathtaking views

of the vines and the d’Arenberg Cube.

Stand-out wine: 2016 Blue Eyed Boy ShirazThis powerful yet delicate Shiraz has luscious

layers of fresh berries, black pepper, coff ee

and a finishing note of chocolate cream. The

name is inspired by winemaker Sarah’s blue-

eyed son Luke!

CostCellar door tastings are $10 per person

(for group bookings of 8 or more, it’s $15),

and includes a beautiful, stemless branded

Plumm wine glass to take home.

Expert tipIf you have time, do the winery tour! You get

to discover the vineyards and the winery,

followed by a cellar door tasting and a

beautiful (not to mention very generous)

cheese and charcuterie platter. This full

lunch tour runs weekdays only, and is $60

per person. In summer, you can tour the

vineyard and winery on a Saturday (without

the lunch) for $30.

Page 12 |

5 Non-Wine Related Things To Do

| Page 25

Alpha Box & Dice Alpha Box and Dice is a boutique McLaren

Vale winery that has embarked on a mission

to create an ‘alphabet of wine’ – with a

diff erent wine style to reflect each letter

of the alphabet. Specialising in alternative

varieties like Nebbiolo, Montepulciano,

Ripasso and Aglianico, the cellar door –

housed in a shed with serious vintage flair

– off ers a chilled experience with spectacular

views of the vines.

Cost Tastings for groups smaller than 8 people

are complimentary. Bookings are required for

larger groups.

Expert tipFeeling peckish? Alpha Box & Dice have a

selection of platters available at the cellar

door, and promise generous helpings of

your favourite local cheeses with all the

trimmings. 8 Olivers Rd, McLaren Vale

08 8323 7750

www.alphaboxdice.com

Serious vintage fl air

Page 24 |

Kay BrothersEstablished in 1890, Kay Brothers is the

oldest family-owned winery in McLaren Vale,

and it specialises in rich, fruit-driven red

wines. The heritage-listed winery still uses

the original fermenters and basket press, and

has some of McLaren Vale’s oldest vines, like

the famous 1892 Block 6 planting!

Stand-out wine: Block 6 Shiraz Kay Brothers Block 6 Shiraz is a very

powerful, concentrated cellaring style wine

with plenty of fruit richness, chocolaty

tannins and underlying malty oak. New

vintages are released every October long

weekend, but you are only allowed to

purchase six bottles per person.

CostWine tastings are complimentary for groups

of 10 or less people.

EXCLUSIVE OFFERUpon showing this travel guide, get 10%

discount on any purchases when you visit

the cellar door, as well as free freight!

Expert tipMake a picnic of it! Kay Brothers is

beautifully set on top of a hill, and has

panoramic views of the surrounding

picturesque valleys and hillsides. Guests are

welcome to bring along a packed lunch or

picnic, however, you can’t BYO alcohol. Wine

can be purchased by the bottle at cellar door

and you can loan glassware. Bookings are

required for groups of 10 people or more.

Kays Rd McLaren Vale

08 8323 8201

www.kaybrothersamerywines.com

BYO picnic!

| Page 13

S.C. Pannell Wines Sustainable wine making never looked

cooler! This cellar door off ers tastings of

their award-winning range in a funky bar-

style setting, and in summer time, you can

enjoy a fresh, seasonal share platter menu

at their deck with spectacular views of the

surrounding vines.

Stand-out wine: The Vale Grenache ShirazSC Pennell specialises in environmentally

sustainable Shiraz and Grenache, and this

beautiful wine combines the two! The result

is a silky, medium-bodied wine with lovely

fruit flavours.

CostWine tastings are complimentary for groups

under 8 people.

Expert tipMake sure to try the Grenache Shiraz

Touriga! Although Shiraz and Grenache are

often blended with Mouverdre to make GSM,

SC Pennell is the only winery in the region to

use Touriga – a Portuguese grape variety –

in this blend. The result? Simply delicious!

Enjoy th e views

60 Olivers Rd, McLaren Vale

08 8323 8000

www.pannell.com.au

Page 14 |

DogRidge DogRidge is a small, family-owned winery

and cellar door that creates boutique wines

true to the region. Picturesquely surrounded

by beautiful bushland and vines, the cellar

door also has an adjoining art gallery, where

the works of local artists as well as co-owner

Jen Wright’s drawings and paintings are

displayed. Jen’s beautiful depictions of local

bird life can also be found on some of the

wine bottles.

Cost A structured tasting of 12 wines is

complimentary, there is a $5 per person fee

for groups of 8 people or more. You should

allow an hour for this experience. Due to the

intimate nature of the cellar door, bookings

are required in advance for groups of 8

people or more. As the name might indicate,

this is a dog friendly winery so feel free to

bring your four-legged friends with you!

Expert tipBe inspired by all the beautiful art work at

DogRidge, and create your own wine label!

The cellar door off ers label making sessions

($10 per person), where customers get to

create their own unique label while tasting

the wines. At the end of the tasting, you

then get to take a bottle with your own label

home with you.

129 Bagshaws Rd, McLaren Flat

08 8383 0140

www.dogridge.com.au

Dog friendly!

| Page 23

Osborn Rd, McLaren Vale

08 8329 4888

www.darenberg.com.au

3 QuirkyCellar Doors

d’Arenberg The d’Arenberg Cube opened in December

2017, and has in a short time become

McLaren Vale’s most recognisable building.

However, the winery has a rich history dating

back over a century. Established in 1912,

d’Arenberg is at its heart a family run winery,

with fourth generation winemaker Chester

Osborn today making over 70 diff erent wines

using 37 grape varieties. The d’Arenberg

Cube was his brainchild, and the inspiration

was a Rubik’s Cube, as Chester considers

winemaking like solving a puzzle.

Cost$10 per person, which includes entry into The

d’Arenberg Cube and a self-guided tour of the

Alternative Realities Museum on the ground

floor (think of it as a mini version of MONA

in Tasmania), and tastings of some of the 37

diff erent varieties available at the cellar door.

Expert tipMake your own d’Arenberg wine! The

Blending Bench is a hands-on, interactive

experience where you get to play winemaker.

Working with three samples of single

vineyard wine, each with distinctive flavours,

you are guided through the blending process

to create your own personalised Shiraz. The

best part is that you can then take home a

bottle of your favourite blend!

Page 22 |

Samuel’s GorgeVisiting Samuel’s Gorge is like being

transported to another time and place –

you could be mistaken for thinking you’re

in rural France with the 1853 built farm

shed (which houses the winery and cellar

door), the rustic terrace overlooking the

spectacular Onkaparinga River National

Park and lavender thriving in the garden.

Samuel’s Gorge has some beautiful red

wines to match this unique experience, with

Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvèdre, Graciano and

Tempranillo being the key varieties.

Stand-out wine: Pinata People Gamay This delicious red wine has flavours of

strawberries and barely ripe raspberries, with

a hint of bay leaf and a kick of exotic pepper.

Youthful tannins give chalkiness to the finish.

CostCellar door tastings are complimentary.

Expert tipMake sure to have at least half an hour

to spend here. Relax while you watch the

winemakers at work in the open air winery or

grab a seat outside and enjoy the view.

193 Chaff eys Road, McLaren Vale

08 8323 8651

www.gorge.com.au

| Page 15

5 Cellar Doors with Outstanding Whites

Page 16 |

Vasarelli WinesOriginally from Italy, Pat and Vicki Vasarelli

have been growing grapes in McLaren Vale

since the early 1980s. With the help of family

and friends, they hand prune and hand pick

every vine on their 55-hectare McLaren

Vale property. Pat refuses to let machines do

any of the backbreaking work, as he believes

it stresses the vines, and in turn produces

poorer quality grapes.

Stand-out wine: Maria’s Table Currency Creek VermentinoThis Southern Italian style white is made by

the Vasarellis from fruit grown in their Currency

Creek vineyard, near the famous Langhorne

Creek. With a fine palate of citrus and

crunchy green apple, the crisp finish makes it

ideal to enjoy with seafood pasta meals.

CostTastings are complimentary for smaller

groups (under five people). Please note that

tastings are only available between lunch

and dinner service (so after 2.30pm), so best

to call before your planned visit. Vasarelli’s is

closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Expert tipPat and Vicki’s daughter Maria is famous for

her cooking, and runs the restaurant that

adjoins the cellar door, so make sure to stay

for lunch or dinner for a wholesome,

Italian feast!

169 Main Rd, McLaren Vale

08 8323 7980

www.vasarelli.com.au

| Page 21

EXCLUSIVE OFFERUpon mentioning this travel guide, you will

receive a 10% discount on wine purchased

on the day!

Paxton WinesEstablished in 1979, Paxton Wines is a family-

owned wine company and an Australian

leader in both organic and biodynamic

viticulture and winemaking. All the wines are

organic and biodynamic, made with grapes

sourced from the estate vineyard. The

picturesque cellar door is set in Landcross

Farm, a historic 1860s sheep farm, and the

winery also has a pop-up wine bar at their

Jones Block vineyard in the summer months

(next to the d’Arenberg Cube).

Stand-out wine: NOW Organic Chardonnay NOW is part of Paxton’s preservative free

range (the NOW stands for Natural, Organic

Wine), and this Chardonnay has delicious

flavours of golden sultanas, ginger, pumpkin

seed and a lovey citrus finish packed

with minerality.

CostTastings are $5 per person for groups under

10, but is redeemable against any wine

purchase.

Expert tipThe Cellar Door is surrounded by luscious,

landscaped lawns, rolling hills and vineyards,

which is perfect for little ones to run around

with a ball while you enjoy a picnic with a

glass of wine and regional cheese platter.

68 Wheaton Road, McLaren Vale

08 8323 9131

www.paxtonwines.com

Organic & biodynamic wines

Page 20 |

Primo Estate Primo Estate is the home of the award-

winning Joseph wines and olive oils, and

arguably McLaren Vale’s most stylish cellar

door! Whether you choose to be guided

through a tasting by the sleek bar, take a seat

at the quirky yet modern chairs and tables for

a premium tasting or enjoy a glass of wine in

the piazza-style courtyard, you can expect a

sophisticated and warm welcome.

Stand-out wine: Joseph d’Elena Pinot GrigioPrimo Estate is a family-run winery with

Italian roots, and specialises in beautiful,

Italian varieties like this elegant Pinot Grigio.

Made with grapes from the cool McLaren

Vale sub region of Clarendon and named

after winemaker Joe Grilli’s daughter Elena,

this white wine has deliciously savoury,

mineral notes.

Cost Bar tastings are $5 per person, redeemable

against purchases made on the day, and

include tastings of the Primo Estate range.

The premium wine tasting, which includes

the Joseph range as well as bread and Italian

cheese, is $20 per person.

Expert tipWinemaker Joe Grilli is also a talented olive

oil blender, and he has been setting the

standard for Australian Extra Virgin Olive

Oil with his carefully crafted produce. Make

sure to taste (and purchase) some while

visiting the cellar door!

50 McMurtrie Road

McLaren Vale

www.primoestate.com.au

08 8323 6800

Stylish & slee k

| Page 17

309 Seaview Rd, McLaren Vale

08 8323 7344

www.beachroadwines.com.au

Beach Road WinesExpect a great atmosphere and buzz at

this popular cellar door and restaurant, with

views spanning the Southern foothills and

McLaren Vale. This family-owned winery,

cellar door and restaurant, specialises in

Italian varieties and food, and you’ll be sure

to have a fun time when visiting!

Stand-out wine: Beach Road GrecoGreco is said to have been brought to Italy

by the Ancient Greeks and is thought to

be a distant parent of varieties Trebbiano,

Verdicchio and Garganega. Grown in

Langhorne Creek, this is a crisp dry wine

with a sweet lemon and lime aroma with

hints of nougat and cashew.

CostTastings are $5 per person for five wines,

redeemable on take away purchases.

Expert tipFeeling peckish? The Beach Road Restaurant

has a great menu, but they are most famous

for their wood fired pizzas. Absolutely superb!

You can also do a tasting flight pizza deal for

$30 per person, which includes tastings of four

wines and a pizza of your choice.

EXCLUSIVE OFFERWhen you show this travel guide and dine

at Beach Road Wines, you’ll receive a 10%

discount on take home wine purchases.

Page 18 |

CorioleThis family-owned winery specialises

in growing and producing Shiraz

and alternative varieties, and introduced

Australia to white wines like Fiano

and Piquepoul, and it’s the longest,

continuous producer of Sangiovese in the

country. The picturesque cellar door is set in

an ironstone barn built in 1860, and there is

also a restaurant on the estate – Gather at

Coriole – which is open 7 days for lunch, and

off ers a menu of wholesome food made with

local, native and sustainable produce.

Stand-out wine: FianoThis textured white wine grape variety was

introduced to Australia by Coriole in 2001,

with the first release in 2005. Expect a

mouth-flling palate of honeydew melon and

ripe citrus. Fresh and mouth-watering!Chaff eys Road, McLaren Vale

08 8323 8305

www.coriole.com

CostCellar door tastings are complimentary. You

can taste the Reserve Range in cellar door

for $10 per person or experience a hosted

Museum Flight with cheese and Coriole

produce for $22 per person (both fees

redeemable against purchase). Due to the

intimate size of the cellar door, bookings are

essential for groups of 8 or more people.

Expert tipIf you’re visiting on a Saturday or Sunday,

make sure to spend some time at the

estate’s Farm Shop. You can taste a

selection of gourmet produce, most of

which are grown and produced onsite,

peruse artisan wares or enjoy a cheese

plate in the cobble-stoned garden!

| Page 19