The mere mention of McLaren Vale conjures up visions of free-flowing red wine, platters piled high with all manner of edible delights, and elevated dining experiences that draw communities together around a meal that will be remembered long after the last mouthful is devoured – but that barely scratches the surface of what’s waiting for you. Discover all this and more in our McLaren Vale travel guide below.
Getting to McLaren Vale
Drive 45 minutes south of Adelaide to arrive in the picture-perfect McLaren Vale wine region. There are a number of operators that offer day tours of the winery cellar doors and vineyards that include transfers from Adelaide (see the tours section below), but then you’d miss out on the many other charms of the Vale. Hire a car or drive your own to spend a long weekend exploring this magical coast-meets-vineyard escape.
Top things to do in McLaren Vale
As the birthplace of South Australia’s thriving wine industry, it’s no surprise that McLaren Vale has over 80 cellar doors and wineries to explore. The Mediterranean-like climate creates near-perfect growing conditions for most grape varieties, so while it’s renowned for producing some of Australia’s best red wines – notably shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, and grenache shiraz mourvedre (GSM) blends – you’ll also find a wide variety of chardonnay, tempranillo, marsanne, rousanne, sangiovese, fiano and vermentino to taste along the wine trail.
Once you’ve sampled McLaren Vale’s exceptional wine offering, it’s time to make your way along the region’s brewery and distillery trail.
Jump from the vines to the coast to enjoy long summer days spent at any of the six sprawling beaches that fringe McLaren Vale’s wine region. Snorkel at Port Noarlunga or dive the 127-year-old Star of Greece shipwreck at Port Willunga; surf or fish at Sellicks Beach; Aldinga, Moana and Port Noarlunga are all patrolled during the warmer months; relax on the sand at Moana; and go for a (skinny) dip at the south end of Maslin Beach – Australia’s first ‘clothing optional’ beach and the site of the annual Nude Olympics.
Follow the Shiraz Trail along the old railway line between McLaren Vale and Willunga on a bicycle or opt for an easy two-hour walk. The eight-kilometre trail will weave along the coast through vineyards, past restaurants and fields – spot the sheep and llamas grazing. Stop by the Visitor Information Centre for a map before setting out. Continue on for another optional 30 kilometres along the Coast to Vines Rail Trail to see more of the region’s wine country.
Drive 12 minutes outside of town to arrive at Onkaparinga River National Park. There are a number of diverse hiking trails to suit varying levels of fitness throughout the park.
Best places to stay in McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale is the kind of place that begs you to toast the sunset after a day spent touring the local wineries and restaurants, and the best spot to do that is at one of the opulent retreats dotted around the idyllic valley.
Where to eat and drink in McLaren Vale
Start your day the right way with coffee and breakfast at one of the many standout cafes. There are plenty of more down-to-earth delights to be found throughout the valley, and warm country hospitality is always on the menu.
Later in the day, treat your taste buds to everything from breezy Mediterranean fare with world-class views to stunning modern Asian flavours and cutting-edge regional dining at these McLaren Vale restaurants.
