15 of the best McLaren Vale wineries to suit every taste

With more than 80 cellar doors to choose from, there’s something to suit every taste in Australia’s greenest wine region.

Despite a winemaking heritage that stretches back to 1839, McLaren Vale’s progressive culture has kept it at the forefront of the industry for more than 170 years. The region leads the country in certified organic and biodynamic vineyards, and local growers have helped to pioneer southern Mediterranean varietals that are well suited to the warm coastal climate.

More than 40 distinct soil types give rise to an astonishing spectrum of flavour profiles, and that variety is mirrored in the cellar door offerings; the best wineries in McLaren Vale encompass everything from tiny boutique operations to the biggest names in Australian wine.

1. Sherrah Wines

an aerial view of Sherrah Wines, McLaren Vale

Explore Sherrah Wines to make the most of your escape to McLaren Vale. (Image: Supplied)

Located within a ‘sharehouse’ – a historic cottage on McMurtie Road that hosts the cellar doors of three boutique winemakers – Sherrah Wines has been producing “smashable" wines since 2017. Its owner Alex Sherrah has experience in winemaking from the Clare Valley to Napa, but his focus at Sherrah Wines is on Vale-centric varieties – think fiano, chenin blanc, grenache, nero d’avola and Shiraz.

The stand-out Red et Al is a blend of grenache, shiraz and bero d’Avola – the latter giving an Italian twist to a classic GSM. While the fiano, which comes from two distinct McLaren Vale vineyards in the south and north, is, as promised, truly smashable and was recently awarded 95 points in the Halliday Wine Companion. This cosy cellar door seats just eight people, so bookings are recommended.

2. Lino Ramble

empty chairs inside the Lino Ramble winery, McLaren Vale

Pull up a stool and taste a range of premium drops. (Image: Supplied)

The second of the three winemakers to reside within the McMurtrie Road sharehouse is Lino Ramble. Come to taste the delicious and unique wines and stay for a truly entertaining chat with vigneron Andy Coppard who created Lino Ramble with friend Ange Townsend.

Grape varieties are chosen with a focus on sustainability, wines are hand-made and the winemaking fingerprint is kept to a minimum.

The labels of each wine resemble patterns from old linoleum floors, which the brand takes its name from, and each wine is named after a game from the owners’ childhoods. Start with the fresh and vibrant ‘Dot to Dot’ Arinto and make your way to the full-bodied ‘Simon Says’ Saperavi. Be sure to try the Slinky White Vermouth while you’re there. Bookings are recommended given the small space.

3. Bondar Wines

bottle of wines on display at Bondar Wines, McLaren Vale

Enjoy your bottle of choice at Bondar Wines.

In the back room of the charming 19th-century cottage is Bondar Wines, a five-star-rated winery that was recently named in the Top 100 Wineries by Halliday Wine Companion.

The wines here are low intervention, fragrant and vibrant with a savoury feel. From its pale and dry rose to its creamy and nutty chardonnay to its elegant grenache made from the renowned Rayner Vineyard, you can’t go wrong with the entire range. Make a booking for a tasting at this intimate cellar door.

4. Yangarra

Yangarra Estate is surrounded by lush grape vines.

The charming cellar door next to a small lake also hosts dedicated grenache tastings (with a grenache blanc, rose and several single-vineyard expressions) alongside several other southern Rhône varietals.

The elevated vineyards of Blewitt Springs produce some of the most sought-after fruit in the Vale, and Yangarra sits at the premium end of that sub-region. Powerful, complex grenache is the undisputed hero of the High Sands experience that includes a walk through the vineyards, barrel samples and a vertical tasting featuring James Halliday’s 2020 wine of the year.

5. Kangarilla Road

Sit back and sip some wine.

With a mindblowing 30 wines available for tasting, it’s worth allowing plenty of time to visit this sleek cellar door (if you like dogs, add an extra few minutes to play with Dave the bear-like groodle).

Half a dozen shiraz expressions showcase the region’s geological diversity, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Don’t miss the fabulously floral Sixmo chardonnay or juicy primitivo, and if you’re looking for something utterly unique to bring home, the sherry-like Vale is a vermentino that’s been kept under flor for more than three years.

6. Bekkers

Bekkers is one of the more renowned wineries in all of South Australia. (Image: Toby Bekkers)

While some wineries cater to everyone, others narrow their scope in the quest for perfection. Bekkers definitely falls into the latter category.

Viticulturist Toby Bekkers and his winemaking partner Emmanuelle make just three small batch reds (grenache, syrah and a blend of the two), along with a premier cru Chablis from Burgundy, and that attention to detail results in wines of elegance and poise that sit at the pinnacle of the craft and are perfectly matched to the sleek glass and timber tasting room.

7. Pannell Enoteca

Red wine from Pannell Enoteca in McLaren Vale

Winemaker Steve Pannell is particularly fond of Portuguese grapes like tinta cao and touriga.

Tasting flights like “Bianco, Blanco, Blanc (white, but with cool names)" give an idea of what to expect from this winery; an irreverent spirit and a strong emphasis on Mediterranean varietals.

Winemaker Steve Pannell is particularly fond of Portuguese grapes like tinta cao and touriga, which appears both on its own and in a variety of blends. These highly smashable wines lend themselves to extended sessions on the large cellar door deck, a prospect made even more appealing by regular pop-ups from some of Adelaide’s best restaurants.

8. Samuel’s Gorge

the surrounding greenery at Samuels Gorge winery in McLaren Vale

See the spectacular Onkaparinga River National Park from afar. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

It’s hard to beat the location of this ridgetop cellar door, which sits in an 1853 farm shed overlooking the spectacular Onkaparinga Gorge. Drag yourself away from the views and you’ll find the cosy interior filled with antique machinery and friendly staff who are more than happy to join you for a chat while you sip their wares. With a white, rosé and chilled red for the summer, this is an especially popular destination.

9. Gemtree

a woman standing on the ground overlooking the expansive vineyard at Gemtree, McLaren Vale

Gaze at the serene and expansive vineyard. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

See the benefits firsthand on a stroll through a revegetated wetland populated by kangaroos, koalas and emus, or get a taste of the action with a platter featuring saltbush, muntries and native lemongrass in the solar-powered tasting room before tasting your way through the lineup of biodynamic wines.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find winemakers as passionate about the environment as Mike and Melissa Brown, who have planted more than 50,000 native trees and shrubs on their property.

10. Berg Herring

a couple tasting some wines at the boutique cellar door of Berg Herring Wines

Couple up and grab a glass of wine. (Image: Jordan McArthur/ Mattea Carson)

Wine lovers looking to finish their day with one last tasting will find their prayers answered at this converted church, which is open until 6 every evening.

Visit in winter and you can watch the setting sun light up the magnificent seacliffs of the southern Fleurieu from one of the giant wine barrels that double as tasting pods. Emerging varietals like pecorino, touriga and nero d’avola feature heavily in the list of basket-pressed small-batch wines, which tend to be fruit-forward and ready to drink now.

11. Aphelion

a family standing in the middle of Aphelion vineyard

Feel free to stroll along Aphelion’s expansive vineyard.

It doesn’t get more personal than a tasting in the winemaker’s house, and when you visit Rob Mack you might find cats, dogs or even a small child popping in to say hi. Don’t let that distract you from the minimal intervention wines, though – he’s one of the finest grenache producers in the region and the half a dozen expressions are served in balloon-like burgundy glasses to maximise the aromatics. If you prefer the great outdoors, he also hosts back-of-the-ute tastings in a hilltop vineyard.

12. Coriole

Marvel at the serene landscape. (Image: Isaac Forman)

There are so many highlights at this gorgeous hilltop winery that it’s hard to know where to start.

The stunning views out over a mosaic of vineyards and grain paddocks are a strong contender, as is the well-tended garden that blooms year-round.

Lipsmacking estate olives and local produce are the heroes at one of the region’s best winery restaurants and if you do make it to the tasting room, you’ll find yourself sipping fiano, sangiovese and piquepoul from the winery that introduced them to the country.

13. Oliver’s Taranga

a group of friends sitting and sipping wine outside Oliver's Taranga

Gather at Oliver’s Taranga for some wine tasting. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

The Oliver family winemaking tradition now stretches to six generations, but recent renovations have kept this heritage-listed 1850s worker’s cottage looking fresh.

Several private tasting rooms branch off the light-filled atrium inside, while a spacious deck overlooking the 120-hectare property emits a siren call during the summer months.

Visit during the week to admire the views over a methode traditionnelle sparkling fiano, or join a special event like the legendary porchetta parties to see just how many people it can fit.

a plate of seafood with wine glasses on the table

Drink and dine at the winery restaurant. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

14. Battle of Bosworth

a huge umbrella outside the cellar door of the Battle of Bossworth winery

Spend your laid-back afternoons sipping a glass of wine.

Leave the car behind and take in a few lungfuls of fresh air on the Willunga Wander walking trail, which visits several cellar doors and breweries including this former chaff shed on the outskirts of Willunga.

Expect a warm welcome and stiff competition for couch space from the two resident pooches as you work through a tasting lineup that consists of whatever happens to be open (usually about a dozen organic wines) and favours traditional varieties like shiraz, cabernet, chardonnay and semillon.

15. Hardy’s Tintara

With a staggering 9000 awards, this venerable winery on the main street of McLaren Vale has won it all. You can taste the greatest hits at the cellar door and get a sneak preview of the next gold medallists from the open viewing deck that looks into the working winery during vintage, or stimulate your other senses on the Tasting In The Dark experience that invites you into a candlelit cellar for a blind tasting from Hardy’s extensive back vintages.

And if you’re looking for something to do after the tasting, there’s also a gallery and artisan hub onsite.

Hot tip

Do it yourself or enlist the expertise of Small Batch Wine Tours, which is less a wine tour operator and more a VIP wine concierge, opening doors to bespoke cellar doors in the Vale and customising incredible experiences that may include wine masterclasses and multi-course lunches. It also runs tours in the Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills.

Originally written by Alexis Buxton-Collins with updates by Megan Arkinstall.

Planning to visit McLaren Vale soon? Here’s your ultimate guide to the best restaurants, best cafes, and top things to do in McLaren Vale.

Originally written by Alexis Buxton-Collins with updates by Megan Arkinstall

From secluded hilltop retreats to off-grid cabins and a beautifully restored mill, these are the most luxurious places to stay in McLaren Vale.

Wedged between lush rolling hills and the sparkling blue sea, McLaren Vale is Australia’s most naturally beautiful wine region. It’s 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.

Whether you’re dreaming of sinking into an outdoor bath while enjoying expansive hilltop views or going off-grid and immersing yourself in the bush, these McLaren Vale luxury accommodation options will make you wish you could stay just a few more days.

1. Beresford Estate Suites and Villas

lush greenery surrounding Beresford Estate Suites and Villas

The shiraz-lined Beresford Estate boasts bucolic views. (Image: Supplied)

Nestled among 28 hectares of vines, this collection of suites and villas on Beresford Estate combines bucolic views, luxury and cosiness. Lining the 35-year-old shiraz vines, the studio plan Reserve Suites are comfortable and elegantly appointed, featuring kitchenettes, lounge areas, spacious bathrooms stocked with Australian-made products, a plush queen bed and a private deck overlooking the vines.

The Grand Reserve Suites are slightly larger, with a private bedroom, bathtub and an outdoor area with a plunge pool with sweeping vineyard views. The Shiraz Villa is another studio suite with a four-poster bed for a romantic vibe, while the Grenache Villa is housed in a historic 19th-century cottage and can sleep six – perfect for a group of friends. Guests receive a tasty selection of breakfast provisions to enjoy each morning.

While the accommodation is near some excellent wineries and dining options, you can meander to the sleek onsite Vale Restaurant, which doubles as a microbrewery. Or spend an afternoon in the Tasting Room with a cheese platter and some award-winning Beresford Estate wines, inside by the fireplace or on the deck in the sunshine.

Address: 252 Blewitt Springs Rd, McLaren Flat

2. Rare Earth Retreats

an outdoor tub at Rare Earth Retreats, McLaren Vale

Relax in the outdoor tub while admiring vineyard views. (Image: Supplied)

Opened in November 2024, Rare Earth Retreats is McLaren Vale’s newest stay, offering a luxury, off-grid experience with an exceptionally chic design. Each of the three retreats is inspired by the elements of stone, clay and slate and powered entirely by the sun, fed completely by rainwater and celebrates local craftsmanship. The South Australian artists from creative hub JamFactory designed and crafted the exclusive pieces to fit within these spaces.

The retreats are each fitted with a king bed, kitchen and spacious bathroom, indoor and outdoor fireplace, outdoor bath, and private decks with sweeping views of McLaren Vale. Breakfast provisions are included, with in-house massages, facials and private yoga classes are also available.

Address: 23 Coppermine Rd, McLaren Vale

3. Hillenvale

a look inside the living room at Hillenvale, Kangarilla

Relax in this cosy and sleek stone cottage. (Image: Jonathan van der Knaap)

At the junction of Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale, this rugged and secluded property is home to a charming stone cottage that makes for a cosy couple’s retreat. Set on a hillside, with views of the surrounding landscape where kangaroos and sheep roam freely, you’ll feel as though you’ve truly escaped to the country. The cottage features a full ‘country kitchen’, lounge, fireplace and outdoor deck, and is styled in a calming neutral palette with exquisite furnishings.

Also on the property, a vine-covered 1859-built homestead is undergoing a meticulous restoration and will be available to book soon. The homestead boasts five bedrooms, a kitchen and dining room, a lounge, a study and a wine cellar, so will be an idyllic stay for families and groups.

Address: 194 Cut Hill Rd, Kangarilla

4. Shadow Creek

the living room interior of Shadow Creek, McLaren Vale

The eight-hectare Shadow Creek property is perfect for families. (Image: Sabine Verhack Photography)

In the heart of McLaren Vale, this stay is perched on a crest of the eight-hectare Shadow Creek vineyard property. From every window, you’ll spy vineyards, rolling hills and even ocean views but not another soul – because you’re the only guests.

The two-person suite has a king bed, a double shower and a deep soaking bath, a living area with a double fireplace, a full kitchen and a deck with a barbecue, from where you can take in those vistas. Guests receive a delicious grazing plate filled with local goodies.

The winery’s cellar door is set to open early 2025 and is nestled among gums on Turraparri Creek, which runs through the property. Guests can visit for a tasting, arrange a massage on the deck, have a gourmet picnic in the vineyard or be whisked away by helicopter to lunch somewhere in the Vale.

Address: Cnr Edwards Rd and Jackson Hill Rd, McLaren Vale

5. The Vineyard Retreat

the exterior lounge deck at The Vineyard Retreat in McLaren Vale

Spend your next luxury escape in The Vineyard Retreat.

The Vineyard McLaren Vale is a six-hectare working vineyard with six accommodation options to stay in, each with its own unique character.

There are two chic tiny homes set on the edge of the shiraz block, with a studio layout featuring a king bed, wood fireplace and underfloor heating. And four luxuriously appointed guesthouses, including The Ardmore which sleeps two people and has views out to the Chapel Hill ridgeline, and The Highland which sleeps four in two bedrooms and boasts a wraparound balcony.

All stays include a complimentary mini-bar and breakfast provisions. There is also a range of experiences to book through The Vineyard including a scenic helicopter flight with lunch and a guided wine and gourmet tour of McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills.

Address: 165 Whitings Rd, Blewitt Springs

6. Vale194

Retreat into this rustic abode. (Image: Harry Vick)

Smack bang in the heart of McLaren Vale, on Main Street, these five self-contained cottages ooze charm with a bluestone exterior but are ultra-modern inside. Behind a rustic wooden gate, the two-storey, three-bedroom stays boast spacious kitchens, dining and lounge areas, and full laundries. They have heated floors for the cooler months and cute outdoor courtyards with barbecues for warm evenings.

An ideal option for families or groups of friends, Vale194 is within walking distance of the town’s restaurants and wine bars, and next to the entrance of the Shiraz Trail, a flat bike path that runs from McLaren Vale to Willunga, connecting cellar doors.

Address: 1-5/194 Main Rd McLaren Vale

7. Weemilah Luxury Retreat

Perched 200 metres above the valley floor at the southern end of the Vale, this off-grid sanctuary looks out over the entire region. The large open plan living area has slate floors, a wood-burning stove and floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise the views, while the two king bedrooms each have an en suite and private deck so you can enjoy the surrounds in solitude.

There’s plenty of wildlife on the 52-acre property thanks to 15000 native trees and shrubs, and the epic views get even better when seen through a curtain of mist rising from the deep outdoor soaking tub or on a helicopter tour led by one of the property’s owners, who can drop you off for lunch at one of McLaren Vale’s best restaurants.

Address: 187 Delabole Rd, Willunga

8. Hotel California Road

Huge bath looking out a large glass window at Hotel California Road in McLaren Vale.

Relax in the freestanding bath with a glass of vino. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/Josie Withers)

From the outside, this luxurious micro-hotel looks like a chaotic Jenga tower made from shipping containers stacked on top of one another, but inside it’s a different story.

Each of the three 50 square metre king suites is immaculately appointed with a futuristic floating king bed, a soaking tub (with a wine glass holder) flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows and a large deck just metres from the vines.

The adults-only policy makes it the perfect spot for a relaxing escape and if you don’t feel like driving to the local wineries, the Inkwell cellar door is directly above the suites so it’s easy to wander back after a leisurely tasting and raid the well-stocked minibar.

Address: 377 California Rd, Tatachilla

9. Ukiyo House

Ukiyo House makes liberal use of natural materials including charred shou sugi ban timber. (Image: Jenah Piwanski)

With a semicircle of limestone cliffs ringing a perfect aquamarine bay and one of McLaren Vale’s best restaurants, Port Willunga is understandably busy in summer. Not that you’d know it if you’re staying at this blissful hideaway just 300 metres away.

The immaculately appointed single-bedroom house is an oasis of tranquillity that makes liberal use of natural materials including charred shou sugi ban timber, rammed earth walls and Venetian plastering.

Kayaks and beach equipment make it easy to explore the beach, but the modern kitchen is equipped with everything down to scales and measuring cups and a welcome pack of local gin, wine, granola and almonds alongside a candle with the retreat’s signature scent (bergamot and pine) mean it’s just as tempting to stay in and relax and enjoy the serenity.

Address: 37 Martin St, Port Willunga

10. CABN X

CABN X is a step up from most of the off-grid offerings around Australia.

Down a dirt road from the Gemtree cellar door on McLaren Vale’s quieter western side, these two cabins are a serious step up from most of the off-grid offerings popping up around the country.

While one is clad in blond timber and the other opts for a darker palette, each has a spacious bedroom, kitchen and bathroom with mirrors that unfrost at the touch of a button, as well as a sauna looking out over the surrounding vineyards.

Even better is the giant outdoor bath that’s roomy enough for two people to sit comfortably while being serenaded by native birds, while the moon window above the bed means you can fall asleep looking up at the stars.

Address: 796 Main Road, McLaren Vale

11. The Old Chaff Mill Retreat

The Old Chaff Mill Retreat in McLaren Vale

The Old Chaff Mill Retreat is truly a place of rest and relaxation. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Old meets new at this lovingly restored 1872 chaff mill on an organic, biodynamic property set amid lush vineyards, and olive and almond groves.

Comprising two buildings, The Granary and The Millery, these two palatial suites (one is 90 square metres, the other 120) are built with thick stone walls and soundproof doors, and packed with antique fittings such as a chandelier made from a two-metre long pine winnower that harks back to the venue’s original use.

Nowadays, it’s well and truly a place of rest and relaxation thanks to features such as loft bedrooms, outdoor baths and record players, as well as an onsite day spa offering a range of treatments.

Address: 371 Plains Rd, Sellicks Hill

12. The Jetty

Interior of The Jetty Port Willunga with water views

The apartments are bathed in light. (Image: The Jetty Port Willunga)

When it comes to beach views, you can’t beat these four waterfront apartments in Port Willunga. Fortunately, it’s easy to share them, thanks to large open-plan dining areas designed for entertaining and downstairs apartments that have two bedrooms each.

Address: 16 Esplanade, Port Willunga

13. Altamira

Altamira is surrounded by grapes and gums.

Surrounded by grapes and gums in the rolling hills near McLaren Vale’s northern border, this spacious property is perfect for larger groups.

Three bedrooms with en suites and a studio apartment with its own kitchen and living area are connected by a spacious shared entertaining area decorated in a sophisticated mid-century style.

Floor-to-ceiling windows maximise views out over the surrounding shiraz vines, but no matter your tipple, the wraparound verandah is the go-to spot for sundowners before heading back inside to tackle one of the many board games supplied by the owners.

Address: 351 Chapel Hill Rd, McLaren Vale