mclarenvale McLaren Vale - Cellarmasters€¦ · Cellarmasters off ers the pick of the bunch from...
Transcript of mclarenvale McLaren Vale - Cellarmasters€¦ · Cellarmasters off ers the pick of the bunch from...
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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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5 Towns & Places to Visit
Hahdnorf, Adelaide Hills.
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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.
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Clare Valley
ADELAIDE
PMount Benson
WrattonbullyCoonawarra
Adelaide HBarossa
McLaren Vale
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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5 Cellar Doors with Outstanding Reds
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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
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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!
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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
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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.
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5 Non-Wine Related Things To Do
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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
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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
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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!
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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