From Cellar Doors to Coastal Strolls: Why McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Are the Perfect Pairing This Winter

We’ve partnered with McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast to showcase the region’s winter allure — from stunning coastlines, natural spectacles, and hidden gems wrapped in a cosy, slow-paced winter escape.

Winter in South Australia is a season worth celebrating. Crisp mornings give way to blue skies, creating the perfect backdrop for slow travel, rich flavours, and captivating landscapes. Just a short drive from Adelaide CBD, the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast region offers a refreshing change of pace, where rolling vineyards meet rugged coastlines and the scent of eucalyptus drifts on the breeze.

As the birthplace of South Australia’s wine industry, this region is steeped in heritage and overflowing with character. In winter, a gentle stillness settles in, an invitation to embrace life’s simple pleasures. Wander quaint towns that are oozing with charm, hop between cellar doors as you sample the region’s award-winning drops, cruise sun-soaked coastal roads, and linger over long lunches. The food is richer, the wine is bolder, and a friendly, familiar energy welcomes you at every turn.

Here is your guide to making the most of a winter escape to McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast in what might just be its most underrated (and unforgettable) season.

A Feast for the Senses

The McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast region serves up food and wine experiences that blend rich history and seasonal produce with bold creativity and culinary pride. The region draws in foodies and wine lovers alike for experiences that linger in your memory long after the last bite or sip. With a focus on sustainability and a deep connection to local growers, this is a place that invites you to slow down and savour every detail, whether it be dining in architecturally striking cellar doors or sun-drenched terraces overlooking the sea.

Saturday mornings are made for the Willunga Farmers Market — a lively hub of seasonal produce, small-batch baked goods, and community charm. If you’re starting your day in McLaren Vale, swing by The Organic Store on Main Road for wholesome pantry staples, then ease into the morning with bagels and cold-pressed juices at sun-drenched local favourite Hey Juj. For those in need of a caffeine fix before the cellar door circuit begins, head to Dawn Patrol. This boutique coffee roaster delivers on-site roasting and artful pour-overs that set the tone for a day of indulgence.

Come lunch, Muni in Willunga is a non-negotiable. This intimate 33-seat marvel pairs Japanese precision with modern Australian verve — a minimalist set menu layered in umami, served Friday to Sunday.

For a long, lingering affair, the region’s winery restaurants deliver in spades. Coriole’s Chef’s Feed Me menu pairs seasonal finesse with sweeping vineyard views, while Harry’s Deli at Wirra Wirra and Mitolo Wines’ Little Wolf Osteria serve up produce-led dishes with flair, all accompanied by a generous pour of scenic splendour. Harry’s Deli is famed for its perfect lamb pie (the ultimate winter warmer), while Mitolo’s sleek cellar door is an architectural showstopper, where glass and repurposed shipping containers frame vineyard views from nearly every seat. With a glass of Sangiovese in hand, even the winter chill feels a little more golden.

If you’re after something more casual between tastings, the recently revitalised McLaren Vale Hotel (affectionately dubbed ‘the Vale’ by locals) is a go-to. It’s all about thoughtful, seasonal dishes and one of the best cheese platters in town.

Spend the afternoon exploring cellar doors, then slow the pace as dusk rolls in at local institution, The Salopian Inn, where they serve up local produce done with soul, backed by one of SA’s best gin and wine collections. And if you’re rolling deep with mates, let the team at Pizzateca take the reins — their set menus (required for groups of 8–14) are vibrant, joy-filled, and just as generous as they are delicious.

For an extra dose of warmth and hospitality, make your way to the Victory Hotel in Sellicks Beach — a beloved coastal gem known for its generous bistro fare and exceptional cellar, perfect for lingering over a glass or two. Or dial things up with something truly special: settle in for a multi-course degustation at Maxwell Wines, one of South Australia’s leading hatted dining destinations, where Chef Fabian Lehmann crafts seasonal menus inspired by the region’s rich bounty.

In Aldinga, Maxwell’s Grocery is your stop for wholesome breakfast staples and pantry delights such as housemade granola, while the Little Rickshaw is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it beauty dishing out bold, flavour-packed Vietnamese-Southeast Asian fare in a cosy setting. A little further along the coast in Port Willunga, Star of Greece wows with its coastal views and seafood-forward menus. Perched atop the cliffs, it delivers on both fronts — spectacular ocean outlooks and a menu that sings with fresh, local flavour.

Continue your coastal adventure north to Port Noarlunga, where Noori Cafe & Bar blends prohibition-style charm with surf shack cool, bringing a breezy, coastal edge to cocktail hour. The vibe is relaxed yet refined, with seasonal, inventive cocktails that are as effortlessly stylish as the space itself. Pair the patatas bravas with a glass of Pinot Noir — it’s the kind of combo that makes life taste just that little bit better.

Wine flows naturally here, with McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast home to more than 80 cellar doors, each shaped by landscape, winemaker vision, and genuine hospitality, making it hard to play favourites. In cooler months, the region’s bold reds come into their own: think structured Grenache, richly layered Shiraz, and elegant blends best savoured fireside or beneath the crisp lines of a modern tasting pavilion.

Start your journey in the tranquil hills of Kangarilla, where architectural finesse meets biodynamic excellence at Yangarra Estate. Floor-to-ceiling glass and vineyard-viewing platforms enhance the scene, as you explore a lineup of site-driven wines.

Heading into the heart of McLaren Vale, some of the region’s most celebrated names await. SC Pannell brings Mediterranean flair to the fore, with a sleek, approachable cellar door overlooking rolling hills. Grenache, Touriga and Nero d’Avola lead the charge, showcasing modern winemaking with old-world soul. At Maxwell Wines, tastings unfold underground in a limestone cave — an atmospheric setting for exploring their expressive varietals — while above ground, their fine dining restaurant serves one of South Australia’s most refined degustations, led by Chef Fabian Lehmann.

Paxton Wines charms with its breezy, lawn-set cellar door and commitment to biodynamics — a hit with easy-going wine lovers. Samuel’s Gorge captures lo-fi charm in a rustic shed perched above the vines, where hand-labelled bottles and expansive views set the tone. Nearby, Alpha Box & Dice channels creative energy into its eclectic ‘Alphabet of Wine’, and Dowie Doole’s striking tasting pods offer a modern and memorable way to sip and savour.

To taste a true piece of local history, stop in at Hardy’s Tintara. Located on McLaren Vale’s Main Road, this storied winery has been part of the region’s narrative since 1853. Whether you’re dropping by for a spontaneous tasting or booking in for their interactive ‘Tasting in the Dark’ — a sensory experience hosted in their private Fortified Cellar — it’s a must. Just next door, the warehouse-style Fleurieu Arthouse adds a splash of creativity to your visit, with open artist studios where resident makers paint, sculpt, and share their process with curious visitors.

Craving something a little stronger? The region’s distillery and brewery scene is in full flourish. Never Never Distilling Co. elevates the gin tasting experience with bold botanicals, striking design, and cocktails that are anything but ordinary.

As the sun begins to dip, Down the Rabbit Hole is a dreamy pick for golden hour magic. Guests rug up on sprawling lawns or sip wine from vintage buses as live music floats through the air. Just across the way, Bec Hardy’s elevated new restaurant is charting a bold new chapter for the family’s winemaking legacy, delivering modern dishes and considered pairings in a setting that feels quietly luxurious.

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In nearby McLaren Flat, innovation and sustainability reign. Gemtree Wines offers an immersive experience that goes well beyond the bottle, with organic tastings and wetland walks that celebrate the rhythms of the land. Vale Taphouse brings the beer scene into focus, with sessionable pours and a crowd that feels like old friends. Meanwhile, Shottesbrooke Vineyards flies a little under the radar, blending tradition with thoughtful innovation across a picturesque estate, where the welcome is as warm as the wine is expressive. For something a little more offbeat, the natural wine scene thrives in the Vale, with McLaren Flat’s Somos Wines leading the way through low-intervention methods and a laid-back ethos championing purity of flavour, minimal intervention, and maximum character.

Across to Aldinga, the vibe skews more eclectic. Fall From Grace is part bottle shop, part wine bar, with obscure European imports and minimal-intervention local wines filling the shelves. The kind of place you stumble into on a whim and leave with a handful of new favourites. Kick Back Brewing is a more casual establishment, with a community-driven feel and crisp, easygoing beers that suit any mood.

Further south, coastal air meets small-batch brilliance at Berg Herring Wines in Sellicks Beach. Expect sweeping ocean views, boutique wines, and a relaxed, unhurried pace that invites you to linger. Wherever your compass lands across McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast, one thing’s certain — you’ll uncover seriously exceptional drops and stories worth sipping on.

Soak in Nature’s Best

Beyond memorable feasts and world-class Shiraz, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast offers postcard-perfect scenery and a glistening coastline begging to be explored. Conveniently connecting O’Sullivan Beach to Sellicks Beach, the 31km Route 31 Coastal Drive is your road trip ticket to discovering sensational seaside views, pockets of beauty and sun-soaked towns that hold onto their holiday vibe every day of the year. Take it slow, traversing from one sandy stretch to the next, for these stunning beaches hold a quiet magic in the cooler months. Start or end your day with a walk along Maslin, Port Willunga or Moana Beach, where the sunrises and sunsets blanket the skies in pastel swirls of orange and pink. At Aldinga Beach, divert off route to drive directly on the sand and explore rock pools when the tide is out, while O’Sullivan Beach draws fishing enthusiasts eager to hook their catch of the day.

If you are eager to swap four wheels for two, embrace the crisp, fresh air and discover the natural beauty that defines this region, where every trail and turn invites a new perspective. Gently ease you into the day with a bike ride along the Coast to Vines Rail Trail. A scenic option for keen explorers, solo travellers and families to cycle safely through rolling hills, sun-dappled valleys and along the coastline where every bend brings a breathtaking view. Discover cellar doors, world-class dining, art spaces and boutiques as you go.

If you can tear yourself away from the wineries for a few hours, step into nature at its best within the Onkaparinga River National Park. Here, hiking trails connect you with striking scenery and a landscape that feels equally disconnected and energising. Spot birdlife and native wildlife, hike to the Punchbowl Lookout and return to civilisation with a newfound sense of calm and appreciation for South Australia’s protected parks.

Embrace Your Inner Artist

With artisan studios and art galleries throughout McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast, this underrated creative hub is where art lovers will find hidden treasures in the most unexpected of places. Art, gin and distinctive wine coexist in chaotic harmony at the d’Arenberg Cube, a five-storey architectural masterpiece housing a Salvador Dalí sculpture exhibition. Stop in for a gin tasting at Settler’s Spirits or devour a mouth-watering degustation experience at d’Arry’s. Your artistic immersion continues at Red Poles Art Gallery, where Indigenous and South Australian artists showcase paintings, jewellery, ceramics and textiles alongside an on-site restaurant serving local produce led by Andy Fuller. Browse contemporary artworks at The Gallery, or make your way to Port Noarlunga, where vibrant exhibitions and an interactive Artist in Residency program celebrate local and visiting artists at Sauebier House, and Port Noarlunga Arts Centre houses three dedicated art galleries and a transformative performance stage — an invaluable community space for arts in the South throughout the years.

Sitchu Tip: Be mesmerised by the flicker of flame and molten beauty of Glenn Howlett’s glass-blowing creations at the charming Willunga Glass Studio. You’ll find a range of affordably priced pieces from Glenn as well as other resident artists, including paintings, mosaics, woodwork, textiles, and more — perfect keepsakes from your time in the region.

Soar to New Heights

If the cellar doors, cycling trails and hyper-local produce weren’t enough to convince you, perhaps a thrilling and unique bi-plane ride will do the trick. Go back in time with Adelaide Biplanes’ flying experiences, taking off from Aldinga Airfield and flying south along the coast, where you’ll head out across the eastern coast of Kangaroo Island and over The Deep Creek Conservation Park, up over the hills that surround the McLaren Vale wine region and back into Aldinga Airfield near Sellicks Beach. This once-in-a-lifetime experience puts you in an open cockpit, where the roar of the engine and the whistle of the wind will fill you with a sense of awe.

Make Yourself at Home

When you feel the pull to embrace McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast’s soul-reviving spirit, leaving after just one day can be easier said than done. Lean into it and make yourself at home with an extra night or two, and discover a way of life where coastal living and room to roam blend with a tight-knit and welcoming community, eager to share their pocket of paradise with visitors. From a stroll through McLaren Vale’s quaint township filled with curated boutiques, art galleries, cosy cafes and public art to admire along the way, to the unmissable coastline, natural beauty, flavoursome feasts and world-class wine within easy reach, there is no need to rush your visit.

There are several options to suit your stay in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast; however, we can’t go past Rare Earth Retreats, which flawlessly embodies the natural beauty of the region in an earthy and environmentally friendly space, drawing inspiration from the rich terroir of the wine region. The luxury retreats have been crafted from clay, stone, and slate to create a low-impact stay that blends seamlessly with the earth. An off-grid experience with no wifi and lush finishes, this is your invitation to reconnect with nature and yourself — a truly idyllic spot to escape this winter.

With natural wonders, outdoor adventure and endless opportunities to wine and dine like a local, this special region comes to life as the temperature drops and the crowds disperse. To help you start planning your getaway, we’ve partnered with McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast to share why this diverse region is the ideal weekend destination this winter.

Display advertising imagery credited to SATC, Harry Vick, and McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast.