The Best Wineries in McLaren Vale for Great Food and Even Better Wine
The biggest perks of the best wineries in McLaren Vale? Not only is the food and wine second to none, but these vineyards and cellar doors are also less than an hour from the city and complemented by unbeatable views, rustic cellar doors and charming hospitality.
Take a drive south from Adelaide CBD and find yourself surrounded by the rolling green hills and sprawling vineyards of Mclaren Vale. Whilst some visitors to Adelaide may choose to explore the Barossa Valley to the north (which we also would never say no to ourselves), there is no denying the easy appeal of cosy cellar doors, relaxed outdoor patios and unmatched fine-dining awaiting in the best wineries in McLaren Vale - and for good reason.
More than just a notable region of world-class wineries, experiences and varieties that excite the palate (think Grenache, Tempranillo, Fiano and Montepulciano), there are also plenty of delectable culinary delights on offer at the vineyards, galleries and homesteads scattered throughout the picturesque landscape.
There are venues to suit any palate, budget and occasion in McLaren Vale, so we've done the incredibly difficult task of rounding up nine of the best wineries right here for you. So curl up with your favourite drop, and read on to discover a new favourite winery to add to your McLaren Vale bucket list.
Angove Family Winemakers
Angove Family Winemakers is a fifth-generation family owned and operated winery and distillery dedicated to crafting super premium and single vineyard wines from their organic vineyards in McLaren Vale, together with diverse organic wines and spirits from some of Australia’s great wine growing regions.
These award-winning wines and spirits reflect an ongoing dedication to quality and a commitment to sustainable viticulture and winemaking practices - a sentiment proudly shared with their McLaren Vale wineries community.
117 Chalk Hill Road, McLaren Vale
Samson Tall Wines
Hugh Hamilton Wines
Chalk Hill Wines
For the ultimate McLaren Vale afternoon, one cannot miss a tasting experience at Chalk Hill Wines. You'll find their modern and relaxed cellar door right in the heart of the region. Chalk Hill offers curated tasting flights of their hand-crafted wine (one tasting includes chocolate, and is a real crowd-pleaser), and the in-house food truck is the perfect reason to push for a longer reservation.
Cucina Strada is the on site restaurant, providing shareable, delicious Italian-style street food as you enjoy alfresco dining surrounded by magnificent views. Enjoy your pizza and expertly paired wine, before heading straight next door to Never Never Gin Distillery to keep the good times rolling.
Open 11am-5pm Sunday – Thursday, 11am – 9pm Friday, 11am – 6pm Saturday
56 Field Street, McLaren Vale
Coriole Vineyards
One would be hard-pressed to find a list of the best wineries in McLaren Vale without a mention of the rustically gorgeous Coriole Vineyards. Enjoy a lovely meal at the Coriole Vineyards Restaurant – open 5 days a week - and settle in for a long lunch of the highest quality. The chefs opt for seasonal, fresh produce - some of it grown on-site in the kitchen garden and farm - providing a memorable experience for foodies. The ‘Feed Me’ options are the best way to try a bit of everything - and trust us when we say you’ll want to try it all. When lunch is done, take a stroll through the perfectly manicured gardens and take a snap of the seemingly never-ending views around you. Or, simply pop in for a tasting or three in the cellar door.
Cellar door open daily, 11am-5pm
Chaffeys Road, McLaren Vale
The Currant Shed
With over 1000 glowing reviews online, The Currant Shed is a humble crowd pleaser in McLaren Flat - a small sub region of McLaren Vale. While it is more restaurant over winery, we couldn’t leave this one out! Currant Shed's experienced team use fresh produce from the local Fleurieu Peninsula and surrounding regions of South Australia to create seasonal, visually appealing and incredibly delicious dishes. Friendly and knowledgeable staff will talk you through the varying textures and tastes on offer, all in a relaxed and informal setting. Visitors are encouraged to take the short stroll to sister venue Shottesbrooke Wines where the day only gets better with a drop of your choice in the courtyard garden.
Open 11am – 5.30pm Thursday – Tuesday
04 Ingoldby Road, McLaren Flat
d’Arenberg
Home of South Australia’s most-photographed cube, d’Arenberg is one of the most popular wineries in McLaren Vale. This winery has been proudly run by the Osbourne family for four generations, and good wine and memorable experiences are part of their DNA. Visit the cellar door in the cube for a tasting with a view, enjoy free admission to the Sculpture Gardens and Modern Masters Marquee to delight the inner artist in you, and even play winemaker for a day at their Blending Bench.
When hunger strikes - d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant has been providing degustation and à la carte menus for more than two decades, with the restaurant focused on celebrating the best local produce available in the region.
Open daily, 10.30am - 4.30pm
Osborn Road, McLaren Vale
Mitolo Wines
Mitolo Wines is an aesthetic dream, and a fabulous winery to match. Every corner of this venue works as the perfect backdrop, with its modern, polished buildings set amongst pristinely manicured greenery. Visit the cellar door to try the wines loved by many and take a lesson in the craftsmanship and history of the Mitolo family.
When you need a fun spot for lunch, head to Frankie’s Italo Dining and Disco. Disco music plays throughout the modern restaurant, creating a fun atmosphere as customers partake in tipples from the extensive cocktail and wine list. Terrazzo tables and funky branding clearly call for a photoshoot to capture the vibe. For something a little more understated, Little Wolf Osteria serves up meals for lunch that proudly show off the best produce in the area, in a chic and sleek space. Check out the menu here.
Open Thursday to Sunday, 10am - 5pm
141 McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale
Yangarra Estate Vineyard
A stunning brand-new cellar door, top-quality wines, tasting experiences and beautiful rolling vineyards are just some of the fabulous things on offer at Yangarra Estate Vineyard. Opt for a relaxed tasting or take it a step further with a private wine experience in The White House, where you’ll be treated to some of the estate's finest drops. With a house Cabernet-Shiraz taking out a top award in 2023, rest assured the wines here are incredibly pleasing to sip.
Sitchu Tip: Don't miss a chance to try and buy the Hickinbotham 2021 Mr. Grant Malbec. An exceptional vintage; delicious doesn't begin to cover it!
Cellar door open daily, 11am – 5pm
809 McLaren Flat Road, Kangarilla
Maxwell Wines
It’s near impossible to find a fault in the design of Maxwell Wines. This award-winning winery and restaurant is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the tastebuds. Muted tones of cream and beige pair perfectly with soft timber and sandstone, and large windows frame the lush gardens and rows of vineyards right outside.
An outstanding spot to celebrate a milestone - this elegant venue is complemented by a curated tasting menu showcasing the best South Australian produce. Head Chef Fabian Lehmann boasts world-class experience from Michelin-Star restaurants throughout Europe. He has created a degustation that explores a variety of intricate flavours and textures, leaving guests with a greater appreciation for the value of fine dining.
Cellar door open daily, 11am - 5pm
19 Olivers Road, McLaren Vale
Bekkers Wine
Viticulturist Toby Bekker and his wife Emmanuelle are the dynamic duo behind the brilliant Bekkers Wine. This boutique winery is producing delectable drops only available to a curated selection of premium restaurants and merchants. Visit the intimate and relaxed cellar door for an informative tasting and be surrounded by the manicured vineyards and gardens, easily viewed through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Cellar door open 10am – 4pm, Thursday to Sunday
212-220 Seaview Road, McLaren Vale
Beresford Estate
A truly indulgent experience awaits at Beresford Estate. One of the best wineries in McLaren Vale, there is more to see here than just the sleek Tasting Pavilion – though that alone is certainly worth a visit! Beresford House is a stunning display of architecture and heritage and popular for events and weddings, while the new Vale Brewing, Bar and Restaurant talks to all 5 senses, with dishes and drinks that surprise and delight. This winery is so fabulous you may find yourself wanting to stay a little longer. Lucky for you, there are lavish suites and villas on the property to cosy up inside, turning an afternoon here into a weekend of pure bliss amongst the vineyards.
Open daily, 10am - 5pm
252 Blewitt Springs Road, McLaren Flat
Has all this talk of great wine got you ready to explore more of Adelaide? The fun doesn’t have to stop with the best wineries in McLaren Vale. Why not turn a day drip into a weekend away and choose from a variety of luxury accommodation scattered throughout the flourishing and nearby Adelaide Hills.
