Best Wineries in South Australia for Sipping & Swirling

There’s no denying South Australia’s lush vineyards and exceptional wineries make it a world-renowned wine destination. In just a short drive from Adelaide, you’ll discover everything from intimate cellar doors to expansive estates with farm-to-table dining.

Whether you prefer a rich red or a cool-climate Pinot Noir, the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Adelaide Hills regions offer a wine experience that delights the senses. Gather your friends and explore our selection of the best wineries in South Australia, just scratching the surface of stunning vineyard-surrounded spots perfect for sipping and savouring.

Best Wineries in South Australia: Barossa Valley

Two Hands Wines

Along the Western Ranges of the Barossa, Two Hands Wines is a standout in the region. Wine tastings are done at Kraehe House, complete with a stunning tasting deck and courtyard, and the charming late 19th-century stone cottage has an adjoining bakehouse. Known for its Shiraz and varietals, the vineyard steps it up a notch with private tours of the vineyard, including 4WD Defender off-road tours and a visit to the Yacca Block in Eden Valley.  

273 Neldner Road, Marananga

Seppeltsfield Wines

In the heart of the Barossa Valley, Seppeltsfield Wines is a must-visit for wine, food, and art enthusiasts. Set within the historic 1900 Seppelt Bolting Hall, the cellar door impresses with its striking centrepiece fireplace and intimate circular alcoves for tasting their renowned Riesling and Shiraz—reservations are essential.

Beyond wine, Seppeltsfield offers Segway tours, heritage walks, and even a chance to be a cooper for a day (which means you’ll learn how to fashion oak timbers into barrels for the wines), and don’t miss dining at the award-winning FINO Seppeltsfield for an unforgettable culinary experience.

730 Seppeltsfield Road, Seppeltsfield, Barossa Valley

Hentley Farm

For those who prefer the finer things in life, you cannot look past the stunning Hentley Farm. Book into their superb fine dining restaurant for a chef’s tasting or discovery course with paired wines you will remember for years to come – it is a 3-hour experience at one of South Australia’s finest regional restaurants, after all.

To keep it a little more relaxed, the charming cellar door offers visitors the chance to try the fruity varieties of the region, in a beautiful heritage cottage dating back to the 1840’s.

Corner of Gerald Roberts Road and Jenke Roads, Seppeltsfield

St Hugo

Traditions run deep in Barossa Valley’s family-owned St Hugo Winery. Hailing back to the 1840s, St Hugo has curated a winery experience that shines a spotlight on their collection of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Guided tastings and one-hour behind-the-scenes tours will whet your appetite for the ultimate foodie experience at St Hugo Restaurant, which expertly pairs its seasonal tasting menu with its wines.

2141 Barossa Valley Way, Rowland Flat

Jacob’s Creek

Set on 42 hectares along the banks of the creek it was named after, the iconic Jacob’s Creek has a line-up of experiences that highlight their wines and local produce, from four-course lunches and cooking classes to picnics among the vines to making your own blends.

Sitchu Tip: If you want to stay a little longer (we don’t blame you) round out your visit with a night in their 19th-century Jacob’s Estate Cottage. 

2129 Barossa Valley Way, Rowland Flat

Best Wineries in South Australia: McLaren Vale

Coriole Vineyards

Set within the picturesque rolling hills of McLaren Vale, Coriole Vineyards invites you to settle in at the restaurant for a long lunch from Thursday to Monday or visit the cellar door for a wine tasting any day of the week. Coriole’s historic grounds are full of character, the seasonal produce is expertly prepared and plated, and the wines are perfect for just about any occasion.

Chaffeys Road, McLaren Vale

Wirra Wirra

Having made quite the name for themselves with their Shiraz and Church Block range, Wirra Wirra is a popular stop along the McLaren Valley winery trail. The historic ironstone buildings house the cellar door and Harry’s Deli – a provedore style café that boasts a menu full of South Australian produce. After some wine tasting and a behind-the-scenes tour, order a regional platter from the deli and head out into the gardens overlooking the vineyards. 

255 Strout Road, McLaren Vale

Alpha Box and Dice

If you’re looking for a winery that leaves a lasting impression, Alpha Box & Dice is your spot. Nestled in a vineyard, this quirky cellar door is set in a heritage-listed barn and offers a unique “Alphabet of Wine” tasting experience, where each letter tells a story. Cosy up inside during winter or lounge on the lawn in summer with your favourite lettered vino. It’s a wine adventure you won’t forget. Book ahead for a visit!

8 Olivers Road, McLaren Vale

d’Arenberg

Long before their famous Rubik Cube building, d’Arenberg was a standout in South Australia’s wine-making scene and has stood the test of time. One of the most awarded wineries in the region, this four-generation strong vineyard is a 45-minute drive south of Adelaide.

There is so much going on, from the cellar door (bookings are a must) to d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant to d’Arenberg Cube, which houses a restaurant, an Alternate Realities Museum and art installations, you spend hours exploring and tasting.

Osborn Road, McLaren Vale

Gemtree Wines

An environmentally conscious winery, Gemtree Wines is an organic and biodynamic vineyard that lives wholly by its ethos. The tasting room, built from recycled materials and powered by solar panels, has an outdoor deck that overlooks the vineyard and lush lawn. Their Foundation Wines showcase the diversity of the varieties, which you can taste in Small Batch Flights with grazing platters. Once done, take the self-guided walk through the Ecotrail to get a better understanding of Gemtree’s wines.

167 Elliott Road, McLaren Flat

Best Wineries in South Australia: Adelaide Hills

Penfolds Magill Estate

Sitting along the foothills of Mount Lofty Ranges in Adelaide Hills, Penfolds Magill Estate is one of the best (and most iconic) wineries in the state. Their cellar door is only 8 kilometres from Adelaide’s CBD, making it easy to stop by for a wine-tasting tour (in English or Mandarin), or lunch at their fine dining restaurant offering decadent degustation experiences. For something a little more casual, Magill Estate Kitchen has a more laid-back lunch and wine pairings, complete with stunning views of the vineyards. 

78 Penfold Road, Magill

Sidewood Estate

Sidewood Estate in Hahndorf is a must-visit. This classy winery and chic cellar door features an award-winning restaurant and beautiful timber decking to enjoy your sips in the sunshine. Enjoy outdoor games and VIP cabanas in warmer months, or cosy up by the fireplace in cooler weather. 

6 River Road, Hahndorf

Bird in Hand

Named the Red Winemaker of the Year and producing one of the state’s most adored Sparkling varietals, Bird in Hand is the golden child of the Adelaide Hills. It’s the kind of place where you linger for a while; a cellar door that provides tutored tastings and has wines you can’t drink anywhere else, including their late releases and cellar museum selections. Their stunning restaurant, LVN champions ingredients from their kitchen garden and local growers for a decadent long lunch.

Bird in Hand & Pfeiffer Roads, Woodside

The Lane Vineyard

With views like these, you won’t be going anywhere fast. The Lane Vineyard’s dreamy location is a head-turner, but that’s not all that makes this one our favourites. Indulge in The Lane’s award-winning tasting experience while overlooking the Hills, then head over to the chic dining room for a leisurely lunch with a menu that shines a spotlight on the best of South Australian produce, paired perfectly with The Lane’s single-vineyard wines.

5 Ravenswood Lane, Hahndorf

Shaw + Smith

Awarded with the Best Tasting Experience in 2022 by Gourmet Traveller, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason not to book in for a tasting at the very chic Shaw + Smith. Offering several types of wine-tasting flights, this is a beautiful spot to try the cooler climate wines that thrive in the region.

A more comprehensive tour of the winery and vineyards at Balhannah is also available, where you can try a drop of Pinot Noir, Reisling, Chardonnay and Shiraz. 

136 Jones Road, Balhannah

Ready to explore? Grab your friends and sip your way through the best wineries in South Australia, where every drop is a delight. When you head back to Adelaide, appease your hunger at the best French and Italian restaurants in town.