McLaren Vale
wine tasting tours and winery visits

McLaren Vale sits in pristine natural splendour less than an hour's drive from Adelaide city centre. One of the most well-known wine regions of Southern Australia, the Vale has it all - miles of splendid coastline and turquoise seas, a thriving art and culture scene, world class dining options and of course, an incredible selection of cellar door and winery experiences.

The region's proximity to Adelaide, the capital of Southern Australia, means that this is a perfect destination for visitors, whether you are seeking a day trip out of the city or a longer sojourn in the glorious Australian countryside. Sun seekers will love the array of gorgeous sandy beaches with their clear blue waters and miles of golden sand. Beach-going is a way of life in Australia and many of McLaren Vale's best allow visitors to drive right onto the sand, so it's possible to load up the car and set up for a great day! Port Willunga is one of the quietest if you're looking to escape the crowds, whilst buzzing Port Noarlunga boasts a spectacular jetty which leads out to a reef - so grab your snorkel and enjoy!

Elsewhere, the region is popular for its miles of bushwalking and hiking trails which take travellers through bush, scrub, vines and amazing coastal paths, all resplendent with natural beauty. The 5-mile Shiraz Trail is perfect for combining a wine experience with something more active - the trail follows an abandoned railway line and takes in some of the region's most popular wineries, where you can pause along the way to taste some of Australia's best Shiraz! There is also a thriving arts and culture scene here, with an abundance of galleries. There are even several wineries which display amazing art alongside their vinous offerings - the famous d'Arenberg Winery has even hosted a spectacular exhibition of no less than 23 works of art by celebrated Surrealist Salvador Dali.

The gastronomic scene in McLaren Vale is another real crowd-pleaser. Alongside the many wineries (there are over 80 cellar door and winery experiences to choose from) there is also an abundance of local produce and numerous farmer's markets. Many wineries offer local food pairing and tasting experiences as part of their tour packages, and foodies should also make sure not to miss the award-winning Willunga Farmer's Market, which takes place every Saturday morning in Willunga town centre.