The good news is that the McLaren Vale wineries are only a 45-minute drive from Adelaide. Perfect if you’re in need of a city break! McLaren Vale is famous for mostly red wines and just like the Barossa Valley the Shiraz is their main grape. Are you a white wine type of person? No worries, there is als0 good variety. What I love about the McLaren Vale wineries is the gorgeous scenery. This is the place where great becomes fantastic while enjoying a cheese platter with a premier wine while your backdrops are rolling hills and vineyards. I selected the best three wineries (with scenery!) for a fab afternoon!
+ McLaren Vale wineries – D’arenberg
Join the D’arenberg Cenosilicaphobic club. Exclusively for people with a fear of an empty glass. Finally, a club that makes sense to me. This internationally awarded winery has a broad range of wines. I literally have never seen a winery with over 60 wines made from 25 different grape varieties. Something to love for everybody! Enjoy a lunch on the deck with stunning views or a glass outside on the lounge chairs. I would go with the Hermit Crab 2010, a stunning Viognier-Marsanne, enjoy!
+ McLaren Vale wineries – Samuel’s Gorge
Out of the five wines in a tasting I absolutely loved four of them which is an amazing score. This boutique winery offers only red wines with one Riesling exception. Every bottle tells a story and average is not their middle name! The cellar door is inside an 1853 year old farm shed with proper character. The staff is more than willing to provide a tasting outside in the garden which overlooks the Onkaparinga River National Park, stunning!
+ McLaren Vale wineries – S.C. Pannell
Be sure not to miss out this winery with a beautiful setting and matching breath-taking views. Plan to be here around lunchtime, you won’t regret it! The deck outside is the perfect spot for a charcuterie platter combined with the fruity and light Pinot Grigio. The winemaker Stephan Pannell was named Australian Winemaker of the Year in 2015 and has many other awards to his name. My advice, try them all…Cheers!
Do you want to explore more wine regions around Adelaide? Read the blog 7 x best wineries for Barossa Valley wine tasting by bicycle.
