This year’s vintage is looking great in McLaren Vale and everyone is invited to join in the atmosphere

Vintage is looking good in McLaren Vale, credited to favourable weather. Here’s how you can join in on the atmosphere.

Maxwell Wines’ general manager Jeremy Maxwell among the wineries grenache vines, planted in 1928 in McLaren Vale. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

When it comes to vintage 2021, McLaren Vale wineries are crushing it.

The year is looking “extremely good” according to Maxwell Wines general manager Jeremy Maxwell, who credits a cool summer, last week’s rain that “filled out a lot of berries”, and the favourable timing of more recent heat.

“It is looking like an extremely good vintage,” says Maxwell.

“Shiraz is going to go gangbusters. Everything looks really good – there’s lovely balance, good acid and decent crops this year.”

Maxwell Wines’ general manager Jeremy Maxwell among grenache vines that were planted in 1928 in McLaren Vale. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Vintage season is a highlight of the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Year of South Australian Wine – a campaign that encourages people to visit and attend events in SA’s wine regions.

Maxwell said now until April was the most exciting time to be in the Vale.

“The place is buzzing,” he said. “There’s always the sound of a harvester somewhere, tractors and trailers … it’s a buzz of activity.”

FIVE TOP VINTAGE EVENTS

THE LANE VINEYARD

Adelaide Hills

Following last year’s hiatus, The Lane’s annual ‘Gathering’ returns on Sunday, March 7. Get a sneak peek of the winery abuzz in vintage action, then settle in with Chef Tom Robinson and Tasting Australia Festival Star Paul Baker for a 3-course dining experience.

Cost $200.

REILLYS WINE

Clare Valley

Enjoy A Day in Mintaro – part of the 2021 Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel. From 1-2 May, set off for a hands-on journey with the team from Reillys Wines and the Magpie and Stump Hotel. See why the Clare Valley is one of Australia’s most famous wine regions.

Cost from $80.

GOLDING WINES

Adelaide Hills

The ultimate Wine Safari Experience enjoying wines among the vines they are originated from. It’s also part of the 2021 Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel, where you can join Darren and Lucy Golding as they host a walking wine tasting safari, followed by a five-course dining experience crafted by head chef De Buys Nortier.

Cost from $200.

HAYES FAMILY WINES

Barossa Valley

Behind all great wines there’s a story and it starts in the vineyard! Old Vines to Great Wines (also part of the Barossa Vintage Festival) is a guided tour, starting in the Estate Vineyard stopping to sample wines from barrel and bottle – and experiencing the sights and sounds of a small working winery.

Cost $75

MAXWELL WINES

McLaren Vale

Watch vintage in action while enjoying a tasting flight with canapes. For a little more, indulge in an exclusive private tasting, a rare chance to taste wines straight from the barrel, and explore Maxwell’s 100-year-old Lime Cave before indulging in the incredible degustation lunch at Maxwell Restaurant. Cost from $10.

For more wine region events, visit southaustralia.com/plan-a-trip/wineries