Studio In The Vines McLaren Vale review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

A country retreat among McLaren Vale vines is the perfect base for a weekend of wine tasting.

It’s not often you get the chance to holiday in your own hood, but after COVID travel restrictions eased, my partner and I needed a break from our home and decided to celebrate my birthday in McLaren Vale.

If you’re going to rest your head in a wine region, it makes sense to do so with a hilltop vineyard view. That’s exactly what you get during a sundowner on the deck of this open-plan, rammed earth studio accommodation.

By nature, the word “studio” usually means a cramped room with limited space to breathe. Not so here.

Two queen beds (and a portacot if required) allows space for four people (and a bub) and the living space includes a lounge room with comfy sofas, fully equipped kitchen, dining table and 2.8ha to look out on. It’s all delightfully bright, airy, homely and beautifully designed.

Relaxing on the deck at Studio in the Vines, McLaren Vale. Picture: Ben Macmahon

A high, thatched roof, exposed wooden beams, terracotta tiles, cabinets full of pianola rolls and books, local artwork (made using wine barrels) and a piano give the space an eccentric edge, without being over the top. Think humble country style with a vintage edge.

Owners Samantha and Alex Marchetti live next door but keep their distance … unless you want their help, in which case they are wonderful hosts. Both are deeply embedded in the local food and wine scene and are happy to share tips on where to eat and imbibe - such as The Salopian Inn (where drinks’ guru Alex is co-owner and sommelier).

The award-winning restaurant is popular with local winemakers and industry folk, and chef and co-owner Karena Armstrong does some of the best dumplings this side of the CBD. The gin menu is also one of the best in the state.

If cellar door hopping is more your thing, the accommodation is within walking distance of six wineries including d’Arenberg, SC Pannell, Maxwell Wines and Alpha Box & Dice. It is also close to the Shiraz Trail, which is popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists.

Or, for a massage or reiki session that’ll leave you totally blissed out, Samantha offers in-house treatments in your accommodation or in her new massage studio.

Studio in the Vines, McLaren Vale. Picture: Ben Macmahon

There (with vineyard views), she runs her Energy of Nature business. Be warned … she has magic hands. It’s a massage of the addictive kind.

During COVID lockdowns, the couple made additions to ensure that an indoor stay is more enjoyable. Like the retro PlayStation, a restocked vinyl collection, board games, DVDs, books, and even a piano for tinkering types.

If you don’t make it through your tome by the time you’re due to go home, guests are welcome to take their read with them (for a gold coin donation that goes to the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation).

On the food front, local is king. Supplies include The Dandy Teas Company brews, Urban Brew coffee, Fleurieu Milk, Paris Creek butter, Menz chocolates and a bottle of local wine (best enjoyed on the porch).

During winter, there’s a campfire (rugs and marshmallows are provided) and in warmer months, a communal swimming pool begs to be splashed. Pets are welcome. Remember this is open-plan living, so if romance is on your agenda, you’d best travel as a couple – or with pals who have an open mind.

Hanky panky or not, this is a beautiful, soul-packed place to wake up a year older. It’s also a perfect spot to simply escape from the world for a while.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend.

This review was published in March 2021.

• McLaren Vale
• airbnb.com.au

• LOCATION 38km south of Adelaide’s CBD, about a 45-minute drive.
• ACCOMMODATION 90sq m living space with two queen beds and an optional portacot.
• FACILITIES Self check-in, full kitchen, Wi-Fi, TV, bathroom essentials (including hair dryer), bedroom comforts, coffee maker, barbecue, iron, heating, airconditioning, free onsite parking, outdoor dining, campfire, communal pool.
• PRICE $230/night.