Best Wine Tours McLaren Vale
From world-class food and wine to rich heritage and unbelievable experiences, a visit to McLaren Vale is a sure fire way to have a weekend you’ll never forget.
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Deeply rooted in a rich wine heritage that spans nearly 200 years, there’s a reason McLaren Vale is a favourite for wine lovers, both at home and abroad.
Home to some of the best drinking and eating experiences in the world and nestled among breathtaking scenery, McLaren Vale is the perfect spot for a weekend adventure, whether you live an hour – or another state – away.
With Australians set to continue their love affair with exploring all that our backyard has to offer, there’s never been a better time to venture beyond Adelaide’s borders and head 45 minutes south.
From world-class food and wine to rich heritage and unbelievable experiences, a visit to McLaren Vale is a sure fire way to have a weekend you’ll never forget.
DISCOVER THE BEST THINGS TO IN THE MCLAREN VALE
But following a recent trip to the region, these are some of my best picks.
EXPLORE MCLAREN VALE BY BICYCLE
McLaren Vale Wine & Bike Tour, Travello, from $159
If the seat of a bus or the back of a mini-van doesn’t quite hit the mark, perhaps cycling through McLaren Vale’s endless vineyards is more to your liking.
With a 9am kick off, cruise from Willunga Hill and the famous Kidman Trail through the wondrous Kuitpo Forest, and onto the vineyards.
It’s not all hard work – stop over at (at least) two wineries, when you can to sample the local wines and buy a bottle or two to enjoy after your ride is done.
Replenish your energy with a lunch of locally produced cheese and meat – surely any Olympian’s dream meal – before continuing on your way until 5pm, when you return your bike after a day full of wine and beautiful vistas and head back to Adelaide.
PLAY WINEMAKER AND BLEND YOUR OWN SHIRAZ
Wine Blending Class and Degustation with Wine at d’Arenberg, Red Balloon, $275
For a more hand’s on experience, pay a visit to the iconic d’Arenberg estate for an interactive wine blending experience.
Explore the winemaking techniques that result in the vineyard’s flagship ‘The Dead Arm’ Shiraz – one of Australia’s most collected wines – before creating your own unique blend in a 90 minute masterclass inside the d’Arenberg Cube.
Using three barrel samples of d’Arenberg’s premium Shiraz, you take on the role of winemaker, melding the distinctive flavours and textures in search of balance, fullness and finesse.
Armed with a 750ml bottle of your winning blend to take home and share with your friends and family, indulge your tastebuds at an eight course degustation with carefully paired wine at d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant, overlooking McLaren Vale’s rolling hills.
SKYDIVE OVER THE MCLAREN VALE VINEYARDS
Skydive 9,000ft Over McLaren Vale Adelaide – Vineyard Landing, Adrenaline, $324
For the thrillseeker looking to experience McLaren Vale like no other, there’s nothing quite as exhilarating as skydiving from 9000 feet over the picturesque coastal and Fleurieu wine regions.
Paired with a highly experienced tandem skydiving instructor, you’ll require just 15 minutes of training before taking off from the Aldinga Airfield, 40 minutes from the Adelaide CBD.
Once the plane reaches your chosen jump altitude, take a big breath and then take the leap – and once you’ve landed in the vineyard gardens, relax and wind down with a glass of wine and delicious tasting platter.
FOOD AND WINE LOVER’S DREAM
Maxwell Wines Winery Heritage Tour & Degustation, Klook, $470
When it comes to tasting wine, lining the stomach is just as important.
Venture behind the scenes and explore Maxwell Wines’ with a private winery tour and wine tasting, immersing yourself in their family heritage and history before paying a visit the winery’s unique 100-year-old Lime Cave, where mushrooms are grown.
After tasting Maxwell wines straight from the barrel, you’ll indulge in a delicious degustation lunch with matching wines – admiring breathtaking views of the Fleurieu hills as you dine.
It’s your perfect tour to complement your getaway to McLaren Vale.
What is McLaren Vale famous for?
Home to not only sustainable winegrowing but world-class wines and culinary experiences, a visit to McLaren Vale – 45 minutes south of Adelaide – also means taking in pristine natural attractions and unparalleled tourism offerings.
On the wine front, the region is best known for its Shiraz – but the Mediterranean climate also mean its prime for the production of Grenache and Cabernet, and Spanish and Italian varieties like Fiano, Vermentino, Tempranillo and Sangiovese.
The combination of world class wines and produce with a beach lifestyle ensures a truly unforgettable visit for guests – no matter the length of your stay.
How many wineries are in McLaren Vale?
With over 180 years of winemaking experience, up to 7308 of the region’s hectares are under vine.
McLaren Vale is home to more than 80 wineries, with an international reputation for producing the “trilogy” of Australian reds: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache.
What are some of the ‘must see’ spots in McLaren Vale?
McLaren Vale is as abundant with “must see” experiences as it is good food and wine.
Over one-third of the region’s cellar doors offering local produce as part of their tasting experience – from casual platters to high-end degustations – so keep that in mind when you visit estates like d’Arenberg, Bekkers Wine, Maxwell Wines and Beach Road Wines.
If you tire of vino – fear not. The beauty of McLaren Value is that it’s not all about the grapes, so pay a visit to Never Never Distilling Co, South Coast Brewing Co and Vale Brewing.
And of course, no visit to the region is complete without stopping by the d’Arenberg Cube – a hub inspired by complexities and puzzles of winemaking, where each of the five levels have been carefully designed to entice and excite the senses.
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