A Wine Lover’s Comprehensive Guide To McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale Uncorked
By Sarah Kennedy | 4th April 2025As an uncertified wine connoisseur, I’ve made it my mission to visit as many wineries as physically possible. You may be thinking, why wineries? Well, apart from the obvious wine tastings, it’s also the atmosphere and history of each vineyard that really hooks me in. Having experienced wineries in our own backyard in Tassie and the Yarra Valley, all the way to vineyards in Italy and Avenue de Champagne in France, McLaren Vale has been my favourite by far.
A group of my friends and I recently stayed in McLaren Vale for a week, and although we got through A LOT, we hardly scraped the surface of what the region has to offer. Here are my top five wineries for the ultimate tasting experience.
Coriole Vineyards
My personal favourite, Coriole Vineyards boasts a Tuscan charm, overlooking sprawling views of vineyards. With the option for indoor dining in their restaurant or in their courtyard under the arbour, we opted to make the most of the sunshine. A must-try? Their limoncello spritz – refreshing, zesty, and the perfect sip for a lazy afternoon. Pair it with their homemade bread, charcuterie, and creamy hummus for a truly indulgent experience.
Coriole Vineyards, McLaren Vale stole my heart ⭐️ #fyp #foryou #southaustralia #winery #vineyard
Alpha Box & Dice
A close second to Coriole was Alpha Box & Dice. This boutique winery is anything but traditional – they’re on a mission to create an ‘alphabet of wine’, where each bottle tells a unique story. As well as the beautifully designed labels, each representing a letter, and incredible wine, the laid-back vibe is unmatched. Housed in a rustic, eclectic cellar door, the space is filled with mismatched furniture and vintage knick-knacks. If you’re looking for somewhere with personality, grab a glass and enjoy a tasting that’s as much about storytelling as it is about great wine.
Another one of my favourites 📍Alpha Box & Dice, McLaren Vale #fyp #foryou #winery #vineyard #southaustralia #adelaide #mclarenvale
Chalk Hill
Set on top of a hill, Chalk Hill overlooks the Vale, making it the perfect place to slow down and unwind after a day of wine tastings. The venue itself is home to a collection of businesses including Chalk Hill Wines, Never Never Distilling Co., and Vita Pizzeria, making it an ideal spot for groups and families. If you’re planning a visit, I recommend grabbing a spot on the grass, with a glass in hand to soak up the live music as the sun goes down.
d’Arenberg
A controversial topic among locals due to its unmissable presence, d’Arenberg – aka The Cube – is just as much an experience as it is a cellar door. With five levels of sensory exploration, from surreal art installations to panoramic tasting rooms, this architectural marvel is anything but ordinary. If you’re looking for a winery a little out of the box, this is it.
Down The Rabbit Hole Wines
One of the first wineries that sparked my interest in McLaren Vale was Down The Rabbit Hole Wines. With a cult Instagram following, I wasn’t sure if it would live up to the hype – but it absolutely delivered. We booked a set menu at their FIORE restaurant as well as a wine tasting at the cellar door, and both experiences were divine. Perfect for families and groups alike, you can easily spend a whole day here exploring what’s on offer.
One of the vibiest wineries we visited in McLaren Vale! 🥂 So many different areas to explore and all the staff were so lovely 🥹 #fyp #foryou #mclarenvale #southaustralia #winery #downtherabbitthole
Where to stay
When we booked this trip, we were tossing up whether we should stay in Adelaide City or in the McLaren Vale region, but in the end, we opted to stay in McLaren Vale, which I cannot recommend enough! Our Airbnb was a quaint little cottage just off the main road, and comfortably fit all six of us. To one side, we had hundreds of wineries at our fingertips, literally a two-minute drive away, while just ten minutes in the other direction offered sweeping views of pristine blue beaches. As a Queenslander, I’m usually pretty biased when it comes to beaches, but I was pleasantly surprised at how amazing these were. If I were to do my time again (and with a smaller group), I would definitely be booking luxury off-grid accommodation at Rare Earth Retreats. With three villas to choose from, all sleeping two guests and conveniently located in the heart of McLaren Vale, I couldn’t think of a better way to soak in the sunset after a day of wine tastings – I mean look at it!
What to do
Book a wine tour
The best thing we did on this trip was book a Hop On Hop Off wine tour through Trailhopper. Think of it as an Uber share but on a minivan. We really wanted the freedom to explore the wineries we wanted without being restricted to a schedule, and of course, for someone else to be the driver so we could enjoy a few wines. In my opinion, it was the best way to see as much of the region as possible while still enjoying our time at each winery.
McLaren Vale Day 3! 🍾 So many picturesque spots everywhere you look 🥹 #fyp #foryou #mclarenvale #southaustralia #winetour #winery #girlstrip
♬ cooler than me by mike posner sped up – Lexie (Daisy’s Version) 🌼
Visit the beaches
Although you’re there for the wine, it would be rude not to visit the beach, especially when they’re so close and look this good. My standouts?
- Port Willunga Beach
- Maslin Beach
- Second Valley
South Australia beaches are something else 🌊✨ #fyp #foryou #beach #southaustralia #adelaide
