Wedged between the rolling Onkaparinga Hills and the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula coast lies South Australia’s McLaren Vale wine region. Here, you’ll spend your days dining on farm-fresh, sustainable produce, sipping world-famous wine and staying at luxurious retreats.
Gorgeous beaches and prime wine country collide in the Fleurieu Peninsula’s McLaren Vale, with more than 70 cellar doors to explore. Just a short 40-minute drive from the Adelaide CBD, here you’ll find internationally-renowned Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay as well as lesser-produced varieties such as Tempranillo, Marsanne, Rousanne and Sangiovese.
Experience the best with our three-day McLaren Vale itinerary. Enter here for your chance to win the Ultimate Foodie Getaway to South Australia, including a Masterclass with Gary Mehigan.
1. FRIDAY: SETTLE-IN TO MULBERRY LODGE
Morning: Arrive at Adelaide Airport or pack your bags at home, then drive just 45 minutes to the Fleurieu Peninsula’s beautiful McLaren Vale wine region. Check into the award- winning Mulberry Lodge luxury country retreat and cosy-up, nestled among the vines.
Afternoon: Dine on succulent seafood at Port Willunga’s Star of Greece. Look out over towering cliffs, taking-in the iconic oceans views of Gulf St Vincent.
2. SATURDAY: TOUR THE LAND OF SEA AND VINES
Morning: Start the day picking up farm-fresh produce from the Willunga Farmer’s Market, then spend the rest of the morning winery-hopping to 70 cellar doors. Take your pick from Mollydooker, Mitolo, Wirra Wirra, Primo Estate and Gemtree Wines.
Afternoon: Lunch will be served under the vine-covered verandah of McLaren Vale’s Currant Shed. Blending country charm with gorgeous garden views, you’ll be dining on mouth-watering produce from one of the region’s finest menus.
Head back to Mulberry Lodge and cook up a storm with your farmer’s market finds.
3. SUNDAY: DISCOVER THE D’ARENBERG CUBE
Morning: Grab a quick breakfast at the famed Mullygrub café, then stretch your legs with an after-lunch walk along the pristine Port Noarlunga Beach.
Afternoon: Set your coordinates for the otherworldly d’Arenberg Cube. Spend a day navigating the five storey multi-functioning wine centre, featuring a wine sensory room, 360-degree video room and beautiful panoramic tasting area. Top it off with lunch at the Cube’s restaurant; the first in Australia to create food using a 3D printer. Make a final stop at Beresford Wines in McLaren Flat, stock up on the region’s finest, then hop in the car for a one hour drive back to Adelaide’s CBD. Travel a further 15 minutes to the Adelaide Airport if you’re flying home.