Our guide to McLaren Vale 2026
Katie Spain shares some of her favourite places in McLaren Vale to eat, drink, play and stay
A 45-minute drive is all it takes to reach this wine region with ocean views. Known for its creativity and laid-back beach energy, McLaren Vale feels like a holiday, every day of the week.
In the glass
Cellar doors, distilleries, bars and breweries
Aphelion Wine Co
67 Kays Road, McLaren Vale
Winemakers Robb and Louise Mack have won many awards for their creations and this new hilltop cellar door is the perfect place to enjoy them. Book a tasting at a sun-soaked table on the private deck and simply enjoy a world-class grenache.
Bekkers
212–220 Seaview Road, McLaren Vale
Exquisite McLaren Vale cabernet sauvignon from the historic Clarendon Vineyard Estate is just one of Bekkers’ wines of presence and place (their syrah is stunning too). Power, precision and disarming elegance, wrapped in an intimate cellar door setting.
Bondar Wines
148 McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale
This cute house formerly belonged to Jack Sparrow (not the pirate) and now is home to three boutique wine brands. Bondar, Lino Ramble and Sherrah Wines are small, family-run businesses and there’s a lovely outdoor area in which to try their adventurous, high-quality wines.
Dandelion Vineyards
191 Chaffeys Road, McLaren Vale
Winemaker Elena Brooks is one of the Vale’s leading lights and Dandelion’s glorious Wonder Room is the perfect introduction to modern winemaking. With delicious wines and Vale views for days, a picnic lunch on the sprawling sunny lawn is the perfect way to enjoy both.
D'Arenberg
Osborn Road, McLaren Vale
Chester Osborn’s creativity infuses every inch of d’Arenberg, from its landmark cube cellar door to the art that lines the walls (and the loos), the sensory-tickling menu and the Dali sculptures upstairs. The wine is pretty special too; a quick tasting can easily turn into a whole day of exploration and fun.
Inkwell Wines
377 California Road, Tatachilla
Exciting small-batch wines served in a cellar door constructed from 20 old shipping containers. Friendly dog Daisy shows visitors around an interior crafted from recycled, reclaimed and repurposed materials, including mid-20th century German school chairs and hardwood floors. High-end accommodation completes the package.
Samuel’s Gorge
193 Chaffeys Road, McLaren Vale
This cellar door in an 1853 farm shed sits atop a ridge, with spectacular views over the Onkaparinga River National Park. Service is genuinely friendly and the wines are so good you’ll want to order a dozen. Pure rustic soul.
Shadow Creek
314 Rifle Range Road, McLaren Vale
A new cellar door with a working farm backdrop, constructed using recycled beams and mud bricks. Sitting above Turraparri Creek, it’s surrounded by stunning old gum trees, stables, grazing stock and vineyards. Enjoy a tasting: just you, nature and birdsong.
Under The Sun
22 Old Coach Road, Aldinga
Collaborative cellar door and wine bar where artisanal brands Brash Higgins, Golden Child and Poppelvej pour lo-fi, high-quality drops. Take a snap in front of the large mural inspired by the nearby coast and chat to the globetrotting lads about their paths into wine.
On the plate
Saturday breakfast? Don’t go past Willunga Farmers’ Market for a Little Acre toastie or fire-licked scallops (caught that very morning). Willunga General Store serves lovely pastries, sausage rolls, and coffee, while Dawn Patrol masters caffeine in all its glorious forms. It is also home to Neighbours (creators of the famous sourdough crumpets) and a micro-bakery serving French-style desserts.
Lunch at the iconic Salopian Inn is a must. Frequented by local winemakers, the menu is informed by the edible garden framing the building; they recently announced a move to an Australian-only drinks menu. For views, Coriole’s restaurant looks out over vineyards and a beautiful garden as do lunch spots The Currant Shed, Harry’s Deli and award-winning winery restaurant Maxwell’s.
New additions to McLaren Vale’s main street include Joe’s At Sabella, for Italian-inspired dishes in a beautiful old church, and adjacent taqueria Taco José for your taco and Mexican cocktail needs. Vigna Bottin Cellar Door & Osteria, Mitolo’s Little Wolf Osteria and Fiore At Down the Rabbit Hole also nod to the region’s Italian influence.
For dinner, book ahead for an Asian-inspired feed-me at The Little Rickshaw and stellar wine and dishes by chef Jimmy Toone at Fall From Grace. Dining with a sea view is one of the region’s drawcards, best achieved at Star Of Greece (no, it’s not Greek food), Pearl or Silver Sands Beach Club. A seaside treasure in Indian form is the relaxed Aldinga Bay Café or try Heard It On The Grapevine or Pizzateca for pizza feasts. Head to Old Coach Inn for Willunga’s top pub meal or chill at CLINK, McLaren Vale Hotel’s laid-back outdoor food and drink hub.
Getting here
McLaren Vale is a 40-minute drive from Adelaide. The Route 31 Coastal Drive hugs the coastline from O’Sullivan Beach to Sellicks Beach. Metro rail services operate between Adelaide and Seaford and there are bus services between Adelaide and the area’s towns.