McLaren Vale Like a Local Travel Guide

The off the beaten track. the hard to find.

That is what I share with you here in my McLaren Vale Like A Local Travel Guide. 

Adelaide is blessed with no less than nine wine regions within just a few hours drive. (Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Eden Valley, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Southern Fleurieu, Currency Creek, Langhorne Creek, Kangaroo Island), and 18 wine regions in the state.

The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly McLaren Vale.

Known as “the Mediterranean of the South” – and by me as Paradise – it is indeed a gem. 

 

 

This McLaren Vale Like A Local Travel Guide covers:

• Location
• The Vibe
• Restaurants
• Cafes
• Bars
• Cellar Doors
• Breweries
• Accommodation
• Attractions

All here in the one place!

 

Location

40 minutes south of Adelaide.

20 minutes from the Adelaide Hills

30 minutes to Cape Jervis, gateway to Kangaroo Island.

 

Vibe

Collaborative, country towns linked by vineyards, the hills of the Mt Lofty Ranges, and the sparkling ocean in the Gulf of St Vincents.

Premium food and wine with a rustic feel.

 

Restaurants

These are a few of my favourite eateries. Some are well known, some are off the beaten track, all have been tried and tested (tough job, I know!) by yours truly. 

The links below are to my full reviews of each. Plan your eating around these!

 

  Au Pear – French country chic with a lovely courtyard, BYO & new function barn, between McLaren Vale and Willunga. 

 

 

 

 

 

Star of Greece – Seafood and a finely curated wine list (with BYO!) perched on the cliffs above Port Willunga Beach. Map Reference: Star of Greece

 

 

 

 

 

 Victory Hotel – Owned by winemakers, and full of them. Famed for it’s view of the coast, and the wine cellar, plus the food! Map Reference: Victory Hotel 

 

 

 

 

  Salopian Inn – known equally for it’s 200+ gin collection and it’s modern food, cycle here on the Shiraz Trail. Map Reference: The Salopian Inn 

 

 

 

 

 FINO – in a charming heritage cottage in Willunga, FINO showcases finest local produce. Map Reference: Fino Restaurant 

 

 

 

 

 

 Russell’s Pizza – rustic, eat with your fingers, divine wood fired pizza. Don’t miss the entrees. BYO and all you can eat. Ripper.  Map Reference: Russell’s Pizza 

 

 

 

 

Leonard’s Mill – further south at Second Valley, stunning food in unpretentious heritage surrounds. Stay onsite too & don’t miss Second Valley Beach made of slate. Map Reference: Leonards Mill 

 

 

 

 

 Middle Pub – in Willunga. Known for it’s schnitzels (the aptly named Ring Burner) always a great vegetarian option that you can have from the main menu in the restaurant or bar areas. Map Reference: Willunga Hotel 

 

 

 

 

 Altar Bistro – gorgeous coffee & cakes, lovely meals. Don’t miss the Choc – Hazelnut Delice. Map Reference: Altar Bistro 

 

 

 

 

 

  Luscious Red at Waywood Wines – Tasty tapas at the cellar door for WayWood Wines Cellar Door (map reference).

 

 

 

 

• Our Place – Review coming soon
• Sunningdale Farm Kitchen – Review coming soon

 

Cafe’s

These are a few of my favourite cafes. Some are well known, some are off the beaten track, all have been tried and tested (tough job, I know!) by yours truly. 

The links below are to my full reviews of each. Plan your coffee breaks around these!

 

Altar Bistro: Lovely coffee and cake – especially the Choc-Hazelnut Delice

 

 

 

 

 

 Home Grain Bakery – coffee barista’s have been trained by Rebecca at From Humble Grounds. Wonderful pies, don’t miss the vegan vanilla slice! Map Reference: Home Grain Bakery

 

 

 

Coming Soon: Reviews of –

• La Terre
• Three Monkeys
• Green Room
• From Humble Grounds
• Golden Fleece Cafe
• The Cupcake Boutique

 

Bars

Here are a few of my favourite bars and pubs. Some are well known, some are off the beaten track, all have been tried and tested (tough job, I know!) by yours truly. 

The links below are to my full reviews of each. Plan your sun-downers around these!

 

Middle Pub – in Willunga. There are always some great local brews on tap, a friendly atmosphere, variety of seating options including overlooking the main street of Willunga. 

 

 

 

 

Victory Hotel – Owned by winemakers, and full of them. Great choices by the glass, or take a trip to the must-see wine cellar and pick your own bottle. Nice local beers are also on tap as well as cider. 

 

 

 

 

Cellar Doors

You can’t visit a wine region and not visit wineries! These are a few of my favourites. Some are well known, some are off the beaten track, all have been tried and tested (tough job, I know!) by yours truly. 

The links below are to my full reviews of each. Plan your wine tasting around these!

 

 

  Bekkers Wine – Stunning new architecture with premium wines. $10 tasting fee totally worth it. Map Reference: Bekkers Wine

 

 

 

 

 Beach Road Wines – Stunning views over the vines to the Mt Lofty Ranges. Range of alternate varietals, including the first Australian wine served in Jamies Italian restaurants in Australia. Map Reference: Beach Road Wines

 

 

 

 

 Waywood Wines – Great range of alternate & classic Vale varieties and tapas made from fresh local produce.

 

 

 

 

 

Maximus Wines – Alternate and classic Vale varieties as well as gin and platters on the deck. Map Reference: Maximus Wines Australia

 

 

 

 

  S.C Pannell – Stunning award winning wines, beautiful views, great tapas – don’t miss it. Map Reference: S.C. Pannell

 

 

 

 

 

Primo Estate – Italian varietals, lovely district views, sit down Joseph Experience tasting & gorgeous olive oil. Stunning architecture. Map Reference: Primo Estate Winery

 

 

 

 

  Dowie Doole – Lovely Chenin Blanc, regional platters, and petanque on the lawns. Map Reference: Dowie Doole

 

 

 

 

 

  Hither & Yon – Great labels, cute Willunga cellar door with sit down tasting of alternative varietals. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Cradle of Hills – Artisan, small batch family winery with great French inspired varieties.Map Reference:  cradle of hills wines

 

 

 

 

  NOON – Cult winery with huge quality (& following) and great value, open 3 weekends a year in November. Map Reference: Noon Winery

 

 

 

Coming Soon: Reviews of –

Olivers Taranga

McLaren Vale Winemakers

 

Breweries

All winemakers love beer. 

These are a few of my favourite breweries to visit. Some are well known, some are off the beaten track, all have been tried and tested (tough job, I know!) by yours truly. 

The links below are to my full reviews of each. Plan your refreshing brews around these!

 

 

  Smiling Samoyed Brewery – Fantastic microbrews in lovely surrounds on the banks of the Myponga Reservoir.

 

 

 

Coming Soon: Reviews of –

• Goodiesons

 

Accommodation

Rest and recharge at some of the fine accommodation in the Vale. 

These are a few of my favourites. Some are well known, some are off the beaten track, all have been tried and tested (tough job, I know!) by yours truly. 

The links below are to my full reviews of each. Plan your nights around these!

 

Coming Soon: Reviews of –

• Leonard’s Mill

 

Attractions

Between wining and dining there is ever more to discover. 

These are a few of my favourite activities. Some are well known, some are off the beaten track, all have been tried and tested (tough job, I know!) by yours truly. 

The links below are to my full reviews of each. Plan your adventures around these!

 

 Fleurieu Cherries – Pick your own delicious sweet eating cherries in Summertime. Fun & quick. Stay for ice cream.

 

 

 

 

Coming Soon: Reviews of –

• Shiraz Trail
• Willunga Farmers Market
• Port Willunga Beach
• Aldinga

 

 

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