MCLAREN VALE UNVEILED

Stunning landscapes, private luxury, and McLaren Vale's finest food and wine from $3899 pp twin share

You’re invited to embark on a journey full of local flavours, showcasing the best of the McLaren wine region. This culinary discovery will connect you to the makers, growers and passionate owners of South Australia’s food scene. 

The region is ideal for grape growing. The climate varies according to proximity to the cooling influence of the nearby ocean, which means that different varieties do well in different locations.
As well as exceptional wine, the region is know for its produce, which is on offer at its 110 wineries and 65 cellar doors, five-star retreats, quirky cafés and funky art galleries.
McLaren Vale is one of Australia’s greenest wine regions because of its ongoing water use efficiency strategies and commitment to environmental sustainability.

Day 1:
Luxury transfers in Land Rover Discovery from / to Adelaide Airport or Keswick Rail Station.

Arrive for two nights accommodation at The Vineyard Retreat – McLaren Vale, a peaceful and stylish working vineyard enjoying commanding views over the region; especially from the hilltop Jacuzzi. Your fully stocked guesthouse allows you to immediately relax completely. Start your experience at the region’s most iconic Gastro Pub, the Victory Hotel with a three course dinner and local wine, matched by owner and wine afficionado Doug Govan.

Day 2:
Visit Onkaparinga Gorge to see indigenous history, native animals and geology that dates back 600 million years. A favourite with locals, get blown away by the natural beauty of this ancient gorge, and trace the links of McLaren Vale’s ancient geology into its modern day vineyards.

Wirra Wirra Flagship Experience – Run your hands along the walls of one of Australia’s most iconic wineries. Stroll Wirra Wirra’s historic ironstone cellars & barrel room, ring the Angelus Bell – which, every year, calls the entire region to order and marks the new vintage – exquisitely wrapped up with a private tasting of Wirra Wirra’s very best wines combined with a tasting plate of local produce, all in the hallowed confines of Greg Trott’s Original Cellar Door. This stunning experience unveils the famous stories of Wirra Wirra’s owners, showcases some of McLaren Vale’s oldest and most revered vineyards, and gives you a unique insight into the barrel ageing of Wirra Wirra’s flagship wines.

The Salopian Inn – Named in Tasting Australia’s Top Australian Restaurants, enjoy a lunch of modern regional cuisine served in a charming 1850’s homestead and completed by expansive vineyard views and roaring winter fires. Chef Karena Armstrong’s menu focuses on their own Kitchen Garden with support from various local Farmers.

Gemtree Wines – Visit one of the most famous biodynamic estates in South Australia. Enjoy a guided interactive tour of the Biodynamic Hut, vineyard walk and a structured tasting of biodynamic wines, including back vintages.

Silver Sands Beach – Drive this famous strip of pristine beach taking in majestic views of the Fleurieu coastline and spectacular biodiversity.

WildCoast BBQ – Take a scenic helicopter ride to the ultimate Fleurieu lookout, where you‘ll experience a sunset dinner at the farm of Coast & Co. owner Simon Burley. Built high on a hill with views across the Gulf of St. Vincent to Kangaroo Island, enjoy a stunning BBQ with wine from Simon’s private collection.

Day 3:
Visit Red Poles Restaurant & Art Gallery for breakfast in a stunning native Australian garden, surrounded by vineyards. After breakfast take a private tour of the Indigenous Art Gallery with local Kolkatha woman and artist in residence, Micky Barlow. Hear Micky’s stories and view some of the region’s most famous indigenous art work.

Get ready for a day of hedonistic pleasure at the avant-guarde, Rubik’s Cube inspired, d‘Arenberg Cube. d’Arenberg is a founding member of Australia’s First Families of Wine and the flamboyant five-story Cube complex erupts from the ground in the heart of its original McLaren Vale vineyard. Enjoy a full day immersion, including tour and private varietal masterclass, followed by an 11 course degustation with matched wine at The Cube Restaurant.

Images © Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia used with permission

Over the next few months I will aim to get a catalog of Vine Experiences online for you to look through.

Ed is accredited with Tourism Australia and has direct contacts for the best experiences in our own back yard.