McLaren Vale - Vineyards and Cellar Doors
Vineyards at McLaren Vale on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia [©South Australian Tourism Commission]
McLaren Vale wine-growing has little of the large scale production that is typically seen in Adelaide's northerly neighbour, the Barossa Valley. On the whole, it encompasses a mix of small and medium-sized companies, with some that grow grapes for others as well as for their own range of premium wines.
In 2007, McLaren Vale’s total vineyard area amounted to 6249ha of vines. That’s 60 percent of the planted area of the Barossa.
Along with the Barossa, McLaren Vale vineyards have some of the world’s oldest collections of shiraz vines, thanks to the absence of the vine-killing bug called phylloxera that decimated France’s Rhone Valley in the 19th century.
Not surprisingly, therefore, the region is famous for its well-structured reds - and stylish chardonnays. Roughly 80 percent of McLaren Vale’s total vineyard area is planted to red wine varieties. Shiraz accounts for almost 50 percent of its vines. Next comes cabernet sauvignon in order of planted area, then chardonnay, grenache and merlot.
In days gone by, fortified wines – known colloquially as sherry, tawny port and vintage port – played an important role in meeting the demands of local and international wine markets. Relatively recent changes in domestic wine consumption have seen that decline, and of course the names themselves will soon disappear from Australian parlance.
And while ‘new wave’ varieties like viognier, sangiovese and tempranillo account for little in terms of vine numbers, many show considerable promise for the future.
McLaren Vale provides a home for many of Australia’s best known producers of premium red wines. Hardys, d’Arenberg, and Pirramimma lead the way among the region’s longest established names. Highly-regarded recent arrivals are in relative abundance, with Chapel Hill, Clarendon Hills, Gemtree, Geoff Merrill, Mitolo, Mr Riggs, SC Pannell, and Wirra Wirra likely to be among the shortlist of favourites among critics and wine judges.
The main threat to the region is encroaching urbanisation, combined with recent droughts and reduced ground water from its suburban surrounds. This is far too important a wine region to Australia to see choked by tile and asphalt. It's less than an hour from Adelaide and should be a must-visit for every foodie and wine lover visiting South Australia. You can cram a good sample into a day, but better still, stretch out this itinerary and make a weekend of it »
Regions
- Fleurieu Peninsula (SA)
- Fleurieu (including Kangaroo Island) (SA)
- McLaren Vale (SA)
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MEMBER BENEFIT: Producers of McLaren Vale invite you to get a group together and enjoy an exclusive private Seasonal Workshop »
MEMBER BENEFIT: Producers of McLaren Vale invite you to hone your palate and try your hand at making your own McLaren Vale blend »
MEMBER BENEFIT: Producers of McLaren Vale invite you to enjoy a private hosted food and wine sensory exploration of the local produce »
MEMBER BENEFIT: Producers of McLaren Vale invite you to enjoy a private hosted tasting of selected small batch single vineyard barrel samples with the winemaker »
MEMBER BENEFIT: Visit Penny's Hil and Mr. Riggs Cellars S and as Members you'll enjoy fifteen per cent off on your purchases »
MEMBER BENEFIT: Stay two nights at the 'Ingleburne' Homestead, a two storey, Georgian style stone house and as Members you'll enjoy fifteen per cent off your bill »
MEMBER BENEFIT: Visit Wirra Wirra's cellar door in McLaren Vale and receive a generous 20 per cent discount and free freight Australia wide »
With so many regions to choose from, it is difficult to know where to go and what to try. Perhaps our top 12 regions guide will assist you »
Be warned, surrounded by stunning beaches and packed full of award winning wineries, galleries, restaurants and one of the best Farmer’s Markets around, a weekend ... stretch into a week »
New wine names seem to be popping up everywhere, thanks in part to the EU's language police. But every cloud has a silver lining, and new (trademark protected) names ... Cadenzia are taking off. What is it? Find out on the Cadenzia trail »
Vineyards and wineries dot South Australia's arcadian Fleurieu Peninsula as it stretches south from Adelaide to the Murray's mouth. Here vignerons rub shoulders ... Discover this generously endowed part of the continent »
Maxwell Wines in McLaren Vale may have a reputation for premium reds, but its brewing origins lie in mead. And the award winning nectar is under threat from a honeybee disorder sweeping the world.
Learn more about wine production in the McLaren Vale region.
How can one wine region play host to such a diverse range of seemingly endless contrasts? Just 35 minutes south of Adelaide the region boasts sun-kissed sands and ... traditional Aussie shiraz and hearty grenache and savoury Mediterranean wines made from sangiovese, nebbiolo and barbera.
Location is no limitation for winemakers that want to make the best wines they possibly can. Adelaide based winemaker Jonathon Hesketh is proving that by sourcing fruit from all over the world for the Hesketh Wine Company releases.
Explore the vineyards and cellar doors of the McLaren Vale wine region.
Willunga Creek Wines is situated on South Australia's McLaren Vale region and is a family-owned producer of superior quality, hand-crafted wines. read more
Albacore VintnersAlbacore Vintners is based in McLaren Vale, in the Fleurieu wine region of South Australia. Albacore Vintners is a privately owned, global wine agency supplying ... read more
Starve Dog LaneStarve Dog Lane Winery is situated in Reynella, on the famous Fleurieu Peninsula amongst the Adelaide Hills, iconic wine growing district, South Eastern Australia. read more
Blackbilly WinesBlackbilly wine is produced from the rich vineyards of the famous McLaren Vale district of South Australia. Blackbilly's aim is to produce wines that have richness, ... read more
SC PannellStephen and Fiona Pannell produce wines from two vineyards in McLaren Vale and from the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, which are enjoyed in Australia and exported ... read more
Rudderless WinesRudderless Wines is the creation of wine expert and publican, Doug Govan. Doug's long time passion for excellent wines and the careful development of premium vineyards ... read more
Zerella VineyardsZerella Vineyards are located in McLaren Vale, Fleurieu Peninsula,South Australia. read more
Trott R G & R TR G & R T Trott run a vineyard in McLaren Vale, Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia. read more
Tiers WineTiers Wine is located in McLaren Vale, South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. read more
Ryecroft WeighbridgeRyecroft Weighbridge vineyard is located in McLaren Flat, in the McLaren Vale wine area of South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. read more
Redheads StudioRedheads Studio is located in McLaren Flat, in the McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. read more
Pieri WinesPieri Wines is located in McLaren Flat in the McLaren Vale wine area, South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. read more
Bolte PeterPeter Bolte runs a vineyard in McLaren Vale, South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. read more
McLaren Vale EstateMcLaren Vale Estate is located in the McLaren Vale, on the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia. read more
Luong Rice WineryLuong Rice Winery is located in McLaren Vale, in South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. read more
Loom WineLoom Wine is located in McLaren Vale, in the South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. read more
Stevens G R & M AG R & M A Stevens run a vineyard in McLaren Vale, South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. read more
Conte EstateConte Estate is located in McLaren Vale, in South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. Steve Conte purchased one of his father's vineyards at age 21. read more
Cambrai Vineyards WineryCambrai Vineyards Winery is located on Kangarilla Rd in McLaren Vale, in the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia.Visit them also on Hamiltons Rd in McLaren Flat. read more
Budich C E & J IC E & J I Budich run a vineyard in the McLaren Vale of South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. read more
McLarenwinesMcLarenwines are located in the McLaren Valen of South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. read more
Beltunga EstateBeltunga Estate, as a family-owned vineyard since 1847, is situated at McLaren Vale, South Australia Fleurieu Peninsula in the original hamlet of Beltunga. read more
Lloyd Brothers WineLloyd Brothers Wine is located in the McLaren Vale of South Australia Fleurieu Peninsula. With vineyards and orchards spread across the world famous McLaren Vale ... read more
Seaview WinerySeaview Wines in McLaren Vale, South Australia, was established in 1850 and specialises in red and white table wines and sparkling wines derived from cabernet sauvignon, ... read more
Producers of McLaren Vale (wine)
Producers of McLaren Vale offers great hospitality in a beautiful location. Producers' property has 32 hectares of vines, olive groves, orchards, and native flora ... read more
Thorpe Wines proprietor, Nicole Thorpe, purchased 20 acres of land on Malpas Road in South Australia's beautiful McLaren Vale in 1996.he property had a house and ... read more
Samuel's GorgeAt Samuel's Gorge winemaker Justin McNamee is looking to collate the tools and experience that he has gathered over the years to craft wines with focus, specialising ... read more
Parri EstateParri Estate has 2 main vineyard areas - one in the McLaren Vale region of the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia, the other further south at Mt Compass near ... read more
Magpie SpringsLinda Domas WinesLinda Domas wines is located in Moana in the McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia. It was established by Linda and Markus Domas in 2002. read more
Griffin WinesGilliganGilligan is a small, family owned vineyard and winery located near Willunga in the McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia. They have a passion for sustainable ... read more
Five GeeseOn Sue Trott's Blewitt Springs vineyard in McLaren Vale, five wild geese have lived for many years, foraging for feed between the rows of vines. read more
Brick KilnBrick Kiln formerly the Nine Gums Vineyard is on Almond Grove Road, just over the Brick-Kiln Bridge nestled under the rolling Willunga hills. read more
Braydun Hill VineyardBraydun Hill Vineyard is an 8ha property next to the Onkaparinga Gorge National Park, with spectacular views overlooking South Australia's McLaren Vale to the south ... read more
Battle of Bosworth / Edgehill VineyardsLocated in Willunga, to the south of the McLaren Vale township, Edgehill Vineyard was established in the early 1970's by Peter and Anthea Bosworth. read more
Aramis VineyardsThe Aramis vineyards in Richmond, McLaren Vale are planted on their own rootstock in some of the world's oldest mineral rich soils and in the most temperate of Mediterranean ... read more
AmicusAmicus, the venture of three friends: Amanda Vanstone, Robert Hill and Walter Clappis, is based in McLaren Vale, one of South Australia's leading wine districts. read more
Marquis PhillipsTanami Red WinesMerrivale WinesManning Park WinesWaverly Park WinesStump Hill VineyardBrewery Hill WineryYunbar EstateWayne Thomas WinesUlithorneUlithorne is located in the town of Middleton in the McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia. In the late 1830's, the land was granted by the South Australian ... read more
Twelve StavesTorresan EstateTorresan Estate can be found on Martins Road in McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia. The Torresan family began making and bottling wine at their Happy Valley ... read more
III AssociatesIII Associates source their grapes from McLaren Vale vineyards owned by the three associates that the company gets its name from. III Associates believe that the ... read more
Tapestry WinesSituated right in the heart of South Australias premier wine region of McLaren Vale, Tapestry's rich ironstone soils and cool coastal climate provide ideal conditions ... read more
Sylvan SpringsLocated in McLaren Vale, South Australia, Sylvan Springs is a proud boutique wine producer, with a definite emphasis on quality as opposed to quantity. read more
Shingleback WinesShingleback is a family-owned wine estate handcrafting rich, fruit-forward Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Rosé and Grenache from South Australia's premier ... read more
Settlement Wine Co., TheSerafino WinesSerafino Wines is a state of the art boutique winery with accommodation, operated by the Maglieri family in the McLaren Vale, South Australia. read more
Leconfield - the Home of Richard Hamilton WinesLeconfield is a remarkable family wine business owned by Dr Richard Hamilton and his wife Jette. It encompasses two of South Australia's leading wine labels, both ... read more
Potters Clay VineyardsPotters Clay Vineyards can be found the McLaren Vale town of Willunga, South Australia. The entire range of Potters Clay Vineyards wines are proudly 100% made by ... read more
Paxton WinesPaxton Wines have been produced in South Australia's McLaren Vale for over 40 years. Paxton's vineyards are located in Sand Rd, Old Coach Rd, Olivers Rd, Seaview ... read more
Oliver's Taranga VineyardsOliver's Taranga Vineyard is located 2 km north of McLaren Vale overlooking the township. In 1839 William and Elizabeth Oliver travelled to South Australia from ... read more
Noon WineryNoon Winery is a small family owned Mc Laren Vale business making red wine only, concentrating on full-bodied styles with minimal processing. read more
Needham Estate WinesNeedham Estate wines is located in Maslin Beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia. read more
Marius WinesThe Marius vineyards looks across the Willunga basin and out to the Gulf of St. Vincent in the McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia.They are ideally positioned ... read more
Laughing FrogKoltzKoltz wines in McLaren Vale, South Australia is a very small producer of hand crafted wines, made to traditional methods, fermented in open vats, basket pressed ... read more
Kimber WinesYangarra Estate VineyardYangarra wines are grown on their single-vineyard Estate in the Blewitt Springs sub region of McLaren Vale, South Australia, with 250 acres of vines in 35 individual ... read more
Hugh Hamilton WinesHugh Hamilton Wines in McLaren Vale, South Australia, are on a quest for individuality and quality in their vineyards. All their wines come from their own vineyards ... read more
Horndale WineryEstablished in 1896, Horndale Distillery & Wine Cellars is one of the oldest working vineyards/wineries in the Adelaide region, located in the southern Adelaide ... read more
Hawkers GateHastwell and LightfootHastwell and Lightfoot in McLaren Vale in South Australia is a partnership of old friends Mark and Wendy Hastwell and Martin and Jill Lightfoot. read more
Haselgrove VigneronsHamlynn WinesHalifaxHallifax Wines is located in the cooler and higher south eastern corner of McLaren Vale some 40 kilometres south of Adelaide, Halifax Vineyard lies 9 kilometres ... read more
Grancari Estate WinesThe origins of the small, organic winery Grancari Estate Wines, situated in Onkaparinga Hills, McLaren Vale, South Australia, dates back to the early 1940s, when ... read more
Geoff Hardy WinesGenders McLaren Park WinesGenders McLaren Park Wines is a family owned vineyard and winery located in McLaren Vale, South Australia. They produce unique parcels of premium quality wines under ... read more
Gemtree VineyardsGemtree Vineyards is owned and run by third generation grapegrowers, the Buttery Family. The family is dedicated to producing iconic wines of the highest quality ... read more
Foggo WinesFoggo Wines is a small family-owned winery and cellar door making fine wine from some of the oldest vines in the South Australian McLaren Vale region. read more
Elliot Lynbrook VineyardDogridge VineyardDogRidge is located at the base of The Southern Mount Lofty Ranges over looking the beautiful McLaren Vale wine region. This premium South Australian wine-growing ... read more
DiFabio EstateDiFabio Estates Wines is a family owned and operated business situated in the heart of the famous McLaren Vale wine producing area of South Australia. read more
Classic McLaren Wines (Hattrick, La Testa, Quarryman)Classic McLaren Winery is the home of La Testa, Hattrick,Quarryman and Classic McLaren wines. These powerful, fruit-driven McLaren Vale wines are matured in French ... read more
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