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Gemtree Wines
(Winery in McLaren Vale)

5 (3 Reviews)
Provides 2 wine tastings and winery visit from €102.87
Gemtree is a family-owned winery dedicated to producing exceptional wines through organic and biodynamic farming. With 306 acres of certified organic vineyards in McLaren Vale, the Gemtree family views themselves as stewards of the land, believing that sustainability is simply the right thing to do. Visitors can experience this firsthand at their sustainably built Cellar Door, offering breathtaking views and access to the Biodynamic Hut for an interactive understanding of their farming practices, as well as the 1 km Ecotrail through regenerated natural bushland.
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D'Arenberg
(Winery in McLaren Vale)

Provides 3 wine tastings and winery visit from €190.61
D'Arenberg, located in McLaren Vale, Australia, is a winery that combines tradition and environmental consciousness in its wine production. Established in 1912, it remains family-owned, known for minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery, and commitment to organic and biodynamic practices. d'Arenberg vineyards are NASAA Certified, promoting healthy root systems and sustainable farming. This dedication to natural processes allows the winery to produce wines with strong tannin structures, vibrant soil character, and excellent acidity, making it a sought-after destination for wine enthusiasts.
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Hastwell & Lightfoot Cellar Door
(Winery in McLaren Vale)

5 (1 Review)
Provides 1 wine tasting and winery visit from €21.78
Hastwell & Lightfoot is a family-owned, boutique winery located in McLaren Vale, recognized as one of the region’s most exciting and innovative winegrowers. Since its founding in 1988, the winery has been pushing the boundaries of winemaking under the leadership of the second generation, James Hastwell (winemaker) and Kishan Sidhu (general manager). With 40 acres of vineyards and 4 acres of olive groves, the winery is certified sustainable. In addition to producing McLaren Vale classics like Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache, Hastwell & Lightfoot has been a pioneer in crafting wines from Spanish and Italian grape varieties such as Fiano, Vermentino, Tempranillo, and Barbera. The winery is known for its small-batch production, with a focus on bright, fruit-forward wines with lively acidity, smooth tannins, and careful use of oak, creating fresh, vibrant wines that pair well with food. Hastwell & Lightfoot offers a range of experiences, from tastings by the fire in winter to relaxed lunches and group tours, and is also dog-friendly, making it a welcoming destination for all.
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Wirra Wirra
(Winery in McLaren Vale)

Provides 1 wine tasting and winery visit from €142.20
As its aboriginal name infers, Wirra Wirra is nestled “amongst the gums” in McLaren Vale, South Australia - a picturesque ironstone winery with over 100 years of history. From the call of the towering Angelus bell atop the winery to the massive timber fence known as “Woodhenge”, Wirra Wirra offers a unique and memorable winery experience. Best known for its famous red “Church Block” blend, Chief Winemaker, Emma Wood and her team deliver rich, textured McLaren Vale reds and stunning cool climate whites from the Adelaide Hills. Wirra Wirra offers visitors a multitude of experiences, from its award-winning Cellar Door where wine flights are available for tasting, to Harry’s Deli, a providore style café that mixes the very best of South Australian produce with Wirra Wirra’s exceptional wine list, plus a selection of five behind the scenes experiences that allow visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the historic old cellars at Wirra Wirra. With all this on offer, it’s no wonder that Wirra Wirra Vineyards has been selected as a James Halliday 5-Star winery and has been awarded Star Cellar Door by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine.

More information on McLaren Vale

If you’re on the hunt for an exciting wine tasting or an unforgettable wine tour in the surroundings of Adelaide, then the McLaren Vale wine area might be just what you’re looking for. Considered the cradle of South Australia's wine industry, McLaren Vale is located south of Adelaide, on the gentle slopes that stretch between the Mount Lofty Ranges to the east to the gulf of St. Vincent to the west.

During your time in McLaren Vale, you will be able to choose the wine tasting experiences that best suit you, with over 80 wineries spread across its territory. Thanks to the cooling ocean breezes, the McLaren Vale territory enjoys a cool Mediterranean climate, allowing the production of its signature dry white wines and elegant reds, especially made from Shiraz, renowned for their velvety texture and intense flavors.

Which food to taste in McLaren Vale?

McLaren Vale doesn't only boast several wineries that you can visit for a special wine tasting. Thanks to its vicinity to the sea and abundance of cellar doors, McLaren Vale is a melting pot for culinary delicacies. While in the area, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a number of premium dining spots, hatted restaurants, artisanal cheese shops, and farmers' markets to savor the best local products.

Which wines to taste in McLaren Vale?

The star of your wine tastings in McLaren Vale will be Shiraz wines, with the Shiraz variety accounting for roughly half of the total production in the vale. Other widespread black grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Mourvedre, often blended together to obtain GSM wines. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are instead the most common white grape varieties. Additional European varieties like Tempranillo, Vermentino, and Sangiovese grow prosperously in the area.

Which is the best season to visit McLaren Vale?

The best moment of the year to organize wine tastings, winery visits, and cellar door tours in McLaren Vale is from spring to autumn, between October and April when the precipitations are fewer and the days are longer.

What things to do in McLaren Vale?

The area of McLaren Vale offers a wide range of activities that will please every wine lover, from wine tastings in unique settings to visits to world-famous wineries and tailored wine tours. Some of the activities we recommend doing in the area include cycling along the Shiraz Trail, strolling around the Willunga Farmers Market, watching the sunset over Port Willunga beach, or visiting one of the ongoing art exhibitions in the area.