Mclaren Vale is a region entrenched with history, fine wine and food. Nestled in the gateway to the breathtaking Fleurieu Peninsula, McLaren Vale is a must for all lovers of wine and natural beauty.
Entering the region, you are met with a panorama of undulating vineyards that trail to the azure waters of the Gulf of Saint Vincent. The Mount Lofty Ranges and the Sellicks Hill Range frame the region and its ancient soils offer a patchwork of colours throughout the year.
The natural beauty, historic towns and churches really does make you wonder if you have stumbled into God’s own country.
Apart from natural beauty, Mclaren Vale offers a diverse range of things to do and see, and I would recommend the following:
Restaurants
FINO, Hill Street, Willunga,
Located in an early settler’s cottage in Willunga, Fino adds a touch of rural Mediterranean charm to picturesque McLaren Vale. The food is reliably great and changes with the seasonal produce drawn from the region. The variety of dishes means degustation is often the way to go - think slim pork-and-fennel sausages in herbs and white wine, baby goat cutlets in chicory and witlof, Goolwa cockles and Coorong red mullet.
THE SALOPIAN INN, McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale,
An award-winning restaurant located on the outskirts of McLaren Vale, housed in a slate-floored, stone building dating back to 1851. It has been a mainstay for winemakers and grapegrowers for generations. The produce is mostly drawn from the local region and the atmosphere is intimate and relaxed.
THE BARN BISTRO, corner Chalk Hill Road, McLaren Vale,
The Barn restaurant is set in a restored 1840’s coach way station and has been an institution since the early 70’s. There is a broad range of local wines, and new owners Ben and Bev Vandaleur are now serving both an a la Carte and Tapas menus.
Pubs & Hotels
VICTORY HOTEL, Main South Road, Sellicks Beach,
Great views over the Gulf Saint Vincent this 1850’s watering hole houses one of the best cellars in the nation. The atmosphere is relaxed and offers reasonably priced dining in the restaurant and offsite accommodation. Make sure you ask Doug (the owner) for a tour of the two private rooms in the cellars.
Breakfast and Café's
MARKET 190, 190 Main Road, McLaren Vale,
The perfect location to browse the morning paper whilst enjoying a coffee before work, breakfast with the in laws or a light lunch with the girls. The venue also stocks a wide range of local produce such as cheese, jams, breads and cakes. It also has a range of local wines by the glass.
BLESSED CHEESE 150 Main Road, McLaren Vale,
Also on the main drag of McLaren Vale, Blessed Cheese has great quick meals and a small providore with local and imported cheeses. They are also the staging point of the local wine and cheese trail - www.cheeseandwinetrails.com.au/
THE HUNDRED EAVES, Sellicks Beach Road, Sellicks Beach,
This café is located in an old church built in 1862. A true country experience surrounded by paddocks, an almond orchard, free range animals and organic veggie gardens. Australian bush food flavours are present in most dishes making dining out at this venue a truly unique and Aussie experience.
Essential Experiences
Make sure you visit the Willunga Farmer’s Market held every Saturday from 8am-12:30pm at the Willunga Town Square. This delightful village market offers an array of authentic and locally produced food and goods.
Take a helicopter ride and soak up the scenery of the majestic Mount Lofty Ranges through to the golden beaches of the South Coast or view Mclaren Vale’s vineyards in a truly unique experience. Click here for more information.
Join a tour group and see the Vale by bus, bicycle, horse, limo, foot or even by Harley. Visit cellar doors in the area, learn about the regions history and browse through the quaint local shops in the village. Visit the tourism information of McLaren Vale for more information.
Accommodation
There is too much to see in a day and we therefore recommended that you spend a few nights. A variety of accommodation types are available which include hotels, bed and breakfasts, camping and self-catering options. Visit the tourism information website for more details. Click here for more information.
