MCLAREN VALE S IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES Welcome to McLaren Vale, Australia. Our wine region is home to sustainable winegrowing, world-class wines and culinary experiences, as well as pristine natural attractions and unparalleled tourism offerings. Whether guests are visiting for a quick day-trip or staying for the whole week, our immersive and authentically McLaren Vale experiences showcase our region s diverse offering, transforming each visitor into a regional ambassador for life. Our immersive experiences are tailored to our six tagline experiences, synonymous with brand McLaren Vale: Wine Food Beaches Markets Trails Art The following list of 12 example experiences is not exhaustive and can be tailored to suit varying interests of the visiting groups and their studies, buying categories, channels of business or market.
WINE McLaren Vale has produced wine since 1838. With more than 170 years of experience, our region s reputation is strongly established in South Australia s and Australia s winemaking origins. Today, our region remains Phylloxera free and is known for innovative viticultural and winemaking techniques and an international reputation for producing the trilogy of Australian reds: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. McLaren Vale is also home to a significant number of boutique brewers and passionate distillers and our region s reputation for premium food and wine experiences continues to grow.
WINE EXPERIENCE 1 REGIONAL OVERVIEW TASTING Sample a selection of our region s renowned varietals and savour the heritage, winemaking traditions and up-and-coming movers and shakers a comprehensive introduction to McLaren Vale wine. This experience can be paired with a seated or cocktail dining element, as well as an interactive speed dating concept to mix the group with the attending producers. 1-20 1.5+ hours Light Minimal Can be included A showcase of the region s winemaking diversity across multiple varietals and brands
WINE EXPERIENCE 2 ORGANIC AND BIODYNAMIC VITICULTURE AND WINEMAKING A number of our region s producers are proudly organic and bio-dynamically certified. This visitation experience involves an introduction to their individual businesses and why their sustainable practices are important to our region, consumers and greater wine industry. Vineyard walking tours are often involved and sturdy footwear is recommended. 1-20 1 hour per brand, per site Moderate, walking required dependent on time available and proximity Can be included. Picnics are a big hit. Cow horns and creepy crawlies!
WINE EXPERIENCE 3 VARIETAL TASTING McLaren Vale has long held a reputation for producing premium, full bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Grenache. Our region also excels in the production of alternative varieties including Tempranillo, Barbera, Fiano and Roussanne thanks to McLaren Vale s Mediterranean Climate. This experience can be tailored to suit any McLaren Vale varietal of interest and can be further explored through the below themes; Wine through the Ages vintages over the years The New Breed wines and styles beyond 2000 Museum wines a taste of heritage and tradition Trophy winning / highly awarded wines 95 points+ 1-20 1 hour per brand, per site Light Can be followed by dinner Circulate, network and taste them all!
FOOD The unique marriage of a premier wine region and beach lifestyle has created a melting pot for all things culinary, vinous and artistic in McLaren Vale. A number of world-class chefs choose to live and work in our region, with local producers and premium dining spots enjoying fertile soils and fresh ingredients that help maintain McLaren Vale s position as one of Australia s premier food and wine regions.
FOOD EXPERIENCE 1 WINE VARIETAL AND FOOD PAIRING With an incredible offering of starred restaurants, regional produce and a collaborative relationship between our region s wine brands and talented chef teams, the opportunity to dine amongst the vines with cuisine perfectly matched to your preferred drop is unparalleled. 1-20 1-2 hours Light Moderate dependent on site dependent on time available and proximity Multiple-course degustation or vineyard picnic - you decide! Every mouthful and every sip a sensory experience of our region
FOOD EXPERIENCE 2 THE COASTAL CATCH Roll up the trousers and bury your toes in the sand, this coastal experience is like no other! McLaren Vale s most notable point of difference to any other Australian wine region is our proximity to the pristine coastline of the Fleurieu, it s the ultimate welcome to our special part of the world. Climb aboard one of our local s boats and head offshore to catch some lunch ready to cook and enjoy back on the sand with some incredible varietals that are perfectly matched to seafood! 1-12 2-3 hours Light dependent on time available beach picnic with a BBQ If you catch it, you clean it
FOOD EXPERIENCE 3 KITCHEN CONNOISSEURS Many of our region s talented chefs are local to the region, sourcing their ingredients from the Willunga Farmer s Market as well as growing their very own produce on premise or within our region. Take a tasty lesson from the very best of McLaren Vale s foodie celebrities with an intimate cooking class. Kitchen creations are enjoyed with a selection of McLaren Vale s expertly matched wines. 5-10 2-3 hours Light One lead chef, multiple brands for provision of matched wines Tricks of the trade you can show your friends!
BEACHES McLaren Vale is lucky to enjoy sprawling stretches of sandy beaches that neighbor many of our region s coastal vineyards. Experience sparkling clean Mediterranean temperature waters, soft golden sand between your toes and share a toast to some of the best beach sunsets you can experience.
BEACHES EXPERIENCE 1 BALANCE IN THE BOTTLE, BALANCE ON THE BOARD Port Willunga is a sheltered cove that is home to the remnants of the ill-fated 1888 Star of Greece Shipwreck and famous jetty pylons of the first ship port in the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula. Calm waters and brilliant views can be experienced by stand-up paddle board (SUP) for a unique and active outdoor experience. This experience can be paired with a varietal tasting on the sand, or beach BBQ for a more casual R & R time. 2-12 1.5+ hours Moderate dependent on time available and proximity Can be included Beach towel souvenir!
BEACH EXPERIENCE 2 BOWLS AND BURGERS Time on the beach is the perfect activity to combine both wine tasting, relaxed and effortless dining as well as a friendly game of beach bowls. Roll up your pants, dip your feet in the water, and enjoy some fun and games before grabbing a burger, a bottle of locally brewed beer or a glass of our region s best beach-suited wines. 5-15 1.5+ hours Light Visitors vs. Winemakers in a battle of beach bowls!
MARKETS Home to one of the oldest Farmer s Markets in Australia, McLaren Vale has become synonymous with fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious gourmet delicacies and unique handmade crafts! With farmer s markets, artisan markets and country craft markets - there s a hive of community activity in our region year-round.
MARKETS EXPERIENCE 1 available on Saturday only TO MARKET TO MARKET Join Willunga Farmer s Market Chair and regional identity, Pip Forrester for a tour of the stall holders on a crisp, Saturday morning. Taste the freshest produce and meet some of our friendly locals. Fill up a basket with ingredients and head back to the kitchen to whip up a tasty meal under the careful eye of Pip! 2-12 2+ hours Light dependent on time available and proximity Farm to plate in under a day!
TRAILS Over the hill and not far away lies cavernous, heavily vegetated valleys with bubbling brooks, humming waterways and an abundance of free-roaming wildlife. Following the path less travelled, or those that we keep secret are hidden natural wonders we would like you to experience as the ultimate introduction to our ecologically diverse wine region.
TRAILS EXPERIENCE 1 AIN T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH Climb aboard a 4WD or don some sturdy walking shoes to experience a wine tasting and breakfast or lunch picnic hamper on the banks of the Onkaparinga Gorge. Enjoy your gourmet fare under the shade of 100-year-old gum trees and a backing soundtrack provided by the surrounding creek line and its amphibian inhabitants. 2-12 2+ hours Moderate / High can be tailored to suit group dependent on time available and proximity Quintessential Australian scenery in the backyard of our wine region
TRAILS EXPERIENCE 2 SUNRISE, SUNSET Take to the sky by helicopter or travel on foot. The best place to watch the sun rise or set over the ocean is up high! Accompanied by a gourmet breakfast hamper or cheese platter with a chilled bottle of sparkling, toast to the dawn or dusk with the best views in the region. 1-12 2+ hours Moderate / High can be tailored to suit group dependent on time available and proximity A view to remember!
ART With a wine region boasting so many natural attractions and alluring sights, it only makes sense that creatives find their muse in McLaren Vale. Many of our region s cellar doors host art exhibitions by locals showcasing their creative talents. Whether it s outdoor sculptures, water colours and resin, paint or clay there s an artistic collection awaiting contemplation and appreciation.
ART EXPERIENCE 1 YOU BE THE JUDGE Pair your wine tasting with the artistic surrounds of one of our region s eclectic galleries. Art critic and wine critic, this experience is a feast for all the senses! Feeling creative? Try your hand at painting your own masterpiece! 2-12 1.5+ hours Light dependent on time available and proximity Wine and art - perfect partners